The ’Eed in Islaam – Its Meaning and Reality

eedmubarakImaam Muhammad Amaan Ibn ’Alee al-Jaamee (d.1417H) [1]

Allaah has legislated two ’Eed (days of festivities) for the Muslims in Islaam, and there is no third day.  So He legislated each ’Eed after a significant act of worship and a pillar from the pillars of Islaam.  One of them is ’Eedul-Fitr and the other is ’Eedul-Adhaa. [2]

As for ’Eedul-Fitr, then Allaah has legislated it to be upon the first day of the month of Shawwaal after completing the rites of fasting and night Prayer and other than those two forms of worship, from the types of acts that bring one closer to Allaah.  These are the acts of worship that bring the servant closer to Allaah in the blessed month of Ramadaan.  Allaah the Exalted has legislated fasting in this blessed month and He has made it a pillar from the pillars of the Religion of Islaam.  And Allaah has set aside for fasting a reward that He has not set aside for any other act of worship.  Therefore, the Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said in that which he narrated from his Lord, ‘Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said, ‘Every deed the son of Aadam does is for himself, except for fasting.  It is for Me and I will grant the reward for it.” And there occurs in the narration of al-Bukhaaree, “He abandons his food and his drink and his desires for My sake.” [3] So what a benevolent and significant connection this is!  “Except for fasting, since it is for Me.”  The connection shows the generosity and honour that Allaah has bestowed upon His fasting servant.  So the Lord the Exalted connects the deed of His servant to Himself the Mighty and Majestic and He informs that He will grant His servant the reward for it.  It is a reward whose excellence and benevolence cannot by accounted by anyone, except for Allaah the Glorified.  Indeed, He is the Bestower of Goodness, the Generous.

Indeed, it has been authentically reported from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that he said, “Whosoever fasts the month of Ramadaan with eemaan (faith in Allaah) and hoping for the reward of Allaah, then whatever has previously put forth of sins is forgiven.” [4] Likewise, it has been authentically reported from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi sallam) that he said, “Whosoever stands for Prayer on the night of al-Qadr (decree) out of eemaan and hoping for the reward of Allaah will have whatever has put forth of sins forgiven.” [5] So this is how Allaah has legislated the fast for us and how He has set aside the reward for it – the reward of those who observe patient perseverance.

Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [Sooratuz-Zumar 39:10]

Likewise, Allaah has legislated standing for Prayer during the nights of Ramadaan.  And it is a highly emphasized Sunnah established by the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).

And so, at the end of this tremendous blessing, Allaah has conferred upon His servants the legislation of ’Eedul-Fitr.  They break their fast after a month of fasting and they enjoy in it the good things that Allaah has made lawful for them.  And they go out to the place of Prayer with the most beautiful clothes that they have and they glorify Allaah the Exalted with the takbeeraat (i.e. saying Allaahu akbar) and they single Him out in worship and they praise Him and give Him thanks.  They do this until they have prayed the two units of the ’Eed Prayer.

So the ’Eedul-Fitr therefore, is a show of gratitude to Allaah the Exalted for this momentous blessing, which we have mentioned previously.  This is how the ’Eed is completed.  Then they leave from the place of Prayer after listening to the sermon which is delivered upon this magnificent occasion.  They leave and perhaps they are immersed in feelings of joy at the blessing of Allaah the Exalted.  Allaah has granted them the success to fast, so they fasted.  Allaah made the night Prayer easy for them, so they prayed it.  Then they offered the ’Eed Prayer as a show of gratitude to Allaah for this success and ease.

Yes, they leave the place of Prayer greeting one another with well wishes for the ’Eed.  This is how the ’Eed is concluded.  They follow up the fasts of Ramadaan with six supererogatory fasts in the month of Shawwaal.  Perhaps Allaah has decreed the fasting of six days in the month of Shawwaal in case of any shortcoming in the fasts of Ramadaan.  Rather, the one who fasts these six days is like one who has fasted for an entire lifetime.  The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever fasts for the month of Ramadaan and follows it up with the six days of Shawwaal is like one who has fasted for an entire lifetime.” [6] And this is so that people do not prolong the festivities of the ’Eed into extravagance and luxuriousness.

This is ’Eedul-Fitr and this is its meaning and its reality.  And Allaah knows best.

As for ’Eedul-Adhaa, then Allaah has legislated it for us after an act of worship, which, in reality, is Jihaad without fighting.  And it is the act of worship known as Hajj (pilgrimage) to the Sacred House of Allaah.  Indeed, this meaning has been authentically narrated from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in the hadeeth of ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa) collected by al-Bukhaaree when she asked the Messenger of Allaah, (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “Is there is Jihaad for the women?”  So he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “They have a Jihaad with no fighting: the Hajj and the ’Umrah.” [7]

And shortly before ending the rites of this tremendous act of worship – Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah – Allaah has legislated ’Eedul-Adhaa for His servants on the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah after Allaah conferred upon the pilgrims to His House that they would stop on the Day of ’Arafah humble, repentant and submissive.  And those who are not pilgrims fast on that day as worship.  This is the fast through which Allaah expiates whatever has occurred in the preceding year and in the year to come.  So it is a great ’Eed after a great day.  It is a day of gratitude to Allaah the Bestower of blessing and excellence for the reward He has granted for the Hajj and for fasting.

