20/05/2020
OBSERVING EID AL-FITR DESPITE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
It is no news that the world is currently battling coronavirus pandemic, and thus, governments all over the world have had to put precautionary measures in place to contain the virus. Such measures that have been adopted by Federal and State governments in Nigeria include partial lockdown and restrictions on gatherings including congregation in mosques and churches.
As Ramadan gradually winds up, while some states would allow for the usual congregational Eid prayers (with some guidelines), other states may not, due to different circumstances.
In the situation where one is unable to attend the Eid prayer at the prayer ground for genuine reasons such as the covid-19 prevention restrictions, then majority of Muslim scholars agree that it is allowed and even encouraged to observe the Eid prayer at home in congregation, or alone wherever you are.
It was reported that whenever Anas bin Malik (RA) misses the Eid Prayer with the Imam, he would gather his household and lead them in the Eid Prayer in the same manner that the Imam would perform it. (al-Baihaqi)
Therefore, it is recommended that for those unable to perform Eid prayer at the praying ground this year, each household should observe their Eid prayer in congregation at home. This should be led by the head of the household, and if there is someone else more qualified, he can be appointed to lead the prayer.
Recommendations
🕌It is recommended that the family members pray in their best cloths.
🕌It is also recommended that they engage themselves in doing the customary dhikr - 'Allah Akbar Allah Akbar Allah Akbar Lailaha Illah llah...etc" until the Imam is about to commence the prayer.
🕌It is not compulsory that the Eid prayer should be observed outside the house or that it should not be under the roof. Rather, it can be observed wherever is convenient and spacious enough for the family members, whether in the living room, verandah, lobby, balcony, etc.
🕌The position of the Imam remains at the front, then the males stay behind him while the females stay behind the males. However, if there is limited space, the females can stay on the same row with the males provided that they leave some gap between themselves and the men.
🕌While the Khutbah (sermon) is not necessary in this case, the head of the family may wish to admonish his members for a few minutes and equally pray Allah to put an end to the pandemic as this is not forbidden.
🕌There is no specific supplication after the two raka’ts of the Eid prayer. Also, there is no extra voluntary prayer (nawafil) before or after the Eid prayer.
🕌It is recommended for family members to exchange greetings and congratulations after the prayer.
🕌 For states where the men are able to go for congregational Eid prayers outside the home but the women are unable to, then it is recommended for the women to observe the Eid prayer individually at home in the manner described below.
*How to Observe Eid Prayer at Home*
🌸The Eid prayer can be observed from 15 minutes after sunrise until the time of Zuhr. Currently in Nigeria, that ranges from about 7:00am to 12:30pm, depending on your exact location.
🌸There should be no Adhan or Iqamah; and the recitation within the prayer should be loud.
🌸The Imam raises his hand and start with the first takbeer (Takbeeratul Ihram), while the ma'mum (followers) repeat the same.
🌸Thereafter, the Imam repeats the takbeer six more times with the followers repeating after him in each case. Nothing is said in-between the takbeers, and it is preferred to raise the hands for each takbeer.
🌸After the 7 takbeers have been completed, the Imam recites Surat al -Fatiha and Surat al-‘Ala. However, if the Imam has not memorized Surat al-‘Ala, he should recite whatever is convenient for him.
🌸Thereafter, he completes the rakah with ruku’ and sujood as usual, and rises for the second rakah.
🌸For the second rakah, there would be 5 takbeers, after the takbeer of rising from sujud (making a total of 6 takbeers).
🌸Thereafter, the Imam recites Surat al-Fatiha and Surat al-Ghashiya. However, if the Imam has not memorized Surat al-Ghashiya, he should recite whatever is convenient for him.
🌸Thereafter, he completes the rakah with ruku’ and sujood as usual, and ends the prayer with tashahud and teslim.
May Allah accept all our strivings and supplication in Ramadan, spare us to witness Eid, and cleanse the earth of coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
🙏Wa Salam,
Da'wah Institute of Nigeria (DIN),
Islamic Education Trust (IET).
