Eid ul-Fitr & Eid ul-Adha

📌 Conclusion: All four madhabs agree that Eid prayer is a major, highly significant act of worship. Men should not miss it without a valid Islamic excuse. Women are encouraged to attend, and the Prophet ﷺ commanded even menstruating women to come and witness the good, though they do not pray.

Eid prayer consists of 2 Rak'ahs with additional Takbeers. There is no Adhan or Iqamah for Eid prayer. It is prayed in congregation (Jama'ah) in an open field (musalla) when possible.

📊 Takbeer Count by Madhab

🏠 Missing Eid Prayer — What to Do?

• If you miss the congregation, you may pray it individually (2 Rak'ahs) or with a small group — Hanafi and other schools permit this.
• If you cannot make it up, offer 4 Rak'ahs of Duha (Chasht) prayer as a general act of worship.
• You do not need to make up a missed Eid prayer with Qada; it simply lapses.

👩 Women & Eid Prayer

• Women are encouraged to attend the Eid prayer. The Prophet ﷺ commanded even menstruating women to attend and witness the gathering.
• Menstruating women do not perform the prayer itself but should be present at the musalla.
• Women should dress modestly and avoid perfume when going to the musalla.
• They may pray at home if attending the congregation is difficult.

Who Must Pay?

• Every Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs for themselves and their family on Eid day and night.
• The head of household pays on behalf of all dependants (spouse, children, elderly parents under their care).
• It is NOT conditional on possessing nisab (unlike Zakat al-Maal).
• Children must also have Fitrah paid on their behalf by the guardian.

📏 How Much to Pay?

The amount is one Sa'a (approximately 2.5–3 kg) of the staple food of one's community per person, OR its monetary equivalent.

⏰ When to Pay?

• Must be paid BEFORE the Eid prayer — this is its proper time and the ruling of all four schools.
• Permissible to pay 1–2 days before Eid (Shafi'i, Hanbali); some say from the start of Ramadan.
• Paying after Eid prayer is valid but considered delayed and sinful; the reward as Zakat is lost (becomes ordinary Sadaqah).

🎯 Who Receives Zakat ul-Fitr?

It is given to the same 8 categories as Zakat al-Maal (Quran 9:60), but scholars emphasize priority:

• Primary recipients: The poor (Fuqara) and the needy (Masakeen) — specifically so they can celebrate Eid without begging.
• It should be distributed locally within one's community.
• Can be given to one person or multiple people.

Calculate your exact Zakat obligation

⚖️ Ruling on Qurbani

Hanafi: Wajib on every sane, adult Muslim who possesses nisab (87.48g gold or 612.36g silver equivalent) and is not a Hajj pilgrim.

Other three schools: Highly confirmed Sunnah — strongly disliked to omit without reason.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not come near our prayer place." (Ibn Majah — though this hadith's grading is debated)

📅 Days of Slaughter (Ayyam al-Nahr)

• 10th Dhul Hijjah — Eid day (best day for slaughter)
• 11th Dhul Hijjah
• 12th Dhul Hijjah
• Hanbali & Shafi'i also permit 13th Dhul Hijjah
• Slaughter after sunrise and preferably after Eid prayer. Night slaughter is valid but disliked.

✅ Conditions for a Valid Qurbani Animal

• Must be free from defects: not blind, not severely lame, not extremely thin/malnourished, not missing more than one-third of ear/horn.
• Must be from the permitted species (sheep, goat, cattle, camel).
• Must meet the minimum age requirement.
• Must be slaughtered by a Muslim (or Ahl al-Kitab for cattle) with a sharp knife, severing the windpipe, oesophagus, and two jugular veins.
• Must face Qiblah at time of slaughter.
• Bismillah Allahu Akbar must be said at time of slaughter.

📦 Distribution of Qurbani Meat

• Recommended split: 1/3 for yourself & family | 1/3 for relatives & neighbours | 1/3 for the poor.
• You may eat all of it yourself if needed, but distributing is better.
• The skin and organs may be kept or given to the poor — NOT sold (Hanafi: may not be sold; proceeds must be given in Sadaqah if skin is sold).
• The slaughterer may not be paid from the meat; pay separately.

📵 Restriction Before Qurbani (Dhul Hijjah 1–10)

For one intending to make Qurbani — it is Sunnah (or Wajib according to some) to refrain from cutting hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the animal is slaughtered. This is based on the hadith in Sahih Muslim.

Find more duas for any occasion

📿 Takbeer al-Tashreeq (Eid ul-Adha only)

🚿 The Ghusl (Ritual Bath) of Eid

• Recommended time: After Fajr prayer, before leaving for the Eid musalla.
• It is Sunnah according to all four madhabs.
• Perform the full obligatory Ghusl: wash entire body, rinse mouth and nose, make intention.
• Even if unable to attend prayer (e.g. illness), the Ghusl is still recommended as it honours the day of Eid.

The most authentic greeting is: Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum — reported from the Companions (Sahabah) in Al-Bayhaqi. You may also say Eid Mubarak or Eid Sa'eed.

📱 Eid WhatsApp / Social Media Messages

Gift-giving on Eid is Mustahabb — encouraged as it strengthens love between Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Give gifts, for gifts remove ill feeling from the heart." (Tirmidhi)