Eid al-Fitr is a blessed day gifted by Allah after the completion of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم encouraged Muslims to celebrate it with joy, gratitude, and certain beautiful sunnahs that add meaning and spirituality to this occasion.
Below are the most well-established Sunnahs associated with Eid al-Fitr:
1. Eating Before Eid Prayer
It is Sunnah to eat on the morning of Eid al-Fitr before going to the prayer, typically dates in odd numbers.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم:
«كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لا يخرجُ يومَ الفطرِ حتى يَطْعمَ»
“The Prophet would not go out for Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari)
2. Taking a Different Route to and from the Prayer
Ibn Umar narrated:
«أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يخرجُ إلى العيدينِ من طريقٍ ويرجعُ من طريقٍ أخرى»
“The Messenger of Allah would go to the Eid prayer by one route and return by another.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari)
This symbolizes spreading greetings, joy, and blessings among the community.
3. Performing Ghusl and Wearing Good Clothing
The Companions used to bathe, wear clean and beautiful clothes, and apply a pleasant scent before the Eid prayer.
Ibn Umar رضي الله عنه would bathe before attending the Eid prayer.
This reflects the dignity and celebration of this blessed day.
4. Going to the Prayer Walking, Calmly and Peacefully
Ibn Umar said:
«كان رسولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يخرجُ إلى العيدِ ماشيًا ويرجعُ ماشيًا»
“The Prophet would walk to the Eid prayer and return walking.”
(Reported by Ibn Majah)
5. Reciting the Eid Takbeer Openly
Muslims are encouraged to recite the Takbeer aloud from leaving their homes until the prayer begins:
«الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله، الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد»
This transforms the streets into a remembrance-filled celebration.
6. Eid Prayer Is Offered in an Open Musalla (If Possible)
Abu Saeed al-Khudri said:
«كان رسولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يخرجُ يَومَ الفِطْرِ والأضْحَى إلى المُصَلَّى»
“The Prophet would go out to the open prayer-ground for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”
(Reported by Al-Bukhari)
7. Greeting One Another With Duas
The Companions used to say to one another:
تَقَبَّلَ اللهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ
“May Allah accept from us and from you.”
This reminds us that Eid is not just a celebration, but a prayer for acceptance.
8. Bringing Women and Children to the Eid Gathering
Even those not praying (such as women in menstruation) were encouraged to attend to witness the joy of Muslims and community unity.
(Reported by Muslim)
The Eid Spirit of the Early Muslims
Eid was a time of self-reflection, gratitude, and renewed faith.
Al-Hasan al-Basri said:
“Every day in which Allah is not disobeyed is a day of Eid.”
Meaning: Real joy is in obedience and closeness to Allah.
Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Mercy and Unity
Eid is not merely a cultural festival. It is a moment to:
- Celebrate completing Ramadan
- Feel gratitude for guidance and forgiveness
- Strengthen family and community bonds
- Share joy with those in need
It is a day of light hearts, smiling faces, and open hands.
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