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

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

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.

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups dry lentils
8 chicken or vegetable stock (homemade is best)
1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vinegar
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender.
Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour.
When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.

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Nutritional Lentil Soup

Ingredients 2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
6 chicken or vegetable stock (homemade is best)
1 cup red lentils
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 (19 ounce) can cannelloni beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon dried mixture of cloves and cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions
In large pot sauté; the onions, garlic, and ginger in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Add the water, lentils, chick peas, white kidney beans, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, clove, bits of cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne pepper and cumin. Bring to a boil for a few minutes then simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or longer, until the lentils are soft.
Puree half the soup in a food processor or blender. Return the pureed soup to the pot, stir and enjoy!
This is a highly balanced food with protein, minerals, and fiber.
Makes 6 plus servings

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Moroccan Lentil Soup

• 1 lb. lamb, cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup chopped celery and leaves
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup parsley and cilantro, chopped
• 1 2-lb. can of tomatoes, chopped
• salt
• 3/4 cup lentils
• 1 cup chickpeas (canned are fine)
• 1/4 cup fine soup noodles
• 2 eggs, beaten with the juice of 1/2 lemon

Put the lamb, spices, butter, celery, onion, and parsley/cilantro in a large soup pot and stir over a low heat for 5 minutes. Add the tomato pieces, and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes. Salt lightly. Add the juice from the tomatoes, 7 cups of water, and the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer for 2 hours.

When ready to serve, add the chickpeas and noodles and cook for 5 minutes. Then, with the soup at a steady simmer, stir the lemony eggs into the stock with a long wooden spoon. Continue stirring slowly, to create long egg strands and to thicken the soup. Season to taste.

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

1 – The Meaning of Qadr

Ibn Hajar said in ‘Fath al-Bari’ (4/323-324):

“There are various explanations of the meaning of the qadr that this night is ascribed to.

It was said that it means veneration, as in the verse: {“…and they didn’t venerate (qadar) Allah as He deserved…”} [al-An’am; 91] This refers to it being a night of veneration due to the revelation of the Qur’an taking place in it, or due to the descent of the Angels in it, or due to the blessing and mercy and forgiveness that descend in it, or that those who stay up that night in worship are venerated.

It was also said that qadr here means constriction, as in the verse: {“…and who is constricted (qadara) in his provision…”} [at-Talaq; 7] This refers to it being a night of constriction due to the exact night being hidden, or because the Earth is constricted due to the presence of such a large number of Angels.

It was also said that it is qadar, derived from the word for judgment. This refers to the fact that all the judgments of that year are made on this night…”

2 – Better than a Thousand Months

Ibn Kathir mentioned in ‘Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim’ (4/686) that Mujahid said:

“There was a man from the Children of Israel who would pray all night and then fight Jihad against the enemy all day, and he did this for a thousand months. Allah then revealed the verse: {“The Night of Qadr is better than a thousand months…”} So, praying on this night is better than the actions of that man.”

3 – The 27th Word

Ibn Kathir mentioned (4/690):

“…And it was reported that some of the Salaf used the Qur’an to conclude that it is on the 27th night because the word ‘هي’ (it is) is the 27th word in the chapter, and Allah Knows best.”

4 – Why the Exact Day Was Hidden

Ibn Hajar said (4/328):

“…This might have a benefit linked to legislation…or exertion in worship, because if the Night of Qadr was specified to be on an exact night, people would limit themselves to that night and miss out on the worship on other nights. It is as if this is what the Prophet meant when he said: “…this might be better for you.””

5 – Heavy for the Hypocrite

Ibn Kathir mentioned (4/692) that Ka’b al-Ahbar said:

“By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, the Night of Qadr is so heavy on the disbeliever and hypocrite that it feels like a mountain on his back.”

6 – What to Supplicate on the Night of Qadr

In ‘as-Silsilah as-Sahihah’ (3337), it’s reported that ‘A’ishah asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم): “If I happen to catch the Night of Qadr, how should I supplicate?”

He replied: “You should say:

اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعف عني

O Allah, You Pardon and Love pardoning. So, Pardon me.”

7 – In the Shade of the Night of Qadr

It was said:

“…This night is better than thousands of months in the lives of human beings. How many thousands of months and years have passed by without leaving in our lives the changes that this single blessed, joyous night leaves us? The might of this night is such that its reality transcends the limits of human comprehension: {“And what will make you understand what the Night of Qadr is?”}

On that night, every wise judgment was made. Values, principles, and scales were laid down. Ordainments were made that surpassed that of individuals: ordainments for nations, countries, and peoples. In fact, it is even greater and mightier than this: ordainment of realities and hearts!

Humankind has become heedless – due to its ignorance and disconnection – of the value of the Night of Qadr and the reality and significance of this event. Since the time that it became heedless of this, it has been deprived of the most joyous and beautiful gifts from Allah. It lost the true happiness and peace – the peace of mind, and peace in the home and society – that Islam granted it. This cannot be replaced by the material bounty, civilization, and power that it has been given. It is in a bad state despite the outpouring of production and high standards of living it possesses!

This direct connection between the memory of the Night of Qadr and praying at night out of faith and expectation of reward is just one aspect of this sound and successful Islamic method…”

8- The Signs of the Night of Qadr.
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, described the morning of the night of Qadr so that we would have an idea as to what this night actually is.

Ubayy, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “On the morning of the night of Qadr the sun would rise without any beams; (it is like) a wash basin until it raises.” [Muslim]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “We mentioned the night of Qadr to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, and he said: “Which of you remembers when the moon rises and it is like half a bowl.” [Muslim]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him, said: “The night of Qadr is a night of generosity and happiness, it is not hot and neither is it cold. The sun comes up in its morning weak, reddish.” [Tabaranee, Ibn Khuzaimah and Bazzaar]

–
Abdurrahmann Murad
Imam/Director of Dar al-Madinah Islamic Society