And in this day, the servants of Allaah draw closer to Allaah, regardless of whether they are pilgrims or not.  They perform the sacrifice so that the less fortunate and needy Muslims may eat from it after they themselves have eaten what is easy from it, in following the example of their Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and in gratitude to their Lord.  And they conclude this day and the three days that come after it with the remembrance of Allaah the Exalted along with partaking in the comforts and enjoyments of good things that Allaah has made lawful for them from foods and drinks and other good things from the blessings of Allaah that cannot be enumerated or counted.  This is how the lofty meanings and profound wisdom or the two ’Eeds of Islaam become apparent: ’Eedul-Fitr and ’Eedul-Adhaa.

As for these innovated gatherings which occur on various occasions, that some of the people have innovated after the passing the early virtuous generations for whom goodness was testified, then they have invented these gatherings and given them the title of ‘Islaamic celebrations.’  So these have nothing to do with Islaam at all.  Rather, they are newly invented matters and every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.

So after all of that, these places also include the intermingling of the genders and they are an arena of social corruption and amusement and diversion and drums and dancing and clapping.  They include these and other acts of al-Jaahiliyyah (pre-Islamic times of ignorance), which are known to one who is familiar with these celebrations.  And using the term, ‘Islaamic celebrations’ after all of that for these innovated gatherings is considered, in my view, a crime against Islaam.  And it is an affair that is not hidden from anyone with any insight or study into his Religion.  And from the examples of these innovated gatherings is: al-Mawlidun-Nabawee (celebration of the Prophet’s birthday) and gathering for the night of al-Israa‘ (the Prophet’s night journey) and gathering for the middle night of the month of Sha’baan.  Lastly, I add to this the other gatherings of Jaahiliyyah such as the ’Eed of al-Husayn and Zaynab and the ’Eed of al-Badawee and other than these two from the gatherings of Jaahiliyyah that Shaytaan has adorned for some people.  And it is with great regret that we see the common folk of the Muslims and those who are like the common folk being more energetic in the establishment of these gatherings than in the establishment of the obligatory acts of worship legislated in the Sharee’ah.  And Allaah is One from whom aid is sought.

Endnotes:

[1]: Taken from al-Majallatul-Buhoothil-Islaamiyyah, Volume 8, Issue 3, Dhul-Hijjah 1395H, corresponding to December 1975CE, Islamic University of al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah.

[2]: Translator’s Note: When the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) arrived at al-Madeenah, he found the people celebrating two days.  So he said, “Indeed, Allaah has exchanged these two days with two better days for you: the day of an-Nahr (sacrifice) and the day of al-Fitr (feast of breaking the Ramadaan fasts).”  Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1134), Aboo Ya’laa in his Musnad (no. 3841), Ahmad in his Musnad (3/178, 250), al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak (1/294), al-Bayhaqee (3/277) and al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah (no. 1098).  It was classified as Saheeh by al-Albaanee in Silsilatus-Saheehah (no. 2021).

[3]: Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 1894, 1904) and Muslim (no. 1151).

[4]: Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 34), Muslim (no. 1272), at-Tirmidhee (no. 618), an-Nasaa‘ee (no. 1592) and Ibn Maajah (no. 1631).

[5]: Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 1777), Muslim (no. 1273), at-Tirmidhee (no. 735), an-Nasaa‘ee (no. 2178) and Ibn Maajah (no. 1316).

[6]: Related by Muslim (no. 1164), Aboo Daawood (no. 2433), at-Tirmidhee (no. 759) and Ibn Maajah (no. 1716).

[7]: Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 2676), Ibn Maajah (no. 2896), Ahmad in al-Musnad (no. 23826).

Translation by Maaz Qureshi

The Patience of Prophet Ayyoob: A Reminder for the Muslim Suffering from Ailments

tayseerkareemAllaah the Glorified and Exalted says,

And remember Ayyoob, when he cried to his Lord: Verily distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a reminder for all who worships Us.” [Soorah al-Anbiyaa‘ 21:83-84]

Imaam ’Abdur-Rahman as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) – rahimahullaah – said,

“Meaning, remember Our slave and Messenger Ayyoob (’alayhis-salaam), praising him and revering him, (and) raising his station, when (Allaah) tested him with a severe test and thus found him remaining patient, being pleased with Him. (What occurred) is that Shaytaan had gained strength over his body as a trial and test from Allah. He (Shaytaan) blew into his body so he became full of ulcers. He remained this way a long period, and his ailment worsened and his family died and he lost his wealth. So he cried out to his Lord:

Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.

