By Mutalib Jibril
In the name of Allāh, the Gracious, the Merciful
All praise is due to Allāh. We praise Him, we seek His help, we seek His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allāh from the evil within ourselves and our evil deeds. Whomever Allāh guides, there is none to misguide, and whomever Allah leads astray, there is none to guide him. I testify that there is no God but Allāh alone, without any partners, and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.
Allāh Almighty said, “O you who have faith, fear Allah as it is His right to be feared and do not die unless you are Muslims,” (3:102)
And Allāh Almighty said, “Fear Allāh, from whom you ask each other, and in your family ties, for Allah is ever watchful over you,” (4:1)
And Allāh Almighty said, “Fear Allāh and speak words as befitting. He will amend your deeds for you and forgive your sins. Whoever obeys Allāh and His messenger has achieved a great triumph.” (33:70-71)
The truest word is the Book of Allāh and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil matters are those that are newly invented, for every newly invented matter is an innovation. Every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.
As Eid approaches, it’s crucial to reflect on the etiquettes associated with this joyous occasion, which include fulfilling Zakat al-Fitr, taking Ghusl, eating before the Eid prayer, engaging in the recitation of Takbir, arriving early at the prayer ground, and taking different routes to and from the prayer location.
Nevertheless, our focus shifts towards understanding and addressing the common mistakes made during Eid al-Fitr, aiming to enhance our observance of this significant day.
Most people are ignorant of the rites of Eid and engage in what Allāh is displeased with, some of them are ;
1. Not observing the Eid prayer
It’s disheartening to witness the indifference towards observing the Eid prayer, as many prioritize other engagements over this significant act of worship.
Some Muslim students opt out of attending Eid prayers in favor of studying for upcoming tests or examinations.
This choice, driven by worldly concerns, disregards the importance of prioritizing worship and obedience to Allāh.
Such disregard for praying in congregation reflects a lack of fear of Allāh.
2. Free mixing
During Eid, it’s vital to observe Islamic principles regarding gender interactions, avoiding practices like free mixing, which involves actions such as hugging and handshaking among non-mahram relatives.
Highlighting the importance of this, a hadith from Ma’qal ibn Yassar underscores the seriousness of inappropriate physical contact: “The Messenger of Allāh said, ‘It would be better for one of you to be struck in the head with an iron needle than to touch a woman who is not permissible for him'” (Reported by al-Tabarani; Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami, 5045).
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad’s conduct, meticulously reported by Aisha (may Allāh be pleased with her), demonstrated his strict adherence to these rules. He never touched women outside his immediate family, even when accepting the bay’ah, a pledge of allegiance, thereby setting a precedent for Muslim conduct.
This is particularly significant, as outlined in the Quran in Surah al-Mumtahinah (60:12) and further supported by Hadith (Reported by al-Bukhari, 4512), where the Prophet accepted women’s bay’ah verbally, avoiding any physical contact.
3. Visiting graves on Eid
It’s observed that many people choose Eid as a specific day for visiting graves and paying respects to deceased relatives, believing it to bring blessings and involve the deceased in the Eid celebrations. However, marking Eid specifically for such visitations is not deemed permissible.
Aisha narrated: The Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever introduces something into this affair of ours that does not belong to it will have it rejected.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 2697, Sahih Muslim 1718
Additionally, during this period, some visit the graves of revered saints (awliya), engaging in their praise and worship, which constitutes Shirk (associating partners with Allah). There are instances where sacrifices are made to these saints, under mistaken beliefs. It is crucial, therefore, for Muslims to be vigilant and avoid falling into the practices of Shirk.
4. Tabarruj
On Eid, a significant concern arises with Tabarruj, or the display of adornments and immodest dressing by both genders, particularly the females, deviating from Islamic teachings of modesty. Young girls wearing revealing attire and the trend among boys of partial head shaving (qaza’) highlight a departure from prophetic guidance.
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the responsibility of guardianship in nurturing modesty, as illustrated by Ibn ‘Umar: “All of you are shepherds and responsible for your flocks” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This guidance extends to dressing modestly and overseeing the attire of the young, ensuring it reflects Islamic values.
Furthermore, the Prophet’s instructions against Gaza, the shaving of part of the head while leaving other parts unshaven, underscores the importance of complete adherence to modesty in appearance (reported by Bukhari, Muslim, and authenticated by al-Albani).
The act of wearing perfume publicly by women, leading others to detect their fragrance, was sternly addressed by the Prophet, indicating the gravity of such actions (Abu Dawud 4173).
These pieces of evidence collectively remind Muslims to cherish and uphold modesty during Eid, viewing it as an expression of gratitude to Allah and an adherence to His commands, thus ensuring celebrations align with Islamic principles.
5 Taking Pictures
The practice of taking photographs is seen as a significant issue within the community, with many viewing it as a common thing. The teachings of Islam, conveyed through various hadiths, warn against the creation of images, particularly those depicting living beings.
Ibn Abbas relayed a profound message he heard from the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the severe consequences awaiting those who engage in making images, suggesting instead that if one must create, one should focus on lifeless nature like trees and inanimate objects (Bukhari, no. 2225; Muslim, no. 2110).
The Prophet also mentioned that individuals who craft images of living things would face challenges in the hereafter, being commanded to bring their creations to life, an impossible task (Bukhari, no. 5951; Muslim, no. 2108). This stern warning underlines the gravity of such actions, questioning the assurance of one’s good deeds when engaging in this significant sin. The Fatwa of Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah clarifies the prohibition extends to all forms of life representations, including drawings, photographs, statues, etc., regardless of the material used.
This ban stems from the potential of these images leading to idolatry or undue adoration, thus competing with Allah’s creation. However, imagery of soulless objects like trees or mountains is permissible, echoing the advice of Ibn Abbas. The scholars stress this ruling applies to all contexts, including home decor, advertising, and even educational tools, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this prohibition against creating or using images that emulate Allah’s creations.
When people argue that modern-day photographs taken with our phones are different from those referred to by the Prophet, I remind them that it’s merely the advancement of technology that has brought about phone cameras. We no longer carve sculptures but readily use our phones to capture images. I often conclude by emphasizing the importance of being cautious. What if, on the Day of Judgment, Allah includes phones in the prohibition? It’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid engaging in actions that may lead to regret in the Hereafter.
6. Playing Music
On the days of Eid, a time when Muslims have just concluded a month of fasting to draw to Allah and seek His pardon, Some people use this period to listen to music. Many individuals, particularly the youth, find themselves engulfed in the tunes and rhythms of music, often played at high volumes in their vehicles en route to the prayer ground and in several other places.
This behavior prompts a moment of reflection. Consider the scenario: traveling in a car, a space where the line between life and death is thin, and choosing this as a means to mark the celebration of Eid. It’s a moment that calls for introspection and a reevaluation of our actions and choices during such a sacred time.
In navigating these moments, the need for divine guidance is ever more apparent.
It’s pertinent to note that listening to music is haram. Not only during Eid days but also all other days.
We pray to Allāh to protect us and improve the circumstances of Muslims everywhere.
It is incumbent upon us to fear Allāh for our own sake and to shield our families from potential punishment.
As Muslims, we must be mindful of Allāh and cherish the blessings bestowed upon us.
We beseech Allāh to guide us and safeguard the well-being of Muslims, and to grant us steadfastness.
May the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon the Prophet, his family, companions, and all those who follow them in Ameen!