Dar al-Madinah Sisters

Etiquette of Eid
What are the Sunnahs and etiquettes that we should act in accordance with on the day of Eid?.

Praise be to Allaah.

The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:

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 Jumu’ah and other public gatherings. Rather on Eid the reason is even stronger.

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha:

Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik, who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used not to go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… of which he would eat an odd number. Al-Bukhaari, 953.

It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended.

Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) suggested that the reason for that was so as to ward off the possibility of adding to the fast, and to hasten to obey the command of Allaah. Al-Fath, 2/446

Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that is permissible.

But 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 – Takbeer on the day of Eid

This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]

It was narrated that al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer out loud on the two Eids. They said, Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it out loud on the day of al-Fitr until the imam came out (to lead the prayers).

It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/

Al-Daaraqutni and others narrated that on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, Ibn ‘Umar would strive hard in reciting takbeer until he came to the prayer place, then he would recite takbeer until the imam came out.

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121

Saying takbeer when coming out of one’s house to the prayer place and until the imam came out was something that was well known among the salaf (early generations). This has been narrated by a number of scholars such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, ‘Abd a l-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi in Ahkaam al-Eidayn from a group of the salaf. For example, Naafi’ ibn Jubayr used to recite takbeer and was astonished that the people did not do so, and he said, “Why do you not recite takbeer?”

Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to say, “The people used to recite takbeer from the time they came out of their houses until the imam came in.”

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins on the first day of Dhu’l-Hijjah and lasts until sunset on the last of the days of tashreeq.

Description of the takbeer:

It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).

It was also narrated elsewhere by Ibn Abi Shaybah with the same isnaad, but with the phrase “Allaahu akbar” repeated three times.

Al-Mahaamili narrated with a saheeh isnaad also from Ibn Mas’ood: “Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbaru kabeera, Allaahu akbar wa ajallu, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is Most Great indeed, Allaah is most Great and Glorified, Allaah is Most Great and to Allaah be praise).” See al-Irwa’, 3/126.

4 – Offering congratulations

The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, “May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you.” Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.

Offering congratulations was something that was well known among the Sahaabah, and scholars such as Imam Ahmad and others allowed it. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on.

Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims.

The least that may be said concerning the subject of congratulations is that you should return the greetings of those who congratulate you on Eid, and keep quiet if others keep quiet, as Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If anyone congratulates you, then respond, otherwise do not initiate it.

5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that ‘Umar took a brocade cloak that was for sale in the market and brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and adorn yourself with it for Eid and for receiving the delegations.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, “Rather this is the dress of one who has no share (of piety or of reward in the Hereafter)…” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 948.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.

It was narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had a cloak which he would wear on the two Eids and on Fridays. Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1756,

Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid.

So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.

With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.

6 – 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.

And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

*Mustahabb means  recommended actions

Eid Prayer will be held at Scottish Cultural Centre at 9am sharp, located at 8886 Hudson Street, Vancouver, BC

Check daralmadinah.com Wednesday (Sept 8th) night for moon sighting announcement…

Assalamu Alaikum

Masjid Omar al-Farooq (Dar al-Madinah Islamic Society) is now open… Alhumdulillah!

Taraweeh Announcement
RAMADHAN MUBARAK!
Due to the on going construction at Masjid Al-Farooq, the Taraweeh Prayer will be held at the Masjid starting Friday, August 13, 2010, Insha Allah. Please check our website for updates.

RAMADHAN MUBARAK! Based on the Global Moon Sighting, Insha Allah tomorrow is the FIRST day of Ramadhan. Due to the construction at Masjid Al-Farooq, the Taraweeh Prayers will not be held at the Masjid until further notice.

Double Mushroom Barley Soup

Recipe by: Lorna Sass, Great Vegetarian Cooking Under Pressure

18 minutes high pressure

2 teaspoons water

1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

2 cups coarsely chopped onions or thinly sliced leeks (white and light green parts)

6 cups boiling vegetable stock, approximately (or beef stock)

1/2 cup pearl barley

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced or quartered

Generous 1/2 cup (1/2 ounce) sliced dried mushrooms, soaked if necessary [shiitakes are great]

1 large carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

2 large celery ribs, diced

1 large bay leaves

1 1/2 tablespoons dried dill, approximately

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Heat the water in the cooker. Cook the garlic and onions over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the stock, barley, fresh and dried mushrooms, carrots, celery, bay leaves, dill, and salt and pepper.

