Class 7
EID | ECLIPSE | RAIN
PRAYERS
EID PRAYER
On the first day Eid the person goes to the ‘id Mosque or praying ground having undertaken the following recommended acts:
PRAYER OF EID UL-FITR
1. After about 20 minutes from clear sun rise, the imam stands up for the prayer and loudly signifies the entering into prayer by reciting the “Takbiiratil lhraam” that is “ALLAHU AKBAR”. The whole congregation also follows suit by reciting the “Takbiiratil-lhraam”.
2. As usual, with any other prayer, the person thereafter comes up with the opening supplication known as “DUA AL ISTIFTAAH”.
3. After that, the Imam says “ALLAHU AKBAR” 6 more times and the congregation would follow likewise.
4. After completing the recitations of the words of greatness which total up to seven, the Imam would then seek the protection of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from the cursed satan in a low voice by saying “AUTHU B’LJBILLAHI MINASH SHAYTANIRRRAJIIM”. He would thereafter silently invoke Allah’s name by saying: “BISMILLAHIR- RAHMANI-R–RAHIIM” and then recite “AL FATIHAH” (the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an) in a loud voice. The followers (congregation) would then say “Ameen” together loudly after the Imam completes reciting the “Al Fatihah”. Each follower would then recite “Al-Fatihah” silently. It is recommended that the Imam thereafter recites the whole of chapter 87 of the Holy Qur’an i.e. “SA BIHISMA ” (Glorified be the name of thy Lord, the Most high) or Chapter 50 Surah Al-Qaf. The followers are required to listen to the Imam’s recitation.
5. The Imam then raises his hands up to the level of his shoulders or ears performs “Rukuu” saying “ALLAHU AKBAR.” ‘Thereafter he raises his head up from bowing saying “SAMI’A ALLAHU LIMAN HAMIDA” followed by the congregation saying “RABBANNA WALAKAL HAMD”. The Imam and the congregation thereafter proceed to prostration saying “ALLAHU AKBAR”.
6. After the prostration, the Imam would resume the standing position for the second rakaat and the congregation would follow him up accordingly.
7. Thereafter, the Imam would say “ALLAHU AKBAR” 5 times and the congregation would perform likewise.
8. Then, the Imam recites “AL-FATIHAH” and for this second rakaat it is preferred that he thereafter recites the whole of chapter 88 of the Holy Qur’an i.e. “Al Ghasiya”, (The Disaster) or Chapter 54 Surah Al-Qamr and the congregation would listen attentively.
9. Thereafter, the Imam completes the Rukuu (bowing) and Sujuud (prostration) positions in the manner already discussed and sits back for the words of witness “At-Tashahud”. Then, the Imam concludes the prayer with the words of peace i.e. “ASSALAMU ALEYKUM WA RAHMATULLAH” and of course, the entire congregation would follow the Imam in all these acts as is the custom in all prayers.
After concluding the prayer, the Imam would climb the pulpit to deliver the ‘Festival Sermon’, and starts the same with nine recitations of “ALLAHU AKBAR” with the congregation saying after him the same. After listening to the sermon, the congregation disperses. Listening to the sermon is not obligatory but is recommended.
Jabir reported: “The Prophet ﷺ used to come back from Eid-al-Fitr on a path other than the one used in going to it.” [Bukhaari]
Eid prayer is the same for Eid ul Fitr & Eid ul Adha
OFFERING CONGRATULATIONS
The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another TAQABBALA ALLAH MINNA WA MINKUM (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you) or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.
It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet ﷺ met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.
WOMEN GOING FOR EID PRAYER
It is not obligatory for women, but it is Sunnah. Women should offer this prayer in the prayer-place with the Muslims, because the Prophet ﷺ enjoined them to do that.
According to a report narrated by al-Tirmidhi: The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ used to bring out the virgins, adolescent girls, women in seclusion and menstruating women on the two Eids, but the menstruating women were to keep away from the prayer place and witness the gathering of the Muslims. One of them said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what if she does not have a jilbaab?” He said, “Then let her sister lend her one of her jilbaabs.” (Agreed upon).
Based on the above, it is clear that for women to go out and attend the Eid prayers is a confirmed Sunnah, but that is subject to the condition that they do not go out unveiled or making a wanton display of themselves, as is known from other evidence.
