Eid al-Adha: Rulings, Practices, and Common Mistakes

A Guide to Eid al-Adha: Sunnah Practices, Mistakes, and Admonitions

In this writing, I will briefly discuss the rulings and issues related to Eid al-Adha for the general public, along with some wrong practices that are observed in society during this time, and I will also provide admonitions regarding them.

Actions to be Performed on Eid al-Adha:

1. Ghusl, Clothing, and Perfume:
   It is recommended to take a bath after Fajr prayer on Eid day, although if necessary, one may also do so before Fajr. After the bath, wear new or fine clothes and apply perfume to the body and clothes.
2. Going to the Eidgah Without Eating:
   It is a Sunnah on Eid al-Adha to go to the Eid prayer without eating anything, and one should return and eat from the sacrifice. This was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH). However, those who do not have a sacrifice can eat before Eid prayer, or those whose sacrifice is delayed may eat before performing the sacrifice. The prohibition on eating before Eid applies only to those who are offering a sacrifice. Some scholars have said that those who do not offer a sacrifice may eat because their neighbor will likely offer them something.
3. Men and Women Should Walk to the Eidgah:
   It is preferred to walk to the Eidgah and take one route to the Eidgah and return via another. Both men and women should go to the Eidgah because the Prophet (PBUH) ordered women to attend the Eid prayers as well. If necessary, one may ride to the Eidgah, and there is no sin if someone without a valid excuse rides.
4. Reciting Takbir from the 1st to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah:
   The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are highly virtuous, and reciting Takbir during these days is among the best actions. Therefore, Muslims should begin saying the Takbir from the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah and continue reciting it on their way to Eid prayer and before the prayer at the Eidgah, and keep reciting it until the last day of the days of Tashreeq, i.e., until the sunset of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. Women should also recite the Takbir just like men. The various forms of the Takbir related to Eid include:
   (1) اللهُ أكبرُ اللهُ أكبرُ لا إلهَ إلا اللهُ واللهُ أكبرُ اللهُ أكبرُ وللهِ الحمدُ
   (2) اللهُ أكبرُ كبيرًا . والحمدُ لله كثيرًا . وسبحان اللهِ بكرةً وأصيلًا
   (3) اللهُ أكبرُ اللهُ أكبرُ ، اللهُ أكبرُ كبيرًا
   (4) اللَّهُ أَكبرُ كبيرًا، اللَّهُ أَكبرُ كبيرًا، اللَّهُ أَكبرُ كبيرًا
5. Eidgah:
   Eid prayer should ideally be performed in an open field, though it can also be performed in a mosque if necessary. If the Eid prayer is performed in an open field, there are no additional voluntary prayers before or after the Eid prayer. However, if the prayer is performed in a mosque, then upon entering the mosque, two Rak’ahs of Tahiyyat al-Masjid should be prayed.
6. The Method of Performing Eid Prayer:
   The ideal time for Eid prayer is when the sun has risen and reached the height of a spear, which corresponds to the time of the Duha prayer. It is better not to delay the prayer, although it is permissible to do so. The Eid prayer consists of two Rak’ahs, which hold the status of a Fard (obligatory) prayer. The procedure for the two Rak’ahs of Eid prayer is as follows:
   • In the first Rak’ah, seven Takbirs are recited, followed by Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah.
   • After rising from the first prostration, the second Rak’ah begins with five additional Takbirs, followed by Tashahhud and then Salam.
     Women should follow the same method for the Eid prayer.
7. Listening to the Khutbah is Recommended:
   After the Eid prayer, delivering the Khutbah is Sunnah. It is recommended for the worshipers to listen to the Khutbah attentively before returning to their homes.

Sacrifice and Its Method:

After returning from the Eidgah, you should perform the sacrifice of the animal with your own hands. Even women can perform the sacrifice, and it is permissible for someone else to slaughter the animal.
The method of slaughtering the animal is as follows: First, ensure that you have a sharp knife. Then, lay the animal on its side, facing the Qibla, and while saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar,” swiftly cut the throat, including the windpipe and the jugular veins. Saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” while slaughtering is sufficient, but you may also say the following du’a:
“بِاسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرْ أَللهُمَّ هذا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ اَللھُم َّھذَا عَنِّيْ وَ عْن أهْلِ بَيْتِيْ”
Or you can recite this du’a as well, which is also proven:
“إنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَالسَّمَاْوَاتِ وَاْلأَرْضِ حَنِيْفًا وَمَاْأَنَاْمِنَ الْمُشْرِكِيْنَ، إِنَّ صَلاْتِيْ وَنُسُكِيْ وَمَحْيَاْيَ وَمَمَاتِيْ لِلّهِ رَبِّ اْلعَاْلَمِيْنَ، لَاْشَرِيْكَ لَه’وَبِذالِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَاْ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِيْنَ، بِاسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرْ أَللهُمَّ هَذا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ أَللهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّيْ ( وَمِنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِيْ)”

Time of Sacrifice:

There are four full days for sacrifice, so you can perform the sacrifice from the morning of Eid (Yawm al-Nahr) after the Eid prayer until before sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. The most virtuous time for sacrifice is on the day of Eid itself, as it is part of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. However, sacrifices can also be performed during the days of Tashreeq, whether day or night.

