The Festival Prayer 'Id Service There are two 'Ids or festivals for Muslims, the festival of Breaking
Fasts, called Eid al-Fitr; and the festival of Sacrifices, called 'Id al-Ad-ha.
The first festival is at the first day of the month of Shawwal, which follows the month of
Ramadan, the month of fasting.
The second is at the tenth day of the month of Zul-Hijjah, when Muslims are performing
their duty of pilgrimage and sacrifice at Mecca. The second festival occurs about two months and ten days after the first
one. It is well-known that the dates for the two festivals are determined by the Muslim calendar in which the beginning of
the month is determined by the appearance of the new moon.
The Significance of the 'Id Prayer Both the festivals are connected with the performance of some
duty; in the 'Id al-Fitr the duty of fasting, and in the 'Id al-Ad-ha the duty of sacrifice. They have another characteristic
as well, in the moment of their greatest joy, the Muslims gather in as vast a congregation as is possible, and fall prostrate
before their Lord, giving thanks to Him that He has enabled them to perform their duty or to make a sacrifice.
The Quality of Its Performance The festival prayer is similar to the Friday prayer. It is made in
congregation only. It is characterized by the following features:
No 'Athan is called out for the 'Id prayers nor an Iqama for the arranging of the lines.
The
time of the festival prayers is any time after sunrise and before noon.
The Imam adds a number of Takbirs (meaning: to
say Allahu Akbar). The number of these additional takbirs is seven in the first rak'ah (beside the takbir of the beginning),
and five in the second before the recitation of Al-Fatiha in both rak'ahs. The takbirs are uttered aloud by the Imam one after
another as he raises both hands to the ears and then leaves them free in the natural position. Those who stand behind him
raise and lower their hands similarly.
A sermon "Khutba" is delivered by the Imam after the prayer. It is similar to the
Friday sermon, except that he begins his sermon of festival prayer by declaring nine takbirs at the beginning of the first
sermon and seven at the beginning of the second one. The Imam will incite the 'Id charity in the first festival, and 'Id sacrifice
in the second festival by the chosen subject of his sermon.
On the occasion of 'Id al-Fitr, every Muslim is required to
give Sadakat al-Fitr (lit. the charity of the breaking fast), which amounts to one qadah and a sixth (an Egyptian measure
of capacity) of wheat, barley, dates or raisins or any other staple food of the country. He can pay money instead of food.
This may be equal to 30 cents. But if we take into account our modern standard of living, it is preferable that the charity
be equal to a satisfactory meal, especially when we know that this is the minimum only. The more one pays, according to his
ability, the more his deed is rewarded and recognized. The man pays for himself and every person of the family which is dependent
upon him, his children and servants, but not for his grown sons or his wife. The wife pays for herself, but if he pays for
his wife, it will suffice. It is preferable that the payment for the poor be made before the service is held, and it is obligatory
for those who can afford it.
On the occasion of 'Id al-Ad-ha every Muslim who can afford it sacrifices an animal. This
is preferable and recommended but not obligatory. In the case of a goat or sheep, one animal suffices for one household. In
the case of a cow or a camel, seven men may be partners. The animal is sacrificed after the 'Id prayers are completed. It
may be sacrificed on the day of the 'Id, or during the three days that follow, called the TASHRIQ DAYS. In regard to the meat
of the slaughtered animal, the Holy Quran may be translated as follows: "Eat of them and feed the poor man who is contented
and the beggar" (22:36). The skin of the animal must, however, be disposed of in charity.
In the Tashriq Days, the worshippers,
whether after the 'Id service or after the oridinary congregational prayers, declare what is called Takbir al-Tashriq (once
at least).
TAKBIR AL-TASHRIQ
Allahu Akbar (three times)
La ilaha ell-Allah
Allahu Akbar (twice) wa lel-Lahi-el-hamd
Allahu Akbar Kabira
Wa-al-hamdu lel-Lahi Kathira
Wa sobhana -- Al-lahi bokratan wa aseela
La-elaha
illa-Al-lahu wahdah
Sadaqa wa 'adah, wa nasara 'abdah
Wa-a'azza jondahu wa hazama al-ahzaba wahdah
La-elaha
illA-llah wa la na'abudu ella Iyyah, mokhliseena laHu-d-dina wa law kariha al-kafirun.
Allahumma salli 'ala Sayyidina
Mohammad
Wa 'ala alli Sayyidina Mohammad
Wa 'ala Ashabi Sayyidina Mohammad
Wa 'ala ansaari Sayyidina
Mohammad
Wa 'ala azw aji Sayyidina Mohammad
Wa 'ala dhurriyyati Sayyidina Mohammaden wa sallem tasleeman
katheera.
The meaning:
God is the greatest
There is no God but God
God is the Greatest -- and
His is the praise.
Surely God is the Greatest.
His is the abundant praise.
Glory to Him, day
and night.
there is no God but God, the Only, the One.
He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant (Mohammad),
granted His followers a manifest victory, and turned back the confederate forces with their defeat.
There is no
God but God, we worship none but Him, offering Him sincere devotion, even though the unbelievers may detest it.
O
God! Exalt and have blessings on our Master Mohammad
And on the people of our Master Mohammad
And on the
companions of our Master Mohammad
And on the helpers of our Master Mohammad
And on the wives of our Master
Mohammad
And on the descendants of our Master Mohammad
And salute all of them with all respect.
