Eid is an most important religious festival and there are some important things which should be kept in mind while celebrating this festival.
One should not disobey Allah swt and His Rasool SAW on Eid:
Many people disobey Allah and His Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam while celebrating Eid by wearing clothes which are prohibited in Islam and playing musical instruments which are prohibited in Islam .Following hadith make this point clear:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:
Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the 'Id and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." After a long period Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) sent to Umar a cloak of silk brocade. Umar came to Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) with the cloak and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You said that this dress was for those who had no share (in the Hereafter); yet you have sent me this cloak." Allah's Apostle said to him, "Sell it and fulfill your needs by it."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 69)
One cannot fast on Eid days:
Eid is the celebration of the Muslims and no one should fast on the Eid day.This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
that he was asked about a man who had vowed that he would fast all the days of his life then the day of 'Id al Adha or 'Id-al-Fitr came. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said: You have indeed a good example in Allah's Apostle. He did not fast on the day of 'Id al Adha or the day of 'Id-al-Fitr, and we do not intend fasting on these two days. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 78 , Hadith 696)
2. Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:
(the slave of Ibn Azhar) I witnessed the 'Id with 'Umar bin Al-Kattab who said, Allah's Apostle has forbidden people to fast on the day on which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan) and the day on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices (the first day of 'Id ul Fitr and 'Id ul-Adha). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 3 , Volume 31 , Hadith 211)
On another instance this hadith has been narrated in detail as follows:
Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:
the freed slave of Ibn Azhar that he witnessed the Day of 'Id-al-Adha with 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar offered the 'Id prayer before the sermon and then delivered the sermon before the people, saying, "O people! Allah's Apostle has forbidden you to fast (on the first day of) each of these two 'Ida, for one of them is the Day of breaking your fast, and the other is the one, on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 7 , Volume 68 , Hadith 478)
3. Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade to observe fast on these two days. 'Id-ul-Adha and 'Id-ul-Fitr. (Muslim : Book 6 , Hadith 2534)
4. Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Abu Ubayd, the mawla of Ibn Azhar said, "I was present at an id with Umar ibn al-Khattab. He prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba to the people and said, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade fasting on these two days - the day you break your fast (after Ramadan), and the day you eat from your sacrifice (after Hajj) .' "(Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.2.5)
5. Narrated Anas bin Malik
In the life-time of the Prophet, Abu Talha did not fast because of the Jihad, but after the Prophet died I never saw him without fasting except on 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 52 , Hadith 81)
Same thing should be kept in mind when Rabi ul awwal comes and many people celebrate birthday of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam as Eid.It is saying of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that he was born on Monday and he fasts on Mondays so the day on which prophet was born is the day of fasting and it is not the day of Eid.
One should eat dates or sweet thing before Eid:
One should eat dates before going to Eid prayers. If dates are not available he should eat any sweet thing to follow the sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
Narrated Anas bin Malik,:
Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates. Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 73)
One should pay sadqah of Fitar before Eid prayers:
One should pay sadqah of fitar before eid prayers and this Sadqah of Fitar eliminates the sins of Ramadan if this is paid after Eid it is just like normal Sadaqah .This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) prescribed the sadaqah (alms) relating to the breaking of the fast as a purification of the fasting from empty and obscene talk and as food for the poor. If anyone pays it before the prayer (of 'Id), it will be accepted as zakat. If anyone pays it after the prayer, that will be a sadaqah like other sadaqahs (alms). (Dawud : Book 9 ,Hadith 1605)
2.Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before going to the 'Id prayer.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 25 ,Hadith 585)
Amount of Sadqah of Fitar:
The amount of Sadqah of Fitar has been mentioned in hadiths .It is equal to the four hand full of the grainwhich is approximately equal to 2.7 kg of the crop or grain being used by a person.This has been mentioned in the follow hadiths
1.Narrated Ibn Umar:
Allah's Apostle enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the 'Id prayers (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 25 ,Hadith 579)
2.Narrated Nafi':
Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave, the payment of one Sa' of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or said Sadaqa-Ramadan)." The people then substituted half Sa' of wheat for that. Ibn 'Umar used to give dates (as Sadaqat-ulFitr). Once there was scarcity of dates in Medina and Ibn 'Umar gave barley. 'And Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for every young and old person. He even used to give on behalf of my children. Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to those who had been officially appointed for its collection. People used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (even) a day or two before the 'Id.
