Eid has been announced for Friday 6th June 2025
What to do for the days of Dhul Hijjah
There are certain recommended acts that are encouraged during the first eight days of Dhul Hijjah, as well as recommended actions for the following few days.
As the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are virtuous days, the reward of doing good in these days is also multiplied.
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Then some companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.86]
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Reading the Qur’an
There is reward for reciting each letter of the Qur’an
Narrated Muhammad bin Ka’b Al-Qurazi: “I heard ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud saying: ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “(Whoever recites a letter) from Allah’s Book, then he receives the reward from it, and the reward of ten the like of it. I do not say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.” [Al Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2910]
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Giving Charity
Giving charity is extremely beneficial.
O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.) [2:254]
Believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah’s Way), theirs will be a great reward. [57:7]
Abu Hurayrah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “If one give in charity what equals one date-fruit from the honestly earned money –and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money –Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much so that it becomes as big as a mountain. [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.491]
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Fasting is recommended
It is recommended to fast during the first nine days as they are very virtuous days. (The following narration may not be authentic, but the general goodness of this month is sufficient to do this rewardable action of fasting)
Abu Hurayrah relates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer Salatul Tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [Al Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith 758]
Hunaydah ibn Khalid narrated from his wife on the authority of one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, Ashura’ and three days of every month, that is, the first Monday (of the month) and Thursday. [Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2431]
Hafsah narrated that there were four things the Prophet (ﷺ) never omitted: fasting on Ashura’, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and three days every month, and praying two rak’ahs before dawn. [Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 2070, Nasa’i transmitted it]
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Dhikr and Supplications (Subhaan Allah, Al-hamdu Lillaah, Allahu akbar, La ilaha ill-Allah)
The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded us to recite a lot of tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allah”), tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”), takbeer (“Allahu akbar”) and tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”) during this time.
Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” [Reported by Ahmad, 7.224]
These supplications should be read loudly by men, but quietly by women.
“That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28]
The majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father): “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah).”
Al-Bukhari said, “Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the ten days and say Takbeer, and the people would say takbeer when they said takbeer.’’ [Tafseer ibn Katheer]
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Seeking Repentance
It is also a good idea to seek repentance during this time, because of the virtues of this time. Repentance should be made at all good times, but the opportunity to seize upon it now should not be missed. Similar to people making new year’s resolutions, except that the resolution is not just for the sake of a resolution, it is rather for the pleasure of Allah.
Fasting on the day of Arafah: The ninth day
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The day of Arafah is specifically singled out as a day for fasting
Fasting on the day of Arafah is specifically singled out as a day that the prophet (ﷺ) used to fast upon. This is only for those people that are not on Hajj.
Hunaydah ibn Khalid narrated from his wife on the authority of one of the wives of the Prophet (ﷺ) who said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, Ashura’ and three days of every month, that is, the first Monday (of the month) and Thursday. [Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2431]
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Fasting on the day expiates for sins of the previous and coming year
The reward for fasting on the Day of Arafah is the expiation of sins for the previous year and the year to come.
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of ‘Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it.” [Sahih Muslim Hadith 2602]
In this article we have outlined the sunnahs of Eid and how we should conduct ourselves – Eid Mubarak in advance!
About the Day of Eid ul Adha: The tenth day
Eid ul Adha, first and foremost is a day of worship. It is also a day of festivity and merriment.
It was narrated that ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘The Day of ‘Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice and the Days of al-Tashreeq [the three days following the Day of Sacrifice] are a festival for us Muslims, and they are days of eating and drinking.’” [Al Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith 773]
Nubayshah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: We forbade you to eat their meat for more than three days in order that you might have abundance; now Allah has produced abundance, so you may eat, store up and seek reward. Beware, these days are days of eating, drinking and remembrance of Allah, Most High. [Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2807]
It is recommended to perform a full bath (ghusl) on the morning of Eid. New or best clothes should be worn, but women must ensure that they are properly covered in public
It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. [Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756]
So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid. With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.
On Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah (sacrifice) if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.
People should perform the Eid prayer in a central location. Women are also encouraged to go to the Eid prayer.
Umm Atiyya said: We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and veiled women in the religious gatherings and invocation of Muslims on the two ‘Id festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla. A woman asked, “O Allah’s Messenger ‘ What about one who does not have a veil?” He said, “Let her share the veil of her companion.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 1.347]
(The Hanafis however do not recommend that women go out to the Eid prayer based upon the potential problems.)
The person should recite their supplications of the Tahleel, (La illaaha illa Allah), Tahmeed, (Alhamdulillah), Tasbeeh, (Subhaanallah) and Takbeer, (Allahu Akbar) until the Imam comes out.
The Eid Prayer is a two unit prayer with extra takbeers followed by a khutba (sermon). Details on how to perform the prayer are at the end of this article.
The prophet would follow a different route home.
Jabir bin Abdullah said: On the Day of Eid the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.102]
It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad.
Because Eid is a time for celebration, it is customary to invite and share the feast with family and make merry, but in a halaal way that does not impinge upon the forbidden. Children should be given money and gifts to keep them happy and to make it feel like a celebration.
The period of Eid ul Adha includes the Days of tashreeq, which is the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah, and according to some views the 13th as well.
Performing the Sacrifice on the Tenth Day
If one is able, then it is recommended to sacrifice an animal. The sacrificial animal is from the realm of cattle, and is slaughtered by those who are performing the Hajj pilgrimage and those who are not. It is necessary for those performing the pilgrimage, but recommended for those who are not performing it.
