Allah’s Messenger (SAW) mentioned Ramadan and said, “Do not observe fasting unless you see the crescent moon (of Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent moon (of Shawwal); but if the sky is overcast and you can’t see the moon, then act on estimation (i.e. count 30 days each for Shaban & Ramadan).” - Bukhari

Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a day of thanksgiving and celebration. We spend Ramadan fasting, supplicating and reciting the Quran. The experience of Ramadan makes it celebrated with the great excitement. The day is marked by the Eid prayer performed by the entire community, friends and family are invited to the partake in the bounties Allah has given us. We share with the less privileged , hence the reason why Sadaqat ul-Fitr is very important.

Points to Note

• There is no fasting on the day of Eid

The Prophet (SAW) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of Eid ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. - Bukhari

• Pay Sadaqat ul-Fitr

Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that Allah's Messenger (SAW) would order paying Sadaqat ul-Fitr before going to Salat on the day of Eid ul-Fitr." - Bukhari, Tirmidhi

• Salah on Eid

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA): The Prophet (SAW) offered a two raka’at Salat on the day of Eid Al-Fitr and he did not offer any Salat before or after it. Then he went towards women along with Bilal (RA) and ordered them to give alms and so they started giving their ear-rings and necklaces in charity. - Bukhari

Allah’s Messenger (SAW) used to offer As-Salat of Eid Al-Adha & Eid Al-Fitr, and then deliver the Khutba after As-Salat. - Bukhari

Jabir bin Samurai (RA) said: "I prayed the Eid prayer with Allah's Messenger (SAW) on more than one occasion, without Athan or Iqamah." - Muslim

The Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said: Let the free women, virgins and the menstruating women go out to attend the Eid prayer, and witness the good and supplication of the believers. As for the menstruating women, they should stay away from the prayer itself." - Bukhari

Aisha (RA) said: "The Prophet (SAW) would say Takbir in both Eid prayers: seven in the first and five in the second - other than the two Takers of ruku." - Abu Dawud

• Common Practices on Eid

Abu Hurariah (RA) narrated: "When the Prophet )SAW) went to the Eid prayer, he would return through a different route." - Muslim 

Abu Hurariah (RA) narrated: "It rained on the day of Eid, so the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) led the Eid prayer in the masjid." - Abu Dawud 

• Eid on a Friday

The Jumaat prayer becomes sunnah for us on the days when the Eid is on a Friday, in which case one simply prays Dhuhr.

It was reported that Ilyas bin Abi Ramlah Ash-Shami said: I was present when Muawiyah bin Abi Sufiyan asked Zaid bin Arqam: ‘Did you witness two Eid (i.e. the Eid and the Jumaat) being combined on one day during the time of Allah’s Messenger (SAW)? He replied, ‘Yes.’ So he said: ‘He (SAW) prayed the Eid then he was lenient about Friday prayer, for he said: “Whoever wishes to pray can pray.” - Abu Dawud

And Allah knows best. May Allah forgive me if I am wrong and guide us to the right path. Ameen.