IDUL-FITR AND IDUL AD’HA: THE FESTIVALS OF ISLAM

1. When does the Idul Fitr come about? 
Idul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal.

2. What does the word ‘Idul Fitr’ mean? 
It means the Festival of Breaking the Fasts of Ramadan.


3. What do the Muslims generally do, on the 29th of Ramadan, after breaking the fast?
They cast searching looks into the sky to sight the crescent of the month of Shawwal so that they can prepare themselves for celebrating Idul Fitr.

4. Where is the Salatul Id usually held? Why? 
Salatul Id is usually held in open so that thousands of Muslims - men, women and children - may pray at a time.


5. Are the Azan and the Iqamah delivered for the Salatul Id? 
No, the Azan and the Iqamah are not delivered for the Salatul Id.


6. How many Rak’ahs does the Salatul Id consist of? 
The Salatul Id consists of two Rak’ahs.


7. What does the Khatib do when the service of the two Rak’ahs is complete?
When the service of the two Rak’ahs is complete, the Khatib delivers a sermon.


8. Are there any seats reserved in al-Musalla for important people? 
As Islam is based on equality of mankind, there are no seats reserved in al-Musalla for important people.


9. What should one do when the Khatib delivers the sermon? 
One should listen to the sermon attentively.

10. Why do the festive days of Idul Fitr and Idul Adha pass through all the seasons? 
It is because Muslims follow the lunar calendar which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by elevens days.


11. When does the time for Salatul Id start? 
The time for Salatul Id starts when the sun has risen and moved through the sky as high as the length of one spear above the horizon.


12. Is it Makruh to offer Nawafil in al-Musalla? Why? 
Yes, it was not the way of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم


13. How should one prepare oneself for Salatul Id in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم? 
Following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم the following things should be carried out: 1. To take a bath 2. To clean the teeth with miswak. 3. To put on one’s best clothes, use perfumes, and to do everything to look smart and neat. 4. To eat dates in an odd number before starting for the Idul Fitr prayer, and to eat nothing before going for the Idul Adha prayer. 5. To approach al-Musalla through one way and return through another way. 6. ]To pronounce the Takbir on the way in an undertone.


14. What is the Zakatul Fitr? 
Zakatul Fitr means purifying dues paid on ending the fasts of the month of Ramadan.


15. Is it binding on every Muslim to pay the Zakatul Fitr? 
Yes, it is binding on every Muslim to pay the Zakatul Fitr.


16. How much should one pay for the Zakatul Fitr? In what various forms can it be paid? How much does a Sa’ usually measure? 
For every member of the family one Sa’ of dates or barley should be offered as Zakatul Fitr. It can be paid in the form of a sum of money, dates, wheat, rice, barley, cheese or the usual foods of the country. A Sa’ measures 2176 grams approximately.


17. What is the Idul Adha? What is the special feature of this Id? Why? 
Idul Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice. It falls on the tenth of the month of Zul Hijjah. Its special feature is the sacrifice of an animal. It is offered in memory of the twin sacrifice offered by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.


18. Into how many portions is the meat of the sacrificed animal divided? To whom is it given? 
The meat of the sacrificed animal divided into three portions: one portion is kept for the family. The second is given to the relatives, friends and neighbours. The third portion is given to the poor and the needy.