SALATUL KUSOOF (Eclipse Prayer)
During the Jaahiliyyah, people used to believe that eclipses happened to mark the birth or death of a great person, but the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ declared this belief to be false and explained the divine wisdom behind the occurrence of eclipses:
Ibn Masood al-Ansaari said: the sun was eclipsed the day Ibraaheem the son of the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ died, and the people said, The sun is eclipsed because of the death of Ibraaheem. The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: “The sun and the moon are two signs from Allaah, and they do not become eclipsed for the death or the birth of anyone. If you see that, hasten to remember Allaah and to pray”. (Bukhari & Muslim)
According to another hadeeth in al-Saheehayn: Call on Allaah and pray until [the eclipse] is over.
Also Al-Bukhaari (1059) and Muslim (912) narrated that Abu Moosa (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The sun was eclipsed, and the Prophet ﷺ got up in a state of anxiety, thinking that it was the Hour. He came to the mosque and began to pray, standing, bowing and prostrating for the longest time I ever saw him do, and he ﷺ said: “These signs that are sent do not occur for the death or birth of anyone, rather Allah sends them to create fear in His slaves. If you see any of them, then hasten to remember Him, call upon Him and ask Him for forgiveness.”
Allaah causes eclipses to happen to these two mighty signs, the sun and the moon, to teach His slaves and show them that these things are created and are subject to imperfections and changes just like any other created entities. Thus He shows them His perfect ability and that He alone is deserving of worship, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allaah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him.” (Fussilat 41:37)
Sadly the people today have gone to the other extreme and has made it into an exhibition where people go out in open lands with glasses to view the eclipse when the Sunnah is to offer prayer and make dhikr during an eclipse. We should strive to differentiate ourselves from the people of negligence or people who do not believe by getting involved in prayers. May Allah make us amongst those who implement the Sunnah.
People are afraid of the dangers of ultra-violet rays because of the complications that may cause and the possibility that they may burn the eye and destroy its cells and damage the lens. They fear that infra-red rays may burn the eye without a person even feeling it.
We should fear the Day when eyes will burnt when a person can feel it!
O Allaah, make us fear You and make us content to put our trust in You. Give us the strength to obey You and do not humiliate us by letting us disobey You. Help us to remember You and to thank You and to worship You properly. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
HOW TO OFFER THIS PRAYER
The way in which the eclipse prayer is performed was narrated by Aa’ishah R.A. in a hadeeth narrated in Al-Bukhaari (1046) and Muslim (2129) is as follows :
GIVING CHARITY
In a hadeeth narrated in Bukhari, ‘Aa’ishah R.A said: “The sun was eclipsed at the time of the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ, so the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ led the people in prayer….. Then he finished, and the eclipse was over. He addressed the people, first praising Allaah, then he ﷺ said: ‘The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allaah. They do not become eclipsed for the death or life of anyone. If you see that, then pray to Allaah, say Takbeer (“Allahu akbar”), pray and give in charity.’
Then he ﷺ said, ‘O Ummah of Muhammad, by Allâh there is no one more jealous than Allaah when His slave, male or female, commits zina (adultery or fornication). O Ummah of Muhammad, if you knew what I know you would laugh little and weep much.’”
RULINGS
SALATUL ISTISQA (PRAYER FOR RAIN)
Prayer for rain is a confirmed Sunnah, proven by the practice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and of his successors (the caliphs – may Allah be pleased with them).
HOW TO PRAY
It should be preceded with preaching and reminding the people with that which softens their hearts, like talking about repentance from sins and avoiding any ill-gotten properties by returning them to their rightful owners. This is because sin is the cause of scarcity of rain, but repentance, seeking forgiveness and piety are causes of acceptance of one’s prayers and the receiving of (Allah’s) favors and blessings. He should also urge them to give alms, as that is also a cause of mercy.
TIME FOR ISTISQA
It is recommended (to observe the Salat) after the sun rises and has ascended up to the length of a spear; which is about 20 mins after sunrise, which is the time of Salatul-‘Eid (the Salat observed in the first day of Eid). However, due to any limitations, Salat Al-Istisqa can be performed any time during the times when optional prayers (Nawafel) are permitted.
VENUE
The Sunnah is for it to be observed outdoors and not inside the mosque, in accordance with the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah, except when there is need to do otherwise.
RULINGS