As Ramadan comes to a close, Sheikh Hussain Yee provides a comprehensive guide on how Muslims should properly celebrate Eid al-Fitr according to the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. From the morning preparations to the prayer itself, every step is rooted in gratitude to Allah for the blessing of completing this sacred month of fasting.
How to Prepare for Eid Morning
The celebration begins with glorifying Allah through takbir: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd.” This declaration that Allah is the Greatest and that none is worthy of worship except Him alone sets the spiritual tone for the entire day. After Fajr prayer, it is highly recommended to take a full bath (ghusl), dress in your best clothes, apply fragrance, and have a light breakfast before heading to the prayer.
“Allah says: After you have finished the calculation of the days of Ramadan, 29 or 30 days, you are to glorify Allah for having guided you, so that you may be grateful.” — Sheikh Hussain Yee explaining the Quranic basis for Eid celebrations
The Eid Prayer and Its Etiquettes
- The best place to perform Eid prayer is in an open space, following the Sunnah of the Prophet
- The prayer consists of only two rakahs with seven takbirs in the first and five in the second
- Women are encouraged to attend and listen to the khutbah even if they cannot perform the prayer
- Take a different route home from the one you used to arrive, if possible
- Maintain Islamic etiquette during family gatherings by avoiding physical contact with non-mahram relatives
Carrying Ramadan Forward
“Our Eid is not the same as other people’s celebrations. We celebrate by declaring that none is worthy of worship except Allah alone, meaning our Iman must be true, sincere, and following the right teaching of Prophet Muhammad, not mixed with culture or shirk.” — Sheikh Hussain Yee
Eid al-Fitr is not merely a holiday but a renewal of faith and commitment to Allah. As we celebrate, let us carry the discipline, God-consciousness, and spiritual growth of Ramadan into the rest of the year. May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and our good deeds, and may He grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadans to come.