Lock the lid in place. Over high heat, bring to high pressure. Lower the heat just enough to maintain high pressure and cook for 18 minutes. Allow the pressure to come down naturally or use a quick-release method. (Set the cooker under cold running water if you experience any sputtering while quick-releasing the pressure.) Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any excess steam to escape.

Discard the bay leaves and add a bit more dried dill, salt, salt and pepper if the flavors need a boost. The soup will thicken considerably upon standing. Thin it to the desired consistency with additional vegetable stock.

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Beef soup recipe with barley and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb stew beef
• 1 soup bone
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 large tomatoes, peeled chopped
• 1/2 green pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (approx. 14.5 ounces) stewed tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked
• 1 cup sliced okra, cooked
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• salt & pepper

Preparation:

Place beef, soup bone, water, onion, tomatoes, green pepper, garlic, and stewed tomatoes in pressure cooker. Close cover securely. Place pressure regulator on vent pipe. Cook for 20 minutes. Let pressure drop on its own. Remove soup bone then add remaining ingredients. Close cover securely. Place pressure regulator on vent pipe. Cook until cook pressure, 15 pounds, is reached, then remove cooker from heat and let cool. Let pressure drop on its own.
Serves 4 to 6.

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Moroccan Lentil Soup

Serves 4

Pressure Cooker Recipes
Directions:

Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and sauté the onion and garlic for a minute (onion should be soft but not brown).  Add the spices and sauté for another minute.  Add the bell pepper, carrot, tomato and lentils.  Add enough water (or stock for a richer  soup) to completely cover the lentils.

Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure under medium heat, then lower heat and cook for suggested time.  Allow pressure to drop by the quick release method  or automatic release method and remove the lid.  Add salt as neccessary.  Serve in bowls, with a squeeze of lime juice on top, and bread on the side.

Suggested time:  Cook for 8-10 minutes on high pressure.

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Moroccan Red Lentil Soup

Serves 4

Pressure Cooker Recipes
Directions:

Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and sauté the onion and garlic for a minute (onion should be soft but not brown).  Add the celery and cook for a few minutes until softened.  Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the other spices, and sauté for another minute.  Add tomato paste, potatoes, lentils and water.

Lock the lid in place and bring to pressure, then lower heat and cook for suggested time.  Allow pressure to drop by the quick release method or automatic release method  and remove the lid.  Stir in other teaspoon of salt, wheat berries and tomatoes, and heat through. Garnish with cilantro.

Suggested time:  Cook for 5-7 minutes on high pressure.

http://nurturingislam.blogspot.com/2010/07/first-support-meeting.html

Assalamu Alaykum,

Nurturing Islam Support Network (NISN) is a new organization serving the Lower Mainland. NISN provides support services to women establishing Islam in their lives and is open to women of all backgrounds.

nurturingislam@gmail.com

Sincere Advice to my beloved sisters…….

Allah (swt) says (what means), O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you, as it was on those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.

We are now in the last ten days….nights of Ramadan… I question myself and all of you: have we tried to attain Taqwa in the first 20 days of Ramadan? Now we have less than 10 nights and days of our beloved month Ramadan to seek forgiveness and look toward Allaah to attain piety, taqwa and to sincerely ask Him to keep us on the siratul mustaqeem.

Many of us spend our days in the kitchen worried more about what we are going to fill our and our families’ stomachs with. Let us put down or at least minimize our kitchen duties and focus for these last ten nights.

Let us seek out the greatly anticipated Laylat ul Qadr……

Let us strive to stand up in Qiyam al Layl during these nights as it was reported by:

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), will have all of his/her previous sins forgiven.” Al-Bukhari and Muslim

We should also make a lot of dua’ during these last nights… Seeking Allaahu Subhana wa ta’Ala’s forgiveness.

`A’ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say:”Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me.” Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Authenticated by Al-Albani

We have let the first 20 days and nights pass us….now we have just these limited amount of nights left. We should, if we haven’t done so already, leave our worldly desires and refrain from those things that we let waste our precious time throughout the year.

`A’ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported:

“When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family.” Al-Bukhari and Muslim

My dear beloved sisters we have just these nights to prepare us and give us a solid foundation for the rest of the year. Let us focus and give this time truly to Allaah and protecting our selves through repentance and let us truly attain the Taqwa that Allaahu subhana wa ta’Ala has promised to us in this blessed month.