Sunnah Acts on Eid Al-fitr

On the morning of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are encouraged to perform a set of specific Sunnah acts that revive the spirit of the day and follow the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These practices include waking early, performing Ghusl, wearing one’s best clothes, eating dates before the prayer, reciting the Takbir, going to the prayer ground by one route and returning by another, and exchanging greetings of “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum.” Each of these acts is rooted in the Sunnah and enhances the joy and worship of Eid.

The Virtue of Following the Sunnah on Eid

Allah commands believers to follow the Prophet’s example, and this includes the special days of celebration. The Sunnah is an essential part of the religion, as Allah says in the Qur’an: “Verily, in this (the Qur’ân) there is a plain Message for people who worship Allâh (i.e. the true, real believers of Islâmic Monotheism who act practically on the Qur’ân and the Sunnah - legal ways of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم).” The Prophet ﷺ established specific acts for ‘Eid that are not merely cultural but are acts of worship that bring reward and closeness to Allah.

Ghusl and Wearing One’s Best Clothes

One of the confirmed Sunnah acts before heading to the ‘Eid prayer is to perform Ghusl (ritual bath). It is reported from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar that he used to do Ghusl on the day of Fitr before going out to the prayer place. This act is recommended for both men and women, though it is especially emphasized for men attending the congregation. Additionally, wearing one’s best clothes—whether new or clean and presentable—is part of the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ had a specific cloak that he would wear for the two ‘Eids and for Jumu‘ah. This reflects the inner joy and gratitude for completing Ramadan.

Eating Before the Prayer

On Eid al-Fitr, it is a Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates before going out to the prayer. Anas ibn Malik narrated: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would not go out on the day of Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and he would eat an odd number.” This practice distinguishes the day from Eid al-Adha, when one eats after the prayer. It also fulfills the command to break the fast and symbolizes gratitude for the completion of Ramadan.

Reciting the Takbir on the Way to the Prayer

The Prophet ﷺ used to recite the Takbir loudly while walking to the prayer ground on the day of Fitr. The Takbir begins from the night of Eid and continues until the prayer begins. The common form is: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd.” This public declaration of Allah’s greatness is a joyful and powerful reminder of the blessed day.

Walking to the Prayer and Taking a Different Route

It is a Sunnah for men to walk to the ‘Eid prayer if they are able. The Prophet ﷺ would go out walking and return walking. Furthermore, he would take one route to the prayer ground and another route when returning home. This practice has multiple wisdoms: it allows one to greet and be greeted by more people, it spreads the Takbir, and it serves as a testimony to the earth on the Day of Judgment.

The ‘Eid Prayer and Its Sunnah Aspects

The ‘Eid prayer is itself a confirmed Sunnah (in the Hanafi and Maliki schools it is wajib, while in the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools it is fard kifayah). The prayer consists of two rak‘ahs without the usual adhan or iqamah. It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ prayed the Eid al-Fitr prayer with seven takbirs in the first rak‘ah and five takbirs in the second rak‘ah (excluding the standing takbir). After the prayer, the Prophet ﷺ would deliver a sermon (khutbah) to the people.

Exchange of Gifts and Greetings

It is a beautiful Sunnah to exchange gifts and kind words on Eid. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Exchange gifts, for that will increase your love for one another.” Though this hadith is general, applying it on the day of Eid enhances the spirit of brotherhood. The companions used to say to one another on Eid: “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you). This greeting embodies the core of the occasion: seeking Allah’s acceptance of our worship and supplicating for all believers.

Additional Sunnah Acts

There are other praiseworthy acts that complement the Eid celebration. Giving charity (sadaqah) before the prayer is obligatory as Zakat al-Fitr, but additional charity on the day of Eid is also highly recommended. Women who wish to attend the prayer should do so without wearing perfume or displaying adornment, as the Prophet ﷺ commanded even menstruating women to come to the ‘Eid prayer to witness the good and the supplication of the Muslims. However, they should not pray (if menstruating) but rather sit separately and participate in the Takbir and supplication. The Prophet ﷺ also said, “When the day of Fitr comes, the angels stand at the entrances of the roads and call out: ‘Go to a Lord Who is Generous, Who gives great rewards and forgives great sins.’” This narration, though not of the highest authenticity, is often cited to encourage attendance and celebration.

Summary of Key Sunnah Acts on Eid al-Fitr

| Sunnah Act | Evidence | |------------|----------| | Ghusl before prayer | Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1025 | | Wearing best clothes | Sunan al-Nasa'i 1374 | | Eating an odd number of dates before prayer | Sahih al-Bukhari 953 | | Reciting Takbir on the way | Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1026, Sunan al-Daraqutni 1786 | | Walking to the prayer (if able) | Sunan al-Tirmidhi 530 | | Taking a different route home | Sahih al-Bukhari 986 | | Praying 2 rak‘ahs with extra takbirs | Sunan al-Tirmidhi 536 | | Listening to the khutbah | Sahih al-Bukhari 962 | | Exchanging greetings: “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” | Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1010 | | Exchanging gifts | Sahih al-Bukhari 594 | | Women attending the prayer (without adornment) | Sahih al-Bukhari 981 |

Sources

• Quran 21:106 — https://quran.com/21/106
• Sahih al-Bukhari 953 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/15/953
• Sahih al-Bukhari 962 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/15/962
• Sahih al-Bukhari 986 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/15/986
• Sahih al-Bukhari 981 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/15/981
• Sahih al-Bukhari 594 — https://sunnah.com/bukhari/54/594
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 530 — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/9/530
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 536 — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/9/536
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1025 — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/11/1025
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1026 — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/11/1026
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1010 — https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/11/1010
• Sunan al-Nasa'i 1374 — https://sunnah.com/nasai/14/1374
• Sunan al-Daraqutni 1786 — https://sunnah.com/daraqutni/9/1786
• Sunan al-Tabarani 4774 — https://sunnah.com/tabarani/19/4774