Ibn 'Abbass ( R ) narrated: When this verse {...and whoever among you witness this month then let them fast it ...} was revealed, then the old men and old women, who did not the ability to fast, the pregnant or breastfeeding women if they were fearful for themselves or the child, could eat in Ramadaan and feed one poor person for every day missed.

2. The old men and women who are not able to fast can also eat during Ramadaan and feed one poor person for every day missed.

16. 'EED-AL-FITR

"For every people there is a feast and this is our feast"said the Prophet (S) to Aboo Bakr (R). [Bukhaaree and Muslim]. "Our feast" has a great meaning for Muslims because it tells us that these are our own and derived from our Sharee'ah alone. Since holidays are usually based on religious traditions, it is very important that we demonstrate our celebrations with great joy and gathering to make us feel that they are our own, and to feel that they are different from the Mushriks' holidays. We do not celebrate Christmas, Hanuka or any other pagan festivals and our thanks are given to Allaah (T) alone.

The Prophet (S) has ordered us in numerous speeches to be different from the Mushrik's (pagans), and these two "Eeds" are among that the Prophet (S) wanted us to take special care of being different with them. That is why he said, after seeing that the people of Madeenah had two holidays which they celebrated before Islaam, " Allaah (S) has given you better than those (feasts): The 'Eed-al-Adhaa (Sacrificing) and the 'Eed- al-Fitr". [Ahmad, Aboo Dawood and Nasaa'ee].

The 'Eed-al-Adhaa comes after completing the "Hajj" (Pilgrimage) and the 'Eed-al-Fitr comes after the fasting in the month of Ramadaan. So it is not surprising that we must show and demonstrate our holidays ('Eed). Due to these clear facts, Muslim scholars put great emphasis on the concept of being different from the Mushrik in our ceremonies.

This is because ceremonies have great effect over the human mind and behaviour. Being different in our ceremonies means also that we must not participate in the Mushriks' ceremonies on their holidays. 'Umar (R) said: "Do not learn the language of the Mushriks - without a necessity- nor enter the churches of Mushriks on their festivals because the anger of Allaah descends on them."[Bayhaqee].

We, Muslims, may even fast on the Mushriks' holidays. Umm Salamah (R) said the Prophet (S) used to fast on Saturdays and Sundays, and when asked he said: They are two days of the Mushriks' holidays so I like to oppose them in their ceremonies " [Ahmad and Nasaaee]

To assess this concept of being different from the Mushriks, it is very important to say that: In order to be different in our ceremonies in the way the Prophet (S) wanted us to be, we must follow the Sunnah literally. That would give us the deeds of being true followers of the Prophet (S).

So if we want to be his followers we must be aware of Bid'ah in these ceremonies. Bid'ah comes at the expense of Sunnah which is replaced by it. Ibn Taymiyah says: "There is no place in the heart for both Sunnah and Bid'ah." [Al-Iqtidaa] .Allaah says (which means):

{Say - O Muhammad - If you really do love Allaah follow me, Allaah will love you.} [Aali-Imraan, 3:31]

We present to you, dear brothers and sisters, some of the Sunnahs of Eed so that you can try to implement them. Also presented are some of the Bid'ahs of Eed so that we can avoid them. It is of great importance to follow the Sunnah of Eed so we can truly say that our feasts are different from the Mushriks' feasts.

Sunnahs of 'Eed
1) It is Sunnah to dress in the best clothes we have on Eed. It was narrated that Ibn 'Umar used to do that along with other Companions of the Prophet (S). [Fath al-Baaree]
2) It is a must (Waajib) to pray Eed al-Fitr Prayer. The Prophet (S) and his Companions never ceased doing it, and they even gathered the people for it including women who were having their menses, children and the elderly. [Bukhaaree and Muslim]
3) It is Sunnah to eat dates before we leave for Eed prayer to show that we are not fasting. " The Prophet (S) used not to leave for Eed Prayer (except) after eating some dates." [Bukhaaree and Ahmad]
4) It is Sunnah to say Takbeer loudly when leaving our homes to go to Eed Prayer. The Prophet (S) used to say this until he finished the Prayer. [Silsilat Al-ahadeeth As-Sunnah]
5) There is no Hadeeth related to Rasoolullaah (S) as to what should be said when reciting Takbeer on the way to Prayer, but Ibn Mas'ood used to say the following: