Eid Al-fitr Sunnah Acts

What are the Sunnah acts to perform on the day of Eid al-Fitr? Following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ perfects one’s worship and increases the reward of this blessed day. The Sunnah acts of Eid al-Fitr include waking early, making Ghusl, wearing one’s best clothes, eating an odd number of dates before the prayer, reciting the Takbir, walking to the prayer ground, taking a different route home, and exchanging greetings of “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum.”

The Meaning of Sunnah and Its Importance in Eid

The word “Sunnah” (سُنَّة) linguistically means a path, way, or practice. In Islamic terminology, it refers to the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Allah ﷻ commands us to follow the Sunnah and warns against deviating from it:

“Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): “I warn you only by the revelation (from Allâh and not by the opinion of the religious scholars and others). But the deaf (who follow the religious scholars and others blindly) will not hear the call…””

Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion that follows the completion of Ramadan. While the obligatory acts of Eid are limited to the prayer and the Zakat al-Fitr, the Sunnah acts elevate the celebration and bring one closer to the Prophet’s ﷺ example. Neglecting them diminishes the blessing of this day, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Recommended Acts Before the Eid Prayer

1. Waking Early and Preparing Oneself

It is Sunnah to wake up early on the morning of Eid. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ would rush to prepare for the prayer. This includes performing Ghusl (full body wash) before leaving for the prayer. The Prophet ﷺ would take a bath on the day of Eid al-Fitr. (Sunan Ibn Majah)

2. Wearing One’s Best Clothes

It is recommended to wear one’s finest clothing, though not necessarily new. The Prophet ﷺ had a special cloak (Burd) that he wore on the two Eids and Fridays. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Men should avoid extravagant silk and tight clothing that contradicts the Sunnah of modesty. Women may wear beautiful, modest attire that does not attract undue attention.

3. Eating an Odd Number of Dates Before the Prayer

A distinct Sunnah for Eid al-Fitr is to eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would not set out on the day of Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and he would eat an odd number.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) This practice breaks the fast symbolically, affirming that the month of fasting has ended.

4. Reciting the Takbir

The Takbir of Eid is a collective act of remembrance that fills the air from the sighting of the moon until the prayer. Allah ﷻ says:

“And that you must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar: Allâh is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” (Quran 2:185, indirect reference in the verified list)

The Prophet ﷺ would recite the Takbir loudly on the way to the prayer ground. The companions would raise their voices until the Imam arrived. The common formula is: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.”

Recommended Acts During the Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer itself is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) for men, and women are also encouraged to attend. The Prophet ﷺ commanded that even menstruating women should attend the Eid gathering. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Some key Sunnahs during the prayer include:

• Performing the prayer in an open field (Musalla) rather than the mosque, unless there is an excuse.
• Reciting Surah Al-Ala (87) and Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88) or Surah Qaf (50) and Surah Al-Qamar (54) after the Fatiha.
• Making additional Takbirs: Seven in the first rak’ah (including the opening Takbir) and five in the second rak’ah, raising the hands with each Takbir.
• Listening attentively to the Khutbah, which is delivered after the prayer on Eid.

Acts After the Eid Prayer

1. Taking a Different Route Home

It is Sunnah to return from the Eid prayer ground via a different path than the one taken to go there. Jabir ibn Abdullah reported:

“The Prophet ﷺ, on the day of Eid, would vary his route (going and returning).” (Sahih al-Bukhari) This act has many wisdoms: spreading the greeting of peace on both routes, blessing the people, and making the day more visible to the community.

2. Exchanging Greetings and Congratulations

The companions of the Prophet ﷺ would greet each other on Eid saying: “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you). This is a beautiful Sunnah that expresses mutual joy and supplication for the acceptance of deeds. There is no specific wording in the Sunnah, so any permissible congratulatory phrase is fine.

3. Visiting Family and Strengthening Ties

Eid is a time for silatur rahm (maintaining family ties). The Prophet ﷺ emphasized visiting relatives, exchanging gifts, and showing generosity. He ﷺ said: “The one who severs ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) Visiting family after the prayer is a Sunnah practice.

4. Giving Gifts and Charity

While Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory before the prayer, giving additional charity on Eid is highly recommended. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Give gifts, for gifts remove hatred from the hearts.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi) Many companions would exchange gifts on Eid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some people mistakenly treat Eid as a day of frivolity, neglecting the remembrance of Allah. Others celebrate with music, dancing, or free mixing of genders, which are not from the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ permitted some forms of harmless entertainment, such as the Abyssinians playing spears in the mosque (Sahih al-Bukhari), but warned against extremism. Avoid the following:

• Not attending the Eid prayer without a valid excuse.
• Neglecting the Takbir, especially when leaving the house for the prayer.
• Spending the entire day in sleep, missing the opportunity for dhikr and family connection.
• Failing to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer, which turns it into regular charity.
• Engaging in heedless entertainment that distracts from the remembrance of Allah.

The Inner Spirit of Following the Sunnah on Eid

Eid is a celebration of gratitude for the completion of Ramadan. Following the Sunnah transforms it from a merely cultural festival into a profound act of worship. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever revives my Sunnah has loved me, and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Thus, every Sunnah act on Eid—from eating the odd number of dates to taking a different route home—is a step towards the Prophet’s ﷺ companionship in the Hereafter. Let us strive to follow his ﷺ example with love, awareness, and sincerity.

Sources

• Quran 21:45 — https://quran.com/21/45
• Quran 21:106 — https://quran.com/21/106
• Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eid Prayer — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/15
• Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Ghusl — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/6
• Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Food (eating dates before Eid) — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/71
• Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Eid — https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah/6
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Righteousness and Maintaining Ties — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/27