These two hadiths make it clear that there were two different types of Saa .One Saa of date was equal to Half Saa of wheat .Both were equal to two mudds and one mudd is equal to two handfulls of grain
One should choose different ways while going and returning from Eid prayers:
A person should choose different ways while going and returning from Eid prayers.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
On the Day of 'Id the Prophet used to return (after offering the 'Id prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 102)
Salah of Eid should be offered as soon as possible after sunrise
Salah of Eid should be offered as soon as possible after sunrise and it should not be delayed without any reason.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Busr:
Yazid ibn Khumayr ar-Rahbi said: Abdullah ibn Busr, the Companion of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) came out along with the people on the day of the breaking of the fast or on the day of sacrifice (to offer the prayer). He disliked the delay of the imam, and said: We would finish (our 'Id prayer) at this moment, that is, at the time of forenoon.( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1131)
Salah of Eid is two rakas which should not be led and followed by any additional prayer:
Salah of Eid is two rakaas which should not be led and followed by any additional prayer.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet went out and offered a two Rakat prayer on the Day of 'Id ul Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal was accompanying him. Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 104)
There is no adhan for Eid and funeral prayers:
Unlike other prayers there is no adhan for Eid and funeral prayers.This has been highlighted in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Ibn Juraij:
'Ata' said, "Jabir bin 'Abdullah said, 'The Prophet went out on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr and offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba, Ata told me that during the early days of IbnAz-Zubair, Ibn Abbas had sent a message to him telling him that the Adhan for the 'Id Prayer was never pronounced (in the life time of Allah's Apostle) and the Khutba used to be delivered after the prayer. Ata told me that Ibn Abbas and Jabir bin 'Abdullah, had said, there was no Adhan for the prayer of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Aqha." 'At a' said, "I heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, 'The Prophet stood up and started with the prayer, and after it he delivered the Khutba. When the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h) finished (the Khutba), he went to the women and preached to them, while he was leaning on Bilal's hand. Bilal was spreading his garment and the ladies were putting alms in it.' " I said to Ata, "Do you think it incumbent upon an Imam to go to the women and preach to them after finishing the prayer and Khutba?" 'Ata' said, "No doubt it is incumbent on Imams to do so, and why should they not do so?" (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 78)
2.Ibn 'Abbas and Jaibir b. 'Abdullah al-Ansari reported: There was no Adhan on the (occasion) of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha. I (Ibn Juraij) said: I asked him after some time about it. He ('Ata', one of the narrators) said: Jabir b. 'Abdullah al-Ansari told me: There is neither any Adhan on Id-ul-Fitr when the Imam comes out, nor even after his coming out; their is neither lqama nor call nor anything of the sort of calling on that day and nor Iqama. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1927)
3. Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard more than one of their men of knowledge say, "There has been no call to prayer or iqama for the id al-Fitr or the id al-Adha since the time of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace."
Malik said, "That is the sunna about which there is no disagreement among us."( Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.1.1)
Imam should pray behind sutrah:
It was practice of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to use some thing as sutrah when he was praying Eid.This has been narrated by Abdullah bin umer in three different hadiths having slight difference of words but convey the same meaning:
1.Narrated Ibn Umar:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla and an 'Anaza used to be carried before him and planted in the Musalla in front of him and he would pray facing it (as a Sutra).(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 90)
2.Narrated Ibn Umar:
On the day of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha a spear used to be planted in front of the Prophet I (as a Sutra for the prayer) and then he would pray. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 89)
3.Ibn Umar reported:
When the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) went out on the 'Id day, he ordered to carry a spear-and it was fixed in front of him, and he said prayer towards its (direction), and the people were behind him. And he did it in the journey, and that is the reason why the Amirs carried it. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1010)
Salah of Eid has twelve additional takbeers:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to offer Salah of Eid with twelve additional takbeers and all muslims should try to offer salah of Eid as prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to offer it.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) would say the takbir (Allah is most great) seven times in the first rak'ah and five times in the second rak'ah on the day of the breaking of the fast and on the day of sacrifice (on the occasion of both the 'Id prayers, the two festivals).( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1145)
The recitation of Surah Al Aaala and Surah al Ghashia on Eid and Jummah is sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
The recitation of Surah Al Aaala and Surah al Ghashia on Eid and Jummah is sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam .This fact has been narrated in the following hadith:
Nu'man b. Bashir reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to recite on two 'Ids and in Friday prayer:" Glorify The name of Thy Lord, the Most High" (Surah lxxxvii.), and:" Has there come to thee the news of the overwhelming event" (lxxxviii.). And when the 'Id and Jumu'a combined on a day he recited these two (surah) in both the prayers.(Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1907)
Imam should first lead prayers and than deliver Khutbah:
Imam should lead prayers and than deliver khutbah of Eid. This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Apostle offered the prayer on the day of Nahr and then delivered the Khutbah( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 100)
2.Narrated Al-Bara' bin 'Azib:
On the day of Nahr Allah's Apostle delivered the Khutba after the 'Id prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 99)
3.Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I (in my boyhood) went out with the Prophet on the day of 'Id ul Fitr or Id-ul-Adha. The Prophet prayed and then delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women, preached and advised them and ordered them to give alms.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 92)
4.Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
5. Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:
Allah's Apostle used to offer the prayer of 'Id-ul-Adha and 'Id-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 77)
6. Narrated Ibn Umar:
Allah's Apostle, Abu Bakr and Umar! used to offer the two 'Id prayers before delivering the Khutba. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 80)
7. Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I offered the 'Id prayer with Allah's Apostle, Abu Bakr, Umar and 'Uthman and all of them offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 79)
Same hadith has been reported with slight difference of words as follows:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I witnessed the 'Id-al-Fitr prayer with Allah's Apostle , Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman; and all of them offered it before delivering the sermon and then delivered the sermon(Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 418)
8. Abu 'Ubaid, the freed slave of Ibn Azhar, reported that he said 'Id (prayer) with Umar b. al-Khattab, and then said the 'Id (prayer) with 'Ali b. Abu Talib. He (the narrator further) reported: He led us in prayer before delivering the sermon.(Muslim : Book 22 , Hadith 4851)
9.Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Abu Ubayd, the mawla of Ibn Azhar said, "I was present at an id with Umar ibn al-Khattab. He prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba to the people and said, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade fasting on these two days - the day you break your fast (after Ramadan), and the day you eat from your sacrifice (after Hajj) .' "
Abu Ubaydcontinued,"Then I was present at an id with Uthman ibn Affan. He came and prayed, and when he had finished he gave a khutba and said, 'Two ids have been joined together for you on this day of yours. If any of the people of al-Aliyya (the hills outlying Madina) want to wait for the jumua they can do so, and if any of them want to return, I have given them permission.' Abu Ubayd continued, "Then I was present at an id with AIi ibn Abi Talib (at the time when Uthman was being detained). He came and prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba." (Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.2.5)
Marwan was the first person to change the tradition of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to offer prayers before Khutbah:
All the above mentioned hadiths make it clear that it was sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to deliver khutbah after prayers and Marwan was the first person to change this tradition of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla on the days of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba). And after that if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give and order, he would do so, and then depart. The people followed this tradition till I went out with Marwan, the Governor of Medina, for the prayer of Id-ul-Adha or Id-ul-Fitr.
