Eid During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We have spent Ramadan in lockdown, and now our thoughts are turning to Eid. We know the important of the Eid prayer due to the following hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAWS): “Let the adolescent girls, women in seclusion and menstruating women come out to attend Eid and witness the gathering of the Muslims, but let the menstruating women avoid the prayer place” (Al Bukhari).

However, this year it is crucial that we stay home and do not gather together to stop the spread of the Covid 19 corona virus.

So, what can we do?

We should still celebrate and show our gratitude to Allah that we saw through the month of Ramadan. We can still do some of the sunnahs of Eid, such as showering, wearing perfume and nice clothes, and eating dates in the morning.

Regarding the Eid prayer, it is recommended to pray it at home during these unprecedented times. If you are at home with family, gather everyone together and recite “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallahu, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil Hamd” as many times as you like.

Then perform the Eid prayer: start by saying Allahu Akbar and raising your hands to your ears (the takbeer) several times, and then pray two rakat. It is Sunnah to recite Surah Ala in the first rakah and Surah Ghashiyah in the second rakah.

After praying, you can share an Islamic talk or listen to an online khutba. Try to make the day special and dress up and eat your favourite food. Make it a special day for children and tell them that they will remember this unusual Eid for years to come. May Allah bless your Eid and put joy in your heart Ameen.

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The following links provide more information on performing the 2020 Eid Al Fitr prayer at home:

https://mcb.org.uk/press-releases/eid-al-fitr-2020/

https://gulfbusiness.com/saudi-arabia-urges-people-to-offer-eid-prayer-at-home/

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/eid-fitr-prayers-home-lockdown-18274907