So he sought a means of nearness to Allaah (with supplication) by mentioning his condition, and that affliction has seized him greatly. And due to the expansive and vast mercy of his Lord, Allaah answered him and said,

“Strike the ground with your foot. This is (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink.” [Soorah Saad 38:42]

So he struck (the ground) with his foot and a cold spring gushed forth, so he washed therefrom and drank, so Allah cured him of his ailments.

(Allaah said),

…and We restored his family to him…

Meaning, We returned to him his family and his wealth.

(Allaah said),

…and the like thereof…

(Meaning), that Allaah bestowed upon him well-being, also an abundance of family and wealth.

(Allaah said),

…as a mercy from Ourselves…

(Meaning) upon him due to him having patience and being pleased (with what Allaah decreed), so Allaah gave him an immediate reward before the reward of the Hereafter.

(Allah said),

…and a reminder for all who worship Us…

Meaning, We have made it an admonition for the worshippers who benefit from practicing patience. If they look to the distress that afflicted Ayyoob (’alayhis-salaam) then how (Allaah) rewarded him after it left him, and (if) they look at the reason behind that, they will find that it was (because) of his patience. Due to this, Allaah praised his mention because of it in His statement,

Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to us).” [Soorah Saad 38:44]

So He made him an example (for the slaves) when calamities befall them.” [1]

Endnotes:
[1]: Taken from Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan (p. 613-614) of Imaam as-Sa’dee.

Translated by Abu Suhayl Anwar Wright, 19th of Ramadaan, 1435H

Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree’s Advice to the Salafees in the US 6/8/2014CE – Reflections upon the Hadeeth, “The Believer to the Believer is Like a Building.”

Listen below:

Summarized Translation by Abul-Hasan Malik @RahmaniyyahPub via Twitter

The Shaykh will discuss the hadith of the believers being like one body. From the Hadith in the Sahihayn.  He mentioned that the people of the Sunnah support and strengthen one another.  He mentioned that even with the great distance between us, our news reaches you and your news reaches us.  He mentioned that from the characteristics of the people of the Sunnah is Rifq.  The Shaykh mentioned that from the distinguishing characteristics of the Sunni: 1. they hasten to unite the word of the Muslims the Book and the Sunnah.  The Shaykh mentioned that the characteristics of the people of Sunnah are:

1. Rifq with Sunnis
2. Reminding his brothers.
3. Assisting their brothers.
4. Pointing out the heedlessness of the heedless, making them aware
5. He aids the one who has been transgressed against.

So that they can be one body, even if they are physically at a distance from one another.  If the Sunni finds that a Sunni has made a mistake opposing the book and the Sunnah, the mistake is refuted but his honor is preserved.  However if the mistake comes from an innovator the error is refuted and his honor is not protected.  The people of innovation speak in detail about sincerity, but are vague as it relates to following the Sunnah.  But the people of the Sunnah speak in detail about sincerity as well as following the Sunnah.  From the characteristics of the people of Sunnah is that they advise in that which is between them, so that the person can return.  From them: if someone causes fitnah amongst them they censure him and tell him to fear Allah.  If he returns then he is thanked, but if he is obstinate and persists, then they refute this one.  The word of the people of the Sunnah is one.  He mentioned that the Sunnis are together: one body, like a structure. They strengthen one another.  When a mistake is made by the Sunni in his speech and action, he is to be advised. If he accepts, praise is for Allah.  When the Sunnis warn against the obstinate one, it does not cause division, because their unity/separation is not based on personalities.  The Shaykh ended this with a supplication that Allah strengthen us.  And that Allah aids us in our call to Allah.  He said be patient and work together.  The Shaykh conveyed the Salaams and ended today’s tele-link.

May Allah bless our noble Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiri for giving his children here in the US and beyond such a great reminder and advice.

NEW AUDIO: Etiquette of Marriage and a Muslim Household Seminar with Umar Quinn

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NEW AUDIO: Kitab as-Sunnah Seminar in Chicago with Abul-Hasan Malik

Kitaab as-Sunnah Seminar in Chicago with Abul-Hasan Malik – A 5-Part Lecture Series covering the Kitaab as-Sunnah from Sunan Abee Daawood written by the Imām Abū Dāwūd as-Sijistānī [d. 275H] with explanation by Shaykh Aḥmad ibn Yaḥya al-Najmī [1429H] and authentication by the Imām Muḥammad Nāsir al-Dīn al-Albānī [d. 1420H].  Our brother Abul-Hasan Maalik reads through the first lessons of the Kitaab as-Sunnah, which he also translated and published on Rahmaniyyah Press, click the link to download the PDF of Kitaab as-Sunnah.

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Kitab as-Sunnah Seminar in Chicago with Abul-Hasan Malik