1. Doing ghusl before going out to the prayer.
It was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth in al-Muwatta and elsewhere that Abd-Allaah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of al-Fitr before going out to the prayer-place in the morning. Al-Muwatta 428.
Al- Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said that the Muslims were unanimously agreed that it is mustahabb to do ghusl for Eid prayer.
The reason why it is mustahabb is the same reason as that for doing ghusl before Jumuah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.
2. Eating after the prayer on Eid al-Adha
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 if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.
3. Prepare all clothes, maps, etc. one day in advance
Looking for the map of how to get to the Eid prayer area once you are in the car headed there is not a good idea. You may discover its missing with time running out. Thats why you need to check that you have all the necessary information about how to reach your destination one day in advance.
Similarly, all clothes should be ironed the night before, since there may not be time the day of Eid, or there may be too much of a rush for the iron.
Setting the Eid table should also be done in advance, especially considering its Eid and you want the table to look nice. Its hard to do that when you're in a rush to get to Eid prayers on time.
4. Share childrens responsibilty
Decide which kids will go with which parent the day before Eid prayers. Too often, fathers dump the entire responsibility for taking care of the children on mothers shoulders. The situation often becomes unmanageable as moms may not be able to watch all of the kids. Fathers need to take some of this responsibility.
One way of doing this is by separating the siblings who fight the most. Another is by keeping the girls with mom and the boys with dad. Every family is unique so parents will have to decide how to split up the kids. Regardless of how its done, the point is to reduce disruption for parents and for others and to keep the kids in tow.
5. Talk to the kids about proper behavior
Explain to them before going that while Eid is a time of happiness, fun and celebration, it is not appropriate to run, jump, shout and play hide-and-seek with other kids at the prayer place. Throw in an enticing reward (i.e. a promise to go out for ice cream or the park later that day if they behave) may also encourage kids to save the fun and games for after prayers.(keep in mind the promised reward should be fulfilled later on)
Also explain that they must sit still and be quiet during the explanation of the prayer, during the prayer they should do act what others are doing and the Khutbah that follows they should remain quiet. Advise them to whisper in Mommy or Daddys ear if they need anything and must talk to them.
6. Take a bag to put your shoes in
This way, you can freely move around if necessary to straighten up your line in prayer, since you wont be worrying about where you have put your shoes.
7. Take your Musallas with you to pray
Although arrangements are usually made to have a sheet or paper to pray on, encourage everyone in your family to bring their own, just in case.
8. Say the Takbirat in the car (during travelling)
In particular, have the younger kids lead it with everyone else following. This way, their energy and excitement will dissipate and they won't be so hyper at the Eid prayer place.
9 Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.
It was narrated that Jaabir ibn Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 986.
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.
10. Go in the first line of prayer
For men, this is the best place to be if you want to catch the Imams explanation of prayers, his Khutbah, as well as any other announcements.
Sadly, its also the place where there is a greater chance prayer lines will be straight (things just start to deteriorate further down in the back).This is a tendency in both the men and womens sections.
11. Be quiet while the Imam is explaining how to pray
If Maryam, a new Muslim sister, is trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer, she cant exactly do that if Hafsa on her right is gabbing incessantly with her friends. Out of respect for others, we should be silent or at least whisper if necessary so we dont disturb others who are trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer.
12. Straighten your lines in prayer
Make sure to stand shoulder to shoulder and in straight lines facing the Qibla for the Eid prayer.
13. Be quiet during the Khutbah
After the Eid prayer, the Imam will give a brief Khutbah. It is highly encouraged to stay and listen to it. Even if we do have to get up and leave, we should do so as quietly as possible so as not to disturb those who are listening.
14. Greet those whom you know and those you dont
Say Salam and hug the person next to you once the Khutbah is over. Isnt it ironic that we stand so physically close to someone in prayer (shoulder to shoulder) but completely ignore them once its over? Hug your prayer neighbor and at least wish them Eid Mubarak.
Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that a man once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what aspect of Islam was the best, and he said: You should provide food, and greet both those you know and those you do not (Bukhari, Muslim).
15. Contribute to the arrangement of the Eid prayers
Some places may pass around a box or bag seeking donations to cover the cost of renting the Eid prayer place. Give generously, since it normally costs thousands of dollars and the more the Muslim community gives, the faster Eid prayer organizers can pay back the amount.
But this should be given either before the imam starts the khutbah or after the eid prayers.
16. Get the family to help out with clean up
See if the family can volunteer to help clean up the prayer area after everyone has left. This is also a time when you may see Muslims who dont have family in the community or are new Muslims. Greet them and invite them over or at least inform them of any upcoming Eid activities.
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