Sunnah acts and etiquettes for Eid

Sunnah acts and etiquettes for Eid

1- Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer 

It was narrated in a sahih hadith in al-Muwatta and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. (Al-Muwatta 428) 

The reason why it is recommended is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger. 

2- Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha

Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadith narrated by al-Bukhari from Anas ibn Malik, who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. (Al-Bukhari, 953)

It is recommended to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended

3- Takbir on the day of Eid 
This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of ‘Eid because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [al-Baqarah 2:185] 

Al-Walid ibn Muslim said: “I asked al-Awza’i and Malik ibn Anas about saying Takbir out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).” 

Time for takbir on Eid al-Fitr
The time for takbir on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer . 

4- Offering congratulations 
The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people , no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allah minna wa minkum (May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations. 

Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the Companions, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on. 

Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims. 

5- Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid
‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 948) 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk. 

6- Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another. 

Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to vary his route.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 986) 

It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.