When we reached the Musalla, there was a pulpit made by Kathir bin As-Salt. Marwan wanted to get up on that pulpit before the prayer. I got hold of his clothes but he pulled them and ascended the pulpit and delivered the Khutba before the prayer. I said to him, "By Allah, you have changed (the Prophet's tradition)." He replied, "O Abu Sa'id! Gone is that which you know." I said, "By Allah! What I know is better than what I do not know." Marwan said, "People do not sit to listen to our Khutba after the prayer, so I delivered the Khutba before the prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 76)
Khutbah of Eid should be delivered without pulpit :
Khutbah of Jummah is delivered on pulpit but khutbah of Eid is delivered without pulpit.This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla on the days of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba). And after that if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give and order, he would do so, and then depart. The people followed this tradition till I went out with Marwan, the Governor of Medina, for the prayer of Id-ul-Adha or Id-ul-Fitr.
When we reached the Musalla, there was a pulpit made by Kathir bin As-Salt. Marwan wanted to get up on that pulpit before the prayer. I got hold of his clothes but he pulled them and ascended the pulpit and delivered the Khutba before the prayer. I said to him, "By Allah, you have changed (the Prophet's tradition)." He replied, "O Abu Sa'id! Gone is that which you know." I said, "By Allah! What I know is better than what I do not know." Marwan said, "People do not sit to listen to our Khutba after the prayer, so I delivered the Khutba before the prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 76)
If Eid comes on Friday one khutbah is enough:
If Eid comes on Friday one khutbah is enough.One can leave Friday sermon on that day .This has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Two festivals ('Id and Friday) have synchronised on this day. If anyone does not want to offer the Friday prayer, the 'Id prayer is sufficient for him. But we shall offer the Friday prayer. (Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1068)
In case of Rain fall Eid can be offered in Masjid:
In case of Rainfall Eid can be offered in masjid.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The rain fell on the day of 'Id (festival) , so the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) led them (the people) in the 'Id prayer in the mosque.( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1156)
Women should also join Eid prayers :
Women are also commanded to join Eid prayers.There should be however separate arrangement to maintain their Hijab and veil.This is proved from following hadiths:
1.Narrated Um-'Atiya:
We were ordered to go out (for 'Id) and also to take along with us the menstruating women, mature girls and virgins staying in seclusion. (Ibn 'Aun said, "Or mature virgins staying in seclusion)." The menstruating women could present themselves at the religious gathering and invocation of Muslims but should keep away from their Musalla. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 97)
2.Narrated Aiyub:
Hafsa bint Sirin said, "On Id we used to forbid our girls to go out for 'Id prayer. A lady came and stayed at the palace of Bani Khalaf and I went to her. She said, 'The husband of my sister took part in twelve holy battles along with the Prophet and my sister was with her husband in six of them. My sister said that they used to nurse the sick and treat the wounded. Once she asked, 'O Allah's Apostle! If a woman has no veil, is there any harm if she does not come out (on 'Id day)?' The Prophet said, 'Her companion should let her share her veil with her, and the women should participate in the good deeds and in the religious gatherings of the believers.' " Hafsa added, "When Um-'Atiya came, I went to her and asked her, 'Did you hear anything about so-and-so?' Um-'Atlya said, 'Yes, let my father be sacrificed for the Prophet (p.b.u.h). (And whenever she mentioned the name of the Prophet she always used to say, 'Let my father be' sacrificed for him). He said, 'Virgin mature girls staying often screened (or said, 'Mature girls and virgins staying often screened--Aiyub is not sure as which was right) and menstruating women should come out (on the 'Id day). But the menstruating women should keep away from the Musalla. And all the women should participate in the good deeds and in the religious gatherings of the believers'." Hafsa said, "On that I said to Um-'Atiya, 'Also those who are menstruating?' " Um-'Atiya replied, "Yes. Do they not present themselves at 'Arafat and elsewhere?". (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 96)
3.Narrated Ibn Juraij:
