(1): ‘Eid-ul-Fitr,
(2): ‘Eid-ul-Adh-haa,
(3): Friday is the day of ‘Eid for Muslims [See ETIQUETTE OF MUSLIMS ON
FRIDAY:BY ‘ABDUL MAJEED ‘ALI HASAN]
These three Eids are exclusively for the Muslims, and that it is not permissible for Muslims to
imitate the kuffaar and mushrikeen in anything that is a distinctive part of their celebrations,
whether it be food, dress, bonfires or acts of worship.
THE DECREES OF AL-‘EID:
There are three opinions among the scholars:
(1): Some say it is waajib (obligatory);
(2): Some say it is Fardul Kifaayah (if some offered the prayer then it is enough and it is not
obligatory upon all); and
(3): Some say it is Sunnatul Muakkadah (recommended)
The evidence of those who say it is waajib:
Some of the scholars say that ‘Eid prayers are waajib (obligatory) – this is the view of the
Hanafee scholars and of Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah (may Allaah have mercy on him).
They say that the Prophet (!) always prayed the ‘Eid prayer and never omitted to do it, not
even once. They take as evidence the aayah (interpretation of the meaning), “Therefore turn
in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)” [al-Kawthar 108:2], i.e., the ‘Eid prayer
and the sacrifice after it, which is an instruction, and the fact that the Prophet (!) ordered that
the women should be brought out to attend the ‘Eid prayers, and that a woman who did not
have a jilbaab should borrow one from her sister. [See Tamaamul Minnah: by Al-Albaanee:
p.344. Refer to Al-Mughnaee by Imaam ibn Qudaamah: vol. 2, p. 223.]
The evidence of those who say it is Fardul Kifaayah: Some scholars say that Eid prayer is Fardul Kifaayah. This is the view of the Hanbalees. Refer to Al-Mughnaee by Imaam ibn
Qudaamah: vol. 2, p. 223.
The evidence of these who it is sunnatul Muakkadah: A third group say that ‘Eid prayer is sunnah mu’akkadah. This is the view of the Maalikis and Shaafa’is. They take as evidence
the hadeeth of the Bedouin which says that Allaah has not imposed any prayers on His slaves
other than the five daily prayers. Refer to Al-Mughnaee by Imaam ibn Qudaamah: vol. 2, p.
223.
