The first day of the lunar month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, is known as `Eid Al-Fitr. This `eid (Islamic public celebration) is known in some places by the Turkish name Bairam. It is sometimes called the Lesser `Eid or Lesser Bairam because it lasts only one day, whereas `Eid Al-Adha, during the Hajj season, lasts for three days.
`Eid Al-Fitr is a happy occasion for Muslims. They come to the `Eid Prayers with a sense of accomplishment for having fasted the month of Ramadan and for coming closer to Allah. It is a time for sharing zakat al-fitr with the poorest of the poor. (Zakat al-fitr must be paid before the `Eid Prayers.) It is a time for Muslim families and friends to worship and celebrate together.
There are two Islamic public celebrations each year. These are `Eid Al-Fitr (also known as the Lesser Bairam, a name from Turkish) at the end of Ramadan and `Eid Al-Adha (also known as the Greater Bairam) during the Hajj season. These celebrations begin with special congregational Prayers ( salah) followed by a sermon called a khutbah. The Prayers are held between sunrise and noon, usually early in the morning.
It is a highly recommended sunnah to attend these Prayers. It is also sunnah to hold them outside of the mosque, such as in a park, if possible. It is sunnah to make ghusl (cleansing of the body) before attending, and to wear one’s best clean clothes, even new clothes if possible. Men (but not women) should also apply perfume before the Prayers.
Women who are unable to perform salah (ritual Prayer) should attend the `Eid Prayer and sit in the back behind those who are praying so that they can enjoy the festivities of the day.
Before the Prayer
Why do Muslims pray during `Eid? To find out, read Establishing Prayer Even in `Eid.
People usually gather for this Prayer early and sit beforehand reciting aloud the Takbir, which is a sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar.
Laa ilaha illa-llaah.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahi-l-hamd.
(Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest,
Allah is Greatest.
There is no god but Allah.
Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, and to Allah is all praise.)
In some communities other words are recited as well, but the above words are the sunnah. In non-Arab countries, the words of the Takbir are often printed and distributed to the people just before the Prayer.
It is also a sunnah to say the Takbir aloud together after each Prayer on the days of `Eid.
How the Prayer is performed
There is no Adhan or Iqamah (the second call to Prayer) for the `Eid Prayer.
The Prayer itself consists of two rak`ahs, which the imam says aloud. Before the first rak`ah the imam raises his hands to his ears and says “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is Greatest) seven times. The congregants should raise their hands to their ears and repeat after him. Before the second rak`ah the imam says “Allahu Akbar” in the same way but only five times.
After the Prayer the congregants should sit and listen to the sermon. When it finishes, they should exchange greetings and wish each other a happy `Eid. There is usually some sort of celebration after the Prayers—such as sweets shared or games for the children—according to local custom.
`Eid Al-Fitr should be a happy time for all Muslims. In Muslim countries there are often special foods or customs associated with `Eid. Many converts adapt their old customs (such as holiday cookies and gifts for children) to `Eid, and there is nothing wrong with this as long as it is done in moderation and the focus remains on the spiritual meaning of `Eid.