'Ata' told me that he had heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, "The Prophet stood up to offer the prayer of the 'Id ul Fitr. He first offered the prayer and then delivered the Khutba. After finishing it he got down (from the pulpit) and went towards the women and advised them while he was leaning on Bilal's hand. Bilal was spreading out his garment where the women were putting their alms." I asked 'Ata' whether it was the Zakat of 'Id ul Fitr. He said, "No, it was just alms given at that time. Some lady put her finger ring and the others would do the same." I said, (to 'Ata'), "Do you think that it is incumbent upon the Imam to give advice to the women (on 'Id day)?" He said, "No doubt, it is incumbent upon the Imams to do so and why should they not do so?" Al-Hasan bin Muslim told me that Ibn Abbas had said, "I join the Prophet, Abu Bakr, Umar and 'Uthman in the 'Id ul Fitr prayers. They used to offer the prayer before the Khutba and then they used to deliver the Khutba afterwards. Once the Prophet I came out (for the 'Id prayer) as if I were just observing him waving to the people to sit down. He, then accompanied by Bilal, came crossing the rows till he reached the women. He recited the following verse: 'O Prophet! When the believing women come to you to take the oath of fealty to you (to the end of the verse) (60.12).' After finishing the recitation he said, "O ladies! Are you fulfilling your covenant?" None except one woman said, "Yes." Hasan did not know who was that woman. The Prophet said, "Then give alms." Bilal spread his garment and said, "Keep on giving alms. Let my father and mother sacrifice their lives for you (ladies)." So the ladies kept on putting their Fatkhs (big rings) and other kinds of rings in Bilal's garment." Abdur-Razaq said, " 'Fatkhs' is a big ring which used to be worn in the (Pre-lslamic) period of ignorance.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 ,Hadith 95)
4.Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
Women should however pray behind men and also raise takbeers like men .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Um 'Atiya:
We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of 'Id and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say Takbir along with them and invoke Allah along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 88)
One should spend in the way of Allah swt on the day of Eid:
It is proved from hadiths that Muslims used to spend in the way of Allah swt on the day of Eid.Even the women were trying to spend in the way of Allah swt .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
One should not terrify others on the day of Eid:
It is not allowed for Muslims to terrify Muslims on the day of Eid. They should not carry weapons with them because this day is the day of love and peace .This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Said bin 'Amr bin Said bin Al-'Aas:
Al-Hajjaj went to Ibn Umar while I was present there. Al-Hajjaj asked Ibn Umar, "How are you?" Ibn Umar replied, "I am all right," Al-Hajjaj asked, "Who wounded you?" Ibn Umar replied, "The person who allowed arms to be carried on the day on which it was forbidden to carry them (he meant Al-Hajjaj)"( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 84)
On another instance this hadith has being described in detail:
Narrated Said bin Jubair:
I was with Ibn Umar when a spear head pierced the sole of his foot and his foot stuck to the paddle of the saddle and I got down and pulled his foot out, and that happened in Mina. Al-Hajjaj got the news and came to enquire about his health and said, "Alas! If we could only know the man who wounded you!" Ibn Umar said, "You are the one who wounded me." Al-Hajjaj said, "How is that?" Ibn Umar said, "You have allowed the arms to be carried on a day on which nobody used to carry them and you allowed arms to be carried in the Haram even though it was not allowed before."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 83)
Small girls can sing on Eid without musical instruments :
Small girls can sing on Eid days without playing musical instruments to celebrate Eid festivals.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Aisha:
Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers. Abu Bakr said protestingly, "Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah's Apostle !" It happened on the 'Id day and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Bakr! There is an 'Id for every nation and this is our 'Id."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 72)
There can be entertainment on Eid days to celebrate the festival .This entertainment should not exceed the limits of shariah .
There can be entertainment on Eid days to celebrate the festival .This entertainment should not exceed the limits of shariahThis has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Aisha:
Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Buath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, "Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ?" Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) turned his face towards him and said, "Leave them." When Abu Bakr became inattentive, I signalled to those girls to go out and they left. It was the day of 'Id, and the Black people were playing with shields and spears; so either I requested the Prophet (p.b.u.h) or he asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet (p.b.u.h) made me stand behind him and my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, "Carry on! O Bani Arfida," till I got tired. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) asked me, "Are you satisfied (Is that sufficient for you)?" I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 70)
2. Abu Sa`id Khudri reported: We were going with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). As we reached the place (known as) Arj there met (us) a poet who had been reciting poetry. Thereupon Allah's Messanger (may peace be upon him) said: Catch the satan or detain the satan, for filling the belly of a man with pus is betting than stuffing his brain with poetry. (Muslim : Book 28 : Hadith 5611)
So Celebrate Eid According to Sunnah.
