Eid al-Adha is a special occasion for Muslims worldwide. To maximize the spiritual and communal benefits of this blessed day, practicing certain Sunnah acts before and after the prayer is highly encouraged. Here’s a comprehensive guide to eight key Sunnah practices for Eid al-Adha.
Sunnah Practices Before Eid al-Adha Prayer
1. Dress Your Best for the Occasion
It is Sunnah to wear your finest clothing on Eid. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would wear a special garment on both Eids and Fridays.
Hadith: “The Prophet used to wear a special cloak for Eid and Fridays.” (Ibn Majah)
2. Apply Fragrance for Men
Men are encouraged to use perfume, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Hadith: “The Prophet loved applying fragrance and recommended it to his followers.” (Ibn Jibrin, Fatawa Sheikh Ibn Jibrin)
3. Perform Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
Scholars recommend performing Ghusl on Eid morning, drawing an analogy with the practice of Friday Ghusl, as both days gather Muslims for worship.
4. Pray Early on Eid al-Adha
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would offer the Eid prayer early, soon after sunrise, to allow time for sacrificing animals.
Hadith: “The Prophet prayed when the sun was as high as a spear.” (Al-Shanqeeti, Sharh Zad al-Mustaqni’)
5. Delay Eating Until After the Sacrifice
On Eid al-Adha, it is Sunnah to delay eating until after performing the sacrifice.
Hadith: “The Prophet would not eat on Eid al-Adha until he had sacrificed his animal.” (Al-Shanqeeti, Sharh Zad al-Mustaqni’)
6. Walk to the Prayer Area
Walking to the Eid prayer is a Sunnah act, as every step brings reward.
Hadith: “Walk to your prayer to earn more rewards for every step you take.” (Ibn Jibrin, Fatawa Sheikh Ibn Jibrin)
7. Take a Different Route Back
Returning from the prayer by a different path increases the places of worship.
Hadith: “The Prophet would take a different route on his way back from Eid prayer.” (Ibn Jibrin, Fatawa Sheikh Ibn Jibrin)
8. Recite the Eid Takbeer
Proclaiming the Takbeer aloud is one of the hallmarks of Eid al-Adha.
Takbeer:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Translation: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Him belongs all praise.”
Quranic Reference:
“…and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
Sunnah Practices After Eid al-Adha Prayer
1. Spread Joy and Celebrate Halal Activities
Eid is a time of joy, and it’s Sunnah to engage in permissible celebrations.
Hadith: Aisha (RA) said: “Two young girls were singing in my house on the Day of Eid… and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Every nation has its festival, and this is our festival.’” (Bukhari, 952)
2. Attend the Eid Sermon
Although attending the sermon is optional, it is highly recommended for spiritual benefit.
Hadith: “I prayed with the Prophet (ﷺ) on the day of Eid. After the prayer, he said, ‘We will now deliver a sermon. Whoever wishes to stay may stay, and whoever wishes to leave may leave.'” (Abu Dawood, 1155)
3. Maintain Family Ties and Exchange Greetings
Visiting relatives and exchanging Eid greetings strengthen bonds.
Dua for Greeting:
“May Allah accept your deeds and ours, and may He bless you with happiness and prosperity.”
Eid is not just a celebration; it’s a time to reconnect with faith and community. If you’re inspired to deepen your understanding of Islamic practices or the Quran, explore our online Quran classes. Our courses are designed to make Islamic learning accessible and engaging for everyone.