Al Bara’ ibn Aazib narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.453]
The best is a camel, then a cow, then a sheep, then a share of a camel, and then a share of a cow.
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for Jumu’ah prayer) they (i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the khutba.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 2.51]
Aisha narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to Aisha: Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Ummah of Muhammad”. [Sahih Muslim Hadith 4845]
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), a man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and his household, and they would eat some and give some to others.” [Al Jami’ al-Tirmidhi Hadith 1505] (Sahih)
The camel or the cow can be shared by seven.
Jabir ibn Abdullah said: In the year of Hudaybiyyah (6 A.H.), we, along with Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), sacrificed a camel for seven persons and a cow for seven persons. [Sahih Muslim Hadith 3024]
The time of slaughtering is after the Eid prayer. Anyone who sacrifices it before then, must repeat the sacrifice.
Anas bin Malik narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.454]
Jundub bin Sufyan Al Bajali narrated that once during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) we offered some animals as sacrifices. Some people slaughtered their sacrifices before the (Eid) prayer, so when the Prophet finished his prayer, he saw that they had slaughtered their sacrifices before the prayer. He said, “Whoever has slaughtered (his sacrifice) before the prayer, should slaughter (another sacrifice) in lieu of it; and whoever has not yet slaughtered it till we have prayed; should slaughter (it) by mentioning Allah’s Name.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.408]
The sheep should also be a year old.
Al Bara bin Azib narrated that his uncle called Abu Burda, slaughtered his sacrifice before the Eid prayer. So Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said to him, “Your (slaughtered) sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).” Abu Burda said, “O Allah’s Messenger! I have got a domestic kid.” The Prophet said, “Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will not be permissible for anybody other than you” The Prophet added, “Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before the (Eid) prayer, he only slaughtered for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he offered his sacrifice properly and followed the tradition of the Muslims.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.463]
The meat should be eaten, given to friends and family or stored for later use.
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) having said: O people of Medina do not eat the flesh of sacrificed animals beyond three days. Ibn al-Muthanna said: Three days. They (the Companions of the Prophet) complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that they had children and servants of theirs (to feed), whereupon he said: Eat, and feed others, and store, and make it a provision of food. [Sahih Muslim Hadith 4861]
The prohibition to finish the meat in three days was later abrogated.
Buraydah ibn al-Hasib narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: I forbade you to visit graves, but you may now visit them; I forbade you to eat the flesh of sacrificial animals after three days, but you may now keep it as along as you feel inclined; and I forbade you nabidh except in a water-skin, you may drink it from all kinds of water-skins, but you must not drink anything intoxicating. [Sahih Muslim Hadith 2131]
Many organisations collect the money and arrange for a sacrifice in a poorer region of the world.
The one commissioning the sacrifice should avoid cutting hair and nails until the sacrifice has been done. This is similar to those in ihram performing the Hajj. (They can be cut if there is a dire need). According to Shafi’ie, Malik and Abu Hanifa, it is disliked according to the circumstance.
Umm Salamah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut). [Sahih Muslim Hadith 4869]
The view that is disliked is taken because of another narration in which the prophet (peace be upon him) sent his sacrifice to be slaughtered in Makkah whilst he was in Madina and did not refrain from anything.
Aisha said: I twisted the garlands of the Hadis (i.e. animals for sacrifice) of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) with my own hands. Then Allah’s Messenger put them around their necks with his own hands, and sent them with my father (to Mecca). Nothing legal was regarded illegal for Allah’s Messenger till the animals were slaughtered. [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.510]
Thus they reconciled both ahadeeth to suggest it was disliked.
The significance of the Eid ul Adha and the Sacrifice
Eid ul adha is a commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibraheem (as). The day of Eid ul Adha is based around the sacrifice that was made by Ibraheem (as) as commanded by Allah.
And he said (after his rescue from the fire): “Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!” “My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’ Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinun Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. [37:99-111]
The story is about the gift of a child given to Ibraheem in his old age and the joy that came with it. Allah then commands him to sacrifice this son and Ibraheem duly complies. When sacrificing, Allah replaces the son with a ram, and commanded that to be a sign for generations to come.
The commemoration is not simply about a sacrifice, but an indication for the believers to make sacrifices for the sake of Allah in what they love, taking the example of Ibraheem (as) who was willing to sacrifice the one things that he loved so much – his son.
Say (O Muhammad ): “Verily, my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). [6:162]
The Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is prayer behind an Imam similar to jumu’ah except that the Khutbah (speech) is after the prayer and there are extra takbeers in the two- unit prayer. The prayer can be done in different ways and we have listed below the different methods of performing it, but it is necessary to follow the imam.
The Hanafi Method
As for the way we will be performing the Eid prayers it will be as such:
After the first takbeer the hands are folded and thanaa is recited.
Then there are three other takbeers for which the hands are raised and left loose at the sides for the first two and hands folded on the third one.
The ta’awwudh, bismillah and al-Faatiha are recited as normal, followed by rukoo and sujood.
The second rak’at is as normal until the al-Faatiha and surah, after which there are three additional takbeers with hands loose at the sides, before the fourth takbeer to go into rukoo.
The rest of the prayer as is done normally.
As this year Eid falls on a Friday, according to some views (amongst the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools), there is a concession for those travelling large distances for the prayer not to attend the Jumu’ah prayer if they have already made the journey for the Eid prayer. However, it is agreeable that it is better to attend and attain the reward for jumu’ah if one is able to.
Families welcome – ladies hall will be available for women but as with all halls, this will be subject to capacity.
The management and volunteers of Islamic Centre Edgware wish you and your families a blessed Eid!