One should not disobey Allah swt and His Rasool SAW on Eid:
Many people disobey Allah and His Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam while celebrating Eid by wearing clothes which are prohibited in Islam and playing musical instruments which are prohibited in Islam .Following hadith make this point clear:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:
Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the 'Id and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." After a long period Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) sent to Umar a cloak of silk brocade. Umar came to Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) with the cloak and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You said that this dress was for those who had no share (in the Hereafter); yet you have sent me this cloak." Allah's Apostle said to him, "Sell it and fulfill your needs by it."( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 69)
One cannot fast on Eid days:
Eid is the celebration of the Muslims and no one should fast on the Eid day.This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
that he was asked about a man who had vowed that he would fast all the days of his life then the day of 'Id al Adha or 'Id-al-Fitr came. 'Abdullah bin 'Umar said: You have indeed a good example in Allah's Apostle. He did not fast on the day of 'Id al Adha or the day of 'Id-al-Fitr, and we do not intend fasting on these two days. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 8 ,Volume 78 , Hadith 696)
2. Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:
(the slave of Ibn Azhar) I witnessed the 'Id with 'Umar bin Al-Kattab who said, Allah's Apostle has forbidden people to fast on the day on which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan) and the day on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices (the first day of 'Id ul Fitr and 'Id ul-Adha). (Sahih Bukhari : Book 3 , Volume 31 , Hadith 211)
On another instance this hadith has been narrated in detail as follows:
Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:
the freed slave of Ibn Azhar that he witnessed the Day of 'Id-al-Adha with 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar offered the 'Id prayer before the sermon and then delivered the sermon before the people, saying, "O people! Allah's Apostle has forbidden you to fast (on the first day of) each of these two 'Ida, for one of them is the Day of breaking your fast, and the other is the one, on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices." (Sahih Bukhari : Book 7 , Volume 68 , Hadith 478)
3. Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade to observe fast on these two days. 'Id-ul-Adha and 'Id-ul-Fitr. (Muslim : Book 6 , Hadith 2534)
4. Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Abu Ubayd, the mawla of Ibn Azhar said, "I was present at an id with Umar ibn al-Khattab. He prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba to the people and said, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade fasting on these two days - the day you break your fast (after Ramadan), and the day you eat from your sacrifice (after Hajj) .' "(Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.2.5)
5. Narrated Anas bin Malik
In the life-time of the Prophet, Abu Talha did not fast because of the Jihad, but after the Prophet died I never saw him without fasting except on 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 4 , Volume 52 , Hadith 81)
Same thing should be kept in mind when Rabi ul awwal comes and many people celebrate birthday of prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam as Eid.It is saying of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam that he was born on Monday and he fasts on Mondays so the day on which prophet was born is the day of fasting and it is not the day of Eid.
One should eat dates or sweet thing before Eid:
One should eat dates before going to Eid prayers. If dates are not available he should eat any sweet thing to follow the sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
Narrated Anas bin Malik,:
Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates. Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 73)
One should pay sadqah of Fitar before Eid prayers:
One should pay sadqah of fitar before eid prayers and this Sadqah of Fitar eliminates the sins of Ramadan if this is paid after Eid it is just like normal Sadaqah .This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) prescribed the sadaqah (alms) relating to the breaking of the fast as a purification of the fasting from empty and obscene talk and as food for the poor. If anyone pays it before the prayer (of 'Id), it will be accepted as zakat. If anyone pays it after the prayer, that will be a sadaqah like other sadaqahs (alms). (Dawud : Book 9 ,Hadith 1605)
2.Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr before going to the 'Id prayer.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 25 ,Hadith 585)
Amount of Sadqah of Fitar:
The amount of Sadqah of Fitar has been mentioned in hadiths .It is equal to the four hand full of the grainwhich is approximately equal to 2.7 kg of the crop or grain being used by a person.This has been mentioned in the follow hadiths
1.Narrated Ibn Umar:
Allah's Apostle enjoined the payment of one Sa' of dates or one Sa' of barley as Zakat-ul-Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the 'Id prayers (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 25 ,Hadith 579)
2.Narrated Nafi':
Ibn 'Umar said, "The Prophet made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave, the payment of one Sa' of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or said Sadaqa-Ramadan)." The people then substituted half Sa' of wheat for that. Ibn 'Umar used to give dates (as Sadaqat-ulFitr). Once there was scarcity of dates in Medina and Ibn 'Umar gave barley. 'And Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for every young and old person. He even used to give on behalf of my children. Ibn 'Umar used to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to those who had been officially appointed for its collection. People used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (even) a day or two before the 'Id.
These two hadiths make it clear that there were two different types of Saa .One Saa of date was equal to Half Saa of wheat .Both were equal to two mudds and one mudd is equal to two handfulls of grain
One should choose different ways while going and returning from Eid prayers:
A person should choose different ways while going and returning from Eid prayers.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
On the Day of 'Id the Prophet used to return (after offering the 'Id prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 102)
Salah of Eid should be offered as soon as possible after sunrise
Salah of Eid should be offered as soon as possible after sunrise and it should not be delayed without any reason.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Abdullah ibn Busr:
Yazid ibn Khumayr ar-Rahbi said: Abdullah ibn Busr, the Companion of the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) came out along with the people on the day of the breaking of the fast or on the day of sacrifice (to offer the prayer). He disliked the delay of the imam, and said: We would finish (our 'Id prayer) at this moment, that is, at the time of forenoon.( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1131)
Salah of Eid is two rakas which should not be led and followed by any additional prayer:
Salah of Eid is two rakaas which should not be led and followed by any additional prayer.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet went out and offered a two Rakat prayer on the Day of 'Id ul Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal was accompanying him. Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 104)
There is no adhan for Eid and funeral prayers:
Unlike other prayers there is no adhan for Eid and funeral prayers.This has been highlighted in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Ibn Juraij:
'Ata' said, "Jabir bin 'Abdullah said, 'The Prophet went out on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr and offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba, Ata told me that during the early days of IbnAz-Zubair, Ibn Abbas had sent a message to him telling him that the Adhan for the 'Id Prayer was never pronounced (in the life time of Allah's Apostle) and the Khutba used to be delivered after the prayer. Ata told me that Ibn Abbas and Jabir bin 'Abdullah, had said, there was no Adhan for the prayer of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Aqha." 'At a' said, "I heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, 'The Prophet stood up and started with the prayer, and after it he delivered the Khutba. When the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h) finished (the Khutba), he went to the women and preached to them, while he was leaning on Bilal's hand. Bilal was spreading his garment and the ladies were putting alms in it.' " I said to Ata, "Do you think it incumbent upon an Imam to go to the women and preach to them after finishing the prayer and Khutba?" 'Ata' said, "No doubt it is incumbent on Imams to do so, and why should they not do so?" (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 78)
2.Ibn 'Abbas and Jaibir b. 'Abdullah al-Ansari reported: There was no Adhan on the (occasion) of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha. I (Ibn Juraij) said: I asked him after some time about it. He ('Ata', one of the narrators) said: Jabir b. 'Abdullah al-Ansari told me: There is neither any Adhan on Id-ul-Fitr when the Imam comes out, nor even after his coming out; their is neither lqama nor call nor anything of the sort of calling on that day and nor Iqama. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1927)
3. Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard more than one of their men of knowledge say, "There has been no call to prayer or iqama for the id al-Fitr or the id al-Adha since the time of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace."
