Eid is the festival held by Muslims to celebrate the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, where Muslims fast between dawn and dusk every day for 29 or 30 days.
Known as Eid ul-fitr, which means ‘Feast of breaking of the fast’, it falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal (10th month) in the Islamic calendar.
Muslims are expected to undertake certain obligations before going to Eid, at Eid and after Eid, some of which are listed by the renowned scholar and Vice-Chancellor, Ahman Pategi University, Kwara State, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji.
He said: “There are many essential things to do before going to Eid, at Eid, and after Eid. For those necessary things to do before Eid, we can focus on just five, which are adequate.
“One, before attending the Eid-ul-fitr prayer, a Muslim must ensure he has paid his Zakatul Fitr. It is compulsory for every adult Muslim to observe this responsibility for himself and his dependants. It has to be paid latest before Eid.
“Two, wake early, take a bath. Even if a person wouldn’t ordinarily take his bath daily, Islam compels him to do so before going for Eid.
“Three, wear new or clean clothes. Men are to use good perfume and look nice. Eid-ul-fitr is just once in a year! Women are not allowed to wear perfume when going out.
“Four, eat something light, preferably dates in odd numbers, before setting out for the Eid prayer ground. It is sunnah or the practice of the Prophet (SAW) to do so.
“Five, after Subh prayer in the mosque and till the point of getting to the Eid prayer ground, Muslims should praise Allah and recite Takbir thus: “Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar. Wa lillahil hamd.” Men can raise their voices while women are to recite theirs silently.
“The day of Eid is a day of blessings and Muslims are expected to embrace people with open hearts; inspire others with impressive attitude and distribute good to all. That’s the spirit of the season,” he said.
Chief Imam, Adangba Central Mosque, Idimu Lagos, Fadilat Sheikh Sulaimon Adangba also said Eid is the celebration of success on the completion of the 29/30 days fast.
“Two days before Eid, a Muslims must observe his Zakatul Fitr. It is the act of giving alms of food to the needy in a bid to cleanse the little mistakes you committed while observing the fasting in the month. It is also an act to make the Eid day free of sadness or misery of want.
“Also, Muslims should eat very early on the day so as to be able to withstand the long standing in the prayers of the day. He should dress well and spray a good perfume. He should tow a different path to the Eid and a different path back while chanting the praises of Allah to and fro.
“It is also very important for the Muslim to wait and listen to the Khutbah (sermon) before returning home from Eid praying ground.” He stated.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sunday-magazine/what-to-do-before-going-to-eid/