Eid Prayers

Eid Prayers

"Eid" marks the end of a month long fasting period during the month of Ramadan. This festival is neither celebrated in honor of a great person nor is related to end or beginning of a prosperous period. It is solely observed with the intention to thank God for bestowing this life and giving the endurance to abstain oneself from the luxuries of the materialistic world. After Muslims cleans their mind, body and soul during the fasting period, they enjoy the festive day of Eid with full energy and gaiety.

The full name of Eid celebrated at the end of the month of Ramadan is 'Eid-Ul-Fitr'. It has a unique set of prayers offered in a different manner than usual Friday prayers. After an early bath, Muslims wear new clothes and gather at Mosque. To start with, the right method of offering prayers to Allah is described. Mustahab starts offering prayers reciting two Khutbahs.

The prayers uttered goes like this:

"Allaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Laa Ilaaha Illallaah Wallaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Wa lillaahil Hamd. Alhamdulillah Alaa Maa Hadaanaa Walahu Shukr Alaa Maa Aulana."

In the aforementioned prayers, Muslims affirm their love for Allah, express their gratitude towards him and praise him. This prayer include two Rakats. A resolution is required before Rakats, which says "Main Niyyat karta hoon do Rakat, Namaz mein Zaied chche Takbeeron ke" (I decide to offer two Rakats for Namaz-e-Eid). Then the ritual of Takbir is performed. This is followed by Dua-e-qunoot, Ruku and lastly Sajda. The same process is repeated while uttering the second Rakat. After Namaz is completed, Imam delivers a sermon in Arab language, which contains teachings of Allah.

These rituals and devoted offerings to Allah have more importance than the elaborate and extravagant celebrations. But the fun and frolic environment cannot be missed even after the rituals are over. The prayers from Namaz are followed by feast and get-together among loved ones.