Malik said, "That is the sunna about which there is no disagreement among us."( Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.1.1)
Imam should pray behind sutrah:
It was practice of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to use some thing as sutrah when he was praying Eid.This has been narrated by Abdullah bin umer in three different hadiths having slight difference of words but convey the same meaning:
1.Narrated Ibn Umar:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla and an 'Anaza used to be carried before him and planted in the Musalla in front of him and he would pray facing it (as a Sutra).(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 90)
2.Narrated Ibn Umar:
On the day of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha a spear used to be planted in front of the Prophet I (as a Sutra for the prayer) and then he would pray. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 89)
3.Ibn Umar reported:
When the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) went out on the 'Id day, he ordered to carry a spear-and it was fixed in front of him, and he said prayer towards its (direction), and the people were behind him. And he did it in the journey, and that is the reason why the Amirs carried it. (Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1010)
Salah of Eid has twelve additional takbeers:
Prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to offer Salah of Eid with twelve additional takbeers and all muslims should try to offer salah of Eid as prophet salal laho aliehi wasalam used to offer it.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:
The Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) would say the takbir (Allah is most great) seven times in the first rak'ah and five times in the second rak'ah on the day of the breaking of the fast and on the day of sacrifice (on the occasion of both the 'Id prayers, the two festivals).( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1145)
The recitation of Surah Al Aaala and Surah al Ghashia on Eid and Jummah is sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam:
The recitation of Surah Al Aaala and Surah al Ghashia on Eid and Jummah is sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam .This fact has been narrated in the following hadith:
Nu'man b. Bashir reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to recite on two 'Ids and in Friday prayer:" Glorify The name of Thy Lord, the Most High" (Surah lxxxvii.), and:" Has there come to thee the news of the overwhelming event" (lxxxviii.). And when the 'Id and Jumu'a combined on a day he recited these two (surah) in both the prayers.(Muslim : Book 4 , Hadith 1907)
Imam should first lead prayers and than deliver Khutbah:
Imam should lead prayers and than deliver khutbah of Eid. This has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Allah's Apostle offered the prayer on the day of Nahr and then delivered the Khutbah( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 100)
2.Narrated Al-Bara' bin 'Azib:
On the day of Nahr Allah's Apostle delivered the Khutba after the 'Id prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 99)
3.Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I (in my boyhood) went out with the Prophet on the day of 'Id ul Fitr or Id-ul-Adha. The Prophet prayed and then delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women, preached and advised them and ordered them to give alms.( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 92)
4.Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
5. Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar:
Allah's Apostle used to offer the prayer of 'Id-ul-Adha and 'Id-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 77)
6. Narrated Ibn Umar:
Allah's Apostle, Abu Bakr and Umar! used to offer the two 'Id prayers before delivering the Khutba. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 80)
7. Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I offered the 'Id prayer with Allah's Apostle, Abu Bakr, Umar and 'Uthman and all of them offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 79)
Same hadith has been reported with slight difference of words as follows:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
I witnessed the 'Id-al-Fitr prayer with Allah's Apostle , Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman; and all of them offered it before delivering the sermon and then delivered the sermon(Sahih Bukhari : Book 6 , Volume 60 , Hadith 418)
8. Abu 'Ubaid, the freed slave of Ibn Azhar, reported that he said 'Id (prayer) with Umar b. al-Khattab, and then said the 'Id (prayer) with 'Ali b. Abu Talib. He (the narrator further) reported: He led us in prayer before delivering the sermon.(Muslim : Book 22 , Hadith 4851)
9.Yahya related to me from Malik from Ibn Shihab that Abu Ubayd, the mawla of Ibn Azhar said, "I was present at an id with Umar ibn al-Khattab. He prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba to the people and said, 'The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, forbade fasting on these two days - the day you break your fast (after Ramadan), and the day you eat from your sacrifice (after Hajj) .' "
Abu Ubaydcontinued,"Then I was present at an id with Uthman ibn Affan. He came and prayed, and when he had finished he gave a khutba and said, 'Two ids have been joined together for you on this day of yours. If any of the people of al-Aliyya (the hills outlying Madina) want to wait for the jumua they can do so, and if any of them want to return, I have given them permission.' Abu Ubayd continued, "Then I was present at an id with AIi ibn Abi Talib (at the time when Uthman was being detained). He came and prayed, and then after he had prayed he gave a khutba." (Malik : Book 10 , Hadith 10.2.5)
Marwan was the first person to change the tradition of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to offer prayers before Khutbah:
All the above mentioned hadiths make it clear that it was sunnah of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam to deliver khutbah after prayers and Marwan was the first person to change this tradition of Rasool salal laho aliehi wasalam.This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla on the days of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba). And after that if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give and order, he would do so, and then depart. The people followed this tradition till I went out with Marwan, the Governor of Medina, for the prayer of Id-ul-Adha or Id-ul-Fitr.
