Eid al-Adha is one of the most important holidays in Islam and one of the greatest rituals of Islam that Muslims celebrate every year at the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage).
Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Qur’an: “That is so. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, it is certainly out of the piety of the heart” [Surat Al-Hajj: 32].
In this article, we will explore the most important Sunnahs of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which he used to do on Eid al-Adha and is still followed by Muslims today at this auspicious time.
Wake up early and take Ghusl (bathe)
It is Sunnah for a Muslim to bathe before going out to the congregational prayers, whether it is the Eid or Friday prayer.
This symbolizes purity and cleanliness and the actions the Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) used to persevere.
Perform Fajr and Eid prayer
Muslims perform the Eid al-Adha following the Fajr prayer. The Eid prayer is a congregational prayer performed in an open space, such as a park or a field.
The Eid prayer consists of two Rak‘at and is led by an Imam. Eid prayer is performed as a form of expression of gratitude to Allah (SWT) for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
Abu Saud al-Khudri said that “ The Prophet used to go out on the day of the breaking of the fast and the day of sacrifice to the place of prayer, and the first thing he did was to pray.
When he finished, he would stand facing the people who were seated in their rows, deliver an exhortation, issue instructions, and give them commands. If he intended to send out an army, he did so, or if he had any special orders, he gave them and then departed. (Bukhari and Muslim.) [Mishkat al-Masabih – 1426].
Wear the best clothes you have
This is a way of showing appreciation and joy on this occasion. Muslims should also dress modestly, especially women, as modesty is essential to Islamic culture.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his companions, and followers were keen to put on their best clothes and wear perfume on Eid.
Apply perfume
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved perfume, so on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, he said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Women and perfume have been made dear to me, but my comfort has been provided in prayer’” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 3940].
Say Takbeer
Muslims should recite the Takbeer after the Fajr prayer and continue to repeat it until the Eid prayer.
Takbeer is a declaration of the greatness of Allah the Almighty and a way of expressing gratitude to Him.
It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sa’d bin ‘Ammar bin Sa’d, the Mu’adhdhin, that his father narrated, from his father, that his grandfather said: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to say the Takbir between the two sermons, and he used to say the Takbir a great deal in the sermon of ‘Eid. [Sunan Ibn Majah 1287].
Return from the Eid prayer by a different route
The companion Jabir bin `Abdullah narrated: “On the Day of Eid, the Prophet (PBUH) used to return (after offering the `Id prayer) in a way different from that by which he went” [Sahih, al-Bukhari].
Perform Qurbani
Performing Qurbani, or sacrificing an animal, is a Sunnah action on the day of Eid al-Adha, which is the reason for naming this holiday. It has a set of conditions that a Muslim must learn.
The companion of the Prophet (PBUH) Anas narrated: “The Prophet (PBUH) offered as sacrifices two horned rams, black and white in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned Allah’s Name over them and said Takbir and put his foot on their sides” [Sahih, al-Bukhari].
Distribute the sacrificial meat
After performing the Qurbani, Muslims must distribute the meat among the poor and needy. There are certain Sunnahs (traditions) that one must follow while distributing the sacrifice:
- It is recommended for the Muslim offering the sacrifice to eat from their sacrifice and store the rest for later consumption.
- The priority in distributing the sacrificial meat should be given to neighbors, relatives, and friends.
It is not permissible to share any part of the sacrifice with the butcher in exchange for their work; rather, it should be given as alms.
- Selling any part of the sacrifice, including its wool and bones, is not permissible. All of it should be distributed to those in need.
Connect with friends and family
Eid al-Adha is a time to connect with friends and family, share meals, and exchange gifts. Muslims should take this opportunity to strengthen their relationships with their loved ones and spread joy and happiness.
Donate Qurbani now and make your sacrifice
Many organizations offer the option to donate Qurbani on behalf of those who cannot perform it themselves.
Bonyan Organization is working to deliver the sacrifice donations on Eid al-Adha to the poor refugees and displaced persons.
Contribute with us to bring joy to the hearts of millions of vulnerable people in the blessed days of Eid.
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FAQ
Which Sunnah can we do on Eid?
These are some of the Sunnahs that we can do on Eid:
-Make ghusl (take a shower or bath).
-Wear the best clothes you have.
-Apply fragrance/perfume.
-Say the general Takbeerat after Fajr prayer.
-Walk to the mosque for Eid prayer – using a different route on the way back.
-Perform Eid prayer in congregation.
-Connect with friends and family.
-Exchange gifts.
What are the rules of Eid ul Adha?
The rules of Eid ul Adha are:
Perform Fajr and Eid prayers.
Say Takbeer.
Perform Qurbani.
Distribute the sacrificial meat.
Connect with friends and family.
What can I sacrifice for Eid al-Adha?
It must be from among the livestock: which are camels, cows, and sheep, because Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Qur’an: “So they may obtain the benefits ˹in store˺ for them, and pronounce the Name of Allah on appointed days over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. So eat from their meat and feed the desperately poor” [Surat Al-Hajj: 28].