Cutting Hair and Nails:

After the sacrifice, you may cut your hair and nails. Those who offer the sacrifice abroad must also wait until their sacrifice is done before cutting their hair or nails; simply praying the Eid prayer is not sufficient. Some people who cannot afford the sacrifice refrain from cutting their hair and nails during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and they may cut them after the Eid prayer. Such people will still receive the reward of the sacrifice.

Exchanging Eid Greetings:

On Eid, the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) used to exchange Eid greetings. Therefore, after the Eid prayer, we should also exchange greetings with each other by saying “تقبل الله منا ومنك” (May Allah accept from us and from you).

Expressing Joy on Eid Day:

Eid is a day of happiness for Muslims, and on this day, we may express our joy within the permissible limits.

Things to Avoid on Eid al-Adha:

1. Buying New Clothes:
   If Allah has blessed you with wealth, it is a good practice to buy new clothes for yourself and your family on Eid. However, it is often observed that women, especially young girls, wear fashionable and excessively flashy clothes that promote exposure instead of modesty. Many girls also do heavy makeup and wear such clothes and jewelry, not only roaming around but also sharing their photos and videos among relatives, with many even posting them on social media. In this regard, guardians should ensure they buy appropriate clothing for women and prevent them from engaging in inappropriate behavior, as they will be accountable to Allah.
   
2. Shaving Beards or Trimming Hair Before Sacrifice:
   On Eid, many men, especially those who will perform the sacrifice, shave their beards or trim their hair in the excitement of preparing for Eid prayer. However, it is prohibited for those offering a sacrifice to cut their hair or nails before their sacrifice. This prohibition is often taken lightly, which is a serious mistake. Those who have done so should repent sincerely and avoid such actions in the future.
3. Giving Speeches Before Eid Prayer:
   Some people in certain communities give speeches before the Eid prayer, which is a clear violation of Sunnah. The Prophet (PBUH) would first perform the prayer and then give the sermon. Likewise, using loudspeakers to conduct communal dhikr in the Eidgah is also against the Sunnah. Individuals should recite Takbirs personally.
4. Rushing Home After Eid Prayer Without Listening to the Khutbah:
   Many people rush home immediately after the Eid prayer without listening to the khutbah, aiming to slaughter the animal quickly. This reduces the importance of the khutbah. Although the khutbah is Sunnah, it is wrong to leave without listening to it, as there is ample time for sacrifice during the days of Tashreeq.
5. Inappropriate Gathering in Public Places:
   On Eid, some Muslims gather in parks, entertainment areas, and beaches where there is a severe mix of men and women. Such places often display indecency and nakedness, and families go there to witness such exposure. This is an inappropriate and shameful practice. It is especially disturbing to see Muslim women wearing veils that offer minimal coverage and create more fitnah. In this matter, those responsible should be cautious and aware of the consequences.
6. Sacrificing Cows in Prohibited Areas:
   In some states in India, cows are slaughtered during Eid, but in many states, it is prohibited. Therefore, Muslims should avoid sacrificing cows in restricted or problematic areas, as extremists may seize the opportunity to cause harm. It is also important to be cautious when transporting meat from one place to another.
7. Neglecting the Poor in Distributing Meat:
   The meat of the sacrifice is often given to relatives who have also performed the sacrifice, but the real recipients should be those who did not have the means to offer the sacrifice. It is important to distribute meat to the poor and needy. Although you may give meat to relatives, do not forget the underprivileged. Decide to send meat to at least eight to ten poor families.
8. Lack of Cleanliness After Sacrifice:
   In communities where cleanliness is considered part of faith, the Eid al-Adha sacrifices often result in unclean and unsightly environments in Muslim areas. This is a very sad reality. We must correct this mistake and show ourselves as a clean and organized community. After performing the sacrifice, we should not leave waste around but should dispose of bones and remains in appropriate places.
9. Breaking Ties with Relatives:
   On Eid, many Muslims remain distant from relatives with whom they have broken ties, even on such an important day. Maintaining good family relations is essential, and on this Eid, let us forget past grievances and extend the hand of reconciliation and joy to all our relatives.