When we reached the Musalla, there was a pulpit made by Kathir bin As-Salt. Marwan wanted to get up on that pulpit before the prayer. I got hold of his clothes but he pulled them and ascended the pulpit and delivered the Khutba before the prayer. I said to him, "By Allah, you have changed (the Prophet's tradition)." He replied, "O Abu Sa'id! Gone is that which you know." I said, "By Allah! What I know is better than what I do not know." Marwan said, "People do not sit to listen to our Khutba after the prayer, so I delivered the Khutba before the prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 76)
Khutbah of Eid should be delivered without pulpit :
Khutbah of Jummah is delivered on pulpit but khutbah of Eid is delivered without pulpit.This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:
The Prophet used to proceed to the Musalla on the days of Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba). And after that if he wished to send an army for an expedition, he would do so; or if he wanted to give and order, he would do so, and then depart. The people followed this tradition till I went out with Marwan, the Governor of Medina, for the prayer of Id-ul-Adha or Id-ul-Fitr.
When we reached the Musalla, there was a pulpit made by Kathir bin As-Salt. Marwan wanted to get up on that pulpit before the prayer. I got hold of his clothes but he pulled them and ascended the pulpit and delivered the Khutba before the prayer. I said to him, "By Allah, you have changed (the Prophet's tradition)." He replied, "O Abu Sa'id! Gone is that which you know." I said, "By Allah! What I know is better than what I do not know." Marwan said, "People do not sit to listen to our Khutba after the prayer, so I delivered the Khutba before the prayer (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 76)
If Eid comes on Friday one khutbah is enough:
If Eid comes on Friday one khutbah is enough.One can leave Friday sermon on that day .This has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: Two festivals ('Id and Friday) have synchronised on this day. If anyone does not want to offer the Friday prayer, the 'Id prayer is sufficient for him. But we shall offer the Friday prayer. (Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1068)
In case of Rain fall Eid can be offered in Masjid:
In case of Rainfall Eid can be offered in masjid.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated AbuHurayrah:
The rain fell on the day of 'Id (festival) , so the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) led them (the people) in the 'Id prayer in the mosque.( Dawud : Book 3 , Hadith 1156)
Women should also join Eid prayers :
Women are also commanded to join Eid prayers.There should be however separate arrangement to maintain their Hijab and veil.This is proved from following hadiths:
1.Narrated Um-'Atiya:
We were ordered to go out (for 'Id) and also to take along with us the menstruating women, mature girls and virgins staying in seclusion. (Ibn 'Aun said, "Or mature virgins staying in seclusion)." The menstruating women could present themselves at the religious gathering and invocation of Muslims but should keep away from their Musalla. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 97)
2.Narrated Aiyub:
Hafsa bint Sirin said, "On Id we used to forbid our girls to go out for 'Id prayer. A lady came and stayed at the palace of Bani Khalaf and I went to her. She said, 'The husband of my sister took part in twelve holy battles along with the Prophet and my sister was with her husband in six of them. My sister said that they used to nurse the sick and treat the wounded. Once she asked, 'O Allah's Apostle! If a woman has no veil, is there any harm if she does not come out (on 'Id day)?' The Prophet said, 'Her companion should let her share her veil with her, and the women should participate in the good deeds and in the religious gatherings of the believers.' " Hafsa added, "When Um-'Atiya came, I went to her and asked her, 'Did you hear anything about so-and-so?' Um-'Atlya said, 'Yes, let my father be sacrificed for the Prophet (p.b.u.h). (And whenever she mentioned the name of the Prophet she always used to say, 'Let my father be' sacrificed for him). He said, 'Virgin mature girls staying often screened (or said, 'Mature girls and virgins staying often screened--Aiyub is not sure as which was right) and menstruating women should come out (on the 'Id day). But the menstruating women should keep away from the Musalla. And all the women should participate in the good deeds and in the religious gatherings of the believers'." Hafsa said, "On that I said to Um-'Atiya, 'Also those who are menstruating?' " Um-'Atiya replied, "Yes. Do they not present themselves at 'Arafat and elsewhere?". (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 96)
3.Narrated Ibn Juraij:
'Ata' told me that he had heard Jabir bin 'Abdullah saying, "The Prophet stood up to offer the prayer of the 'Id ul Fitr. He first offered the prayer and then delivered the Khutba. After finishing it he got down (from the pulpit) and went towards the women and advised them while he was leaning on Bilal's hand. Bilal was spreading out his garment where the women were putting their alms." I asked 'Ata' whether it was the Zakat of 'Id ul Fitr. He said, "No, it was just alms given at that time. Some lady put her finger ring and the others would do the same." I said, (to 'Ata'), "Do you think that it is incumbent upon the Imam to give advice to the women (on 'Id day)?" He said, "No doubt, it is incumbent upon the Imams to do so and why should they not do so?" Al-Hasan bin Muslim told me that Ibn Abbas had said, "I join the Prophet, Abu Bakr, Umar and 'Uthman in the 'Id ul Fitr prayers. They used to offer the prayer before the Khutba and then they used to deliver the Khutba afterwards. Once the Prophet I came out (for the 'Id prayer) as if I were just observing him waving to the people to sit down. He, then accompanied by Bilal, came crossing the rows till he reached the women. He recited the following verse: 'O Prophet! When the believing women come to you to take the oath of fealty to you (to the end of the verse) (60.12).' After finishing the recitation he said, "O ladies! Are you fulfilling your covenant?" None except one woman said, "Yes." Hasan did not know who was that woman. The Prophet said, "Then give alms." Bilal spread his garment and said, "Keep on giving alms. Let my father and mother sacrifice their lives for you (ladies)." So the ladies kept on putting their Fatkhs (big rings) and other kinds of rings in Bilal's garment." Abdur-Razaq said, " 'Fatkhs' is a big ring which used to be worn in the (Pre-lslamic) period of ignorance.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 ,Hadith 95)
