Eight Recommended Sunnahs Before and After Performing the Eid al-Adha Prayer
Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant religious holidays in Islam, is a time for celebration, reflection, and devotion. It is observed by Muslims around the world with great enthusiasm and reverence. The Eid prayer, an essential part of the celebration, is a communal act of worship that holds immense spiritual significance. However, alongside the main prayer, there are several Sunnahs (recommended actions) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught his followers to practice before and after the Eid prayer, making the occasion even more special.
These Sunnahs help in deepening oneโs connection with Allah, promoting unity, and enhancing the spirit of the festival. In this article, we will explore eight Sunnahs recommended before and after the Eid al-Adha prayer, offering insight into their benefits and how they can be incorporated into the Eid celebrations.
1. Taking a Ghusl (Ritual Bath) Before the Eid Prayer
One of the recommended Sunnahs before the Eid al-Adha prayer is to perform a ghusl (ritual bath). This practice symbolizes cleanliness and purity, both physically and spiritually, preparing one for the special day. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged the act of taking a bath on Eid days to ensure that one is in a state of spiritual readiness. While it is not obligatory, it is highly encouraged for those who wish to start their Eid with a sense of cleanliness and reverence.
Taking a ghusl not only prepares a person for the prayer but also adds to the joy of the occasion, reflecting the importance of cleanliness in Islam. This Sunnah is particularly emphasized on Eid al-Fitr, but many scholars also recommend it on Eid al-Adha as part of the preparation.
2. Wearing the Best Clothes
On the day of Eid, it is a Sunnah to wear the best clothes one owns, as a sign of respect for the special occasion. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would wear his finest garments on Eid, showing his love and reverence for the day. Wearing good clothes also symbolizes gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of Allah.
While it is not necessary to buy new clothes for Eid, Muslims are encouraged to dress in a clean and presentable manner. The purpose is to celebrate the joy of Eid and to show the importance of the day, both in a social and spiritual sense.
3. Eating Before Going to the Prayer (For Eid al-Fitr)
Although it is a well-known Sunnah to eat a light breakfast before going to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer, this practice is not prescribed for Eid al-Adha. However, there is a related Sunnah for Eid al-Adha, which involves eating after the prayer, particularly the meat from the sacrifice. It is important to note that, while the eating before the Eid al-Fitr prayer is an established Sunnah, the eating after Eid al-Adha prayer ties directly to the sacrifice of an animal.
4. Reciting Takbir (Saying “Allahu Akbar”)
The recitation of the Takbir, saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest), is an important Sunnah during the days of Eid. It is recommended to start reciting the Takbir on the night of Eid al-Adha until the Eid prayer begins. The Takbir should be said aloud, and it is a declaration of the greatness of Allah. This is an expression of joy and gratitude for the opportunity to worship and celebrate Eid.
The Takbir is a way to remember Allah and to acknowledge His mercy, as well as the significance of the occasion. It helps set the tone for the day and invites a sense of unity as Muslims around the world recite the same words in unison.
5. Performing the Eid Prayer in Congregation
Performing the Eid prayer in congregation is a Sunnah that holds great significance in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of praying in a group during Eid, as it reflects unity among the Muslim community and strengthens the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. While the Eid prayer is not obligatory, it is highly encouraged to be performed in congregation at the mosque or in a designated open space for Eid prayers.
The Eid prayer is a special prayer that consists of two units (Rak’ahs) and is different from the regular daily prayers. It is a time to come together as a community, reflect on the blessings of Allah, and offer gratitude for His mercy.
6. Offering the Sacrifice (Qurbani) After the Eid Prayer
One of the central practices of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, known as Qurbani. While the sacrifice is not a Sunnah before the Eid prayer, it becomes obligatory after the prayer for those who can afford it. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims who were able to perform the sacrifice to do so in order to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to Allahโs command.
The meat from the sacrifice is distributed in three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy. This act of charity not only helps those in need but also strengthens the social ties within the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of giving and sharing the blessings of Eid with others.
7. Visiting Family and Neighbors
Another Sunnah that is often overlooked is the importance of visiting family, friends, and neighbors on Eid. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed great emphasis on maintaining strong ties of kinship and community. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to visit their loved ones, share in the celebration, and spread joy. It is also a time to forgive old grudges and to reconcile with those who may have been estranged.
The spirit of visiting family members and friends is rooted in the values of compassion, unity, and cooperation. These visits not only strengthen familial bonds but also serve as an opportunity to remind others of the significance of the holiday.
8. Giving Zakat al-Fitr (Charity) Before the Eid Prayer
Although Zakat al-Fitr is more closely associated with Eid al-Fitr, giving charity before the Eid prayer is also recommended for Eid al-Adha. Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory form of charity for those who are financially able, and it is meant to purify the fast and provide for those in need during the Eid celebration.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed his followers to give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer to ensure that the poor can also partake in the festivities of Eid. While the primary purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to help the less fortunate, it also promotes a sense of social responsibility and a spirit of generosity.
Conclusion
The celebration of Eid al-Adha is not only a time of communal prayer and sacrifice but also a time to practice the Sunnahs recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). These actions help to enhance the spiritual and social significance of the holiday, making it a day of unity, gratitude, and reflection. By following the eight Sunnahs outlined above, Muslims can ensure that their Eid al-Adha celebration is filled with joy, devotion, and a deeper connection to their faith.
From performing the ritual bath and wearing the best clothes to reciting the Takbir and giving to the less fortunate, these practices serve as a reminder of the values of cleanliness, generosity, and brotherhood in Islam. Eid al-Adha is a time to come together as a community, celebrate the mercy of Allah, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one ummah.