14 Things to Remember for Eid Day
By YesPakistan.com Staff Writer
If the focus of Eid this year for you and your family is making it special,
emphasizing the build-up to and the actual Eid prayer also requires preparation.
Here are some tips, etiquettes and points to remember for Eid day to make it
happy and comfortable for all.
1. Prepare all clothes, maps, etc. one day in advance
Looking for the map of how to get to the Eid prayer area once you're in the
car headed there is not a good idea. You may discover it's missing. That's why
you need to check that you have all the necessary information about how to reach
your destination one day in advance. This way, you have enough time to call
for directions or buy a map.
Similarly, all clothes should be ironed the night before, since there may not
be time the day of Eid, or there may be too much of a rush for the iron.
Setting the Eid table should also be done in advance, especially considering
it's Eid and you want the table to look nice. It's hard to do that when you're
in a rush to get to Eid prayers on time.
2. Share children's responsibilty
Decide which kids will go with which parent the day before Eid prayers. Too
often, fathers dump the entire responsibility for taking care of the children
on mothers' shoulders. The situation often becomes unmanageable as moms may
not be able to watch all of the kids. Fathers need to take some of this responsibility.
One way of doing this is by separating the siblings who fight the most. Another
is by keeping the girls with mom and the boys with dad. Or babies (birth to
three years) with mom and kids (four to seven-years-old) with dad. Every family
is unique so parents will have to decide how to split up the kids. Regardless
of how it's done, the point is to reduce disruption for parents and for others
and to keep the kids in tow.
3. Talk to the kids about proper behavior
Explain to them before going that while Eid is a time of happiness, fun and
celebration, it is not appropriate to run, jump, shout and play hide-and-seek
with other kids at the prayer place. Throw in an enticing reward (i.e. a promