Chowrangi

Here is a brief post about the upcoming eid, Eid ul-Fitr. I would first like to mention that this post wouldn’t have been possible without the timely help, regarding the rulings of Zakat al Fitr, from a dearest and sweetest sister, Palwasha Khan (Jazakillah). All right,

Eid – Meaning: Eid is derived from the root word of `Aada meaning returned. We all know that we return to Eid periodically. It is also said to have been derived from ‘Aadah meaning a custom or a practice. The reason being is that people customary celebrate it.

“It is called Eid because it returns every year with renewed happiness.” Ibn al-Arabi.

Zakat al Fitr: In Islam worship is divided in two categories - the spiritual aspect and the financial aspect of worship. The purity of spirit as well as our possessions is essential. Shahadah, Salah and Sawm are part of the spiritual worship whereas Zakah is part of the worship that involves are wealth. Hajj is a combination of both kinds of worship.

Zakat ul-fitr means “the purifying charity of breaking the fast”. It is a prescribed amount of food given by the Muslims during the last few days of Ramadan or on the morning of Eid prior to the prayer.

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained zakatul-fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as zakah for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but it is a mere sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.

The above report as well as the practices of the Khulafa’ clarifies the timing of Zakat al Fitr. One may start giving it a couple of days prior to Eid but no later than the Eid prayer.

Whom should it be given to: It should be given to the Masakeen, who are those who have financial difficulties.

The Eid Prayer: The Eid prayer is not preceded with Adhaan or Iqaamah. If the Eid occurs on a Friday, it becomes optional for men to attend the Jumu`ah prayer.

Abu Hurairah r.a. reported that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.w.) said: “Two Eids have coincided on this day of yours; thus, whoever wishes is exempted from attending the Jumu`ah prayer. Yet, we shall hold it.”

The Eid Prayer is obligatory according to the majority of scholars. The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) always performed it and commanded the Ummah to attend it (menstruating women, of course, should not perform it but should witness it happening).

There is no sunnah prayer that precedes it or follows the Eid prayer that is conducted in the Eid-gaah/Musalla (in the masjid one should offer the two rakahs that are to be offered upon entering it).

Sighting of the Crescent: According to a hadith:

“The crescent of Shawwal was obscure to us. So we continued to fast that morning; later in the day, a group of travelers arrived and testified before Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) that they had seen the hilal (crescent) the previous day; so he (peace be upon him) commanded the people to break their fast on that day, and to go out to the musalla the following morning.”

Allaho ‘Aalam.

Eid Muabarak to all!

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• Laylat al-Qadr and Itikaaf - September 14th, 2009
• Strong American Presence in Pakistan: Is China threatened by the U.S.? - September 11th, 2009
• The Diseases and the Guidelines in Kalamullah and the Sunnah - September 10th, 2009
• Saeed-ul-Haque: Are We the Bearers of Justice? - September 5th, 2009
• 20 Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan - August 28th, 2009
• Innocent Muhammad Jawad Released From Guantanamo Bay after 6 Years - August 26th, 2009
• Hijaab: The Veil is My Pride - August 24th, 2009
• Sehri and Iftaar - August 21st, 2009
• The Noble Bond of Marriage: Rights and Duties of Spouse - August 18th, 2009
• Pervez Musharraf Trains for New Career - August 18th, 2009