4.Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
Women should however pray behind men and also raise takbeers like men .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Um 'Atiya:
We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of 'Id and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say Takbir along with them and invoke Allah along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 ,Hadith 88)
One should spend in the way of Allah swt on the day of Eid:
It is proved from hadiths that Muslims used to spend in the way of Allah swt on the day of Eid.Even the women were trying to spend in the way of Allah swt .This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abis:
Ibn Abbas was asked whether he had joined the Prophet in the 'Id prayer. He said, "Yes. And I could not have joined him had I not been young. (The Prophet came out) till he reached the mark which was near the house of Kathir bin As-Salt, offered the prayer, delivered the Khutba and then went towards the women. Bilal was accompanying him. He preached to them and advised them and ordered them to give alms. I saw the women putting their ornaments with their outstretched hands into Bilal's garment. Then the Prophet along with Bilal returned home.(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 94)
One should not terrify others on the day of Eid:
It is not allowed for Muslims to terrify Muslims on the day of Eid. They should not carry weapons with them because this day is the day of love and peace .This fact has been highlighted in the following hadith:
Narrated Said bin 'Amr bin Said bin Al-'Aas:
Al-Hajjaj went to Ibn Umar while I was present there. Al-Hajjaj asked Ibn Umar, "How are you?" Ibn Umar replied, "I am all right," Al-Hajjaj asked, "Who wounded you?" Ibn Umar replied, "The person who allowed arms to be carried on the day on which it was forbidden to carry them (he meant Al-Hajjaj)"( Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 84)
On another instance this hadith has being described in detail:
Narrated Said bin Jubair:
I was with Ibn Umar when a spear head pierced the sole of his foot and his foot stuck to the paddle of the saddle and I got down and pulled his foot out, and that happened in Mina. Al-Hajjaj got the news and came to enquire about his health and said, "Alas! If we could only know the man who wounded you!" Ibn Umar said, "You are the one who wounded me." Al-Hajjaj said, "How is that?" Ibn Umar said, "You have allowed the arms to be carried on a day on which nobody used to carry them and you allowed arms to be carried in the Haram even though it was not allowed before."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 83)
Small girls can sing on Eid without musical instruments :
Small girls can sing on Eid days without playing musical instruments to celebrate Eid festivals.This has been mentioned in the following hadith:
Narrated Aisha:
Abu Bakr came to my house while two small Ansari girls were singing beside me the stories of the Ansar concerning the Day of Buath. And they were not singers. Abu Bakr said protestingly, "Musical instruments of Satan in the house of Allah's Apostle !" It happened on the 'Id day and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Bakr! There is an 'Id for every nation and this is our 'Id."(Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 ,Volume 15 , Hadith 72)
There can be entertainment on Eid days to celebrate the festival .This entertainment should not exceed the limits of shariah .
There can be entertainment on Eid days to celebrate the festival .This entertainment should not exceed the limits of shariahThis has been mentioned in the following hadiths:
1.Narrated Aisha:
Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) came to my house while two girls were singing beside me the songs of Buath (a story about the war between the two tribes of the Ansar, the Khazraj and the Aus, before Islam). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) lay down and turned his face to the other side. Then Abu Bakr came and spoke to me harshly saying, "Musical instruments of Satan near the Prophet (p.b.u.h) ?" Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) turned his face towards him and said, "Leave them." When Abu Bakr became inattentive, I signalled to those girls to go out and they left. It was the day of 'Id, and the Black people were playing with shields and spears; so either I requested the Prophet (p.b.u.h) or he asked me whether I would like to see the display. I replied in the affirmative. Then the Prophet (p.b.u.h) made me stand behind him and my cheek was touching his cheek and he was saying, "Carry on! O Bani Arfida," till I got tired. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) asked me, "Are you satisfied (Is that sufficient for you)?" I replied in the affirmative and he told me to leave. (Sahih Bukhari : Book 2 , Volume 15 , Hadith 70)
2. Abu Sa`id Khudri reported: We were going with Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). As we reached the place (known as) Arj there met (us) a poet who had been reciting poetry. Thereupon Allah's Messanger (may peace be upon him) said: Catch the satan or detain the satan, for filling the belly of a man with pus is betting than stuffing his brain with poetry. (Muslim : Book 28 : Hadith 5611)
So Celebrate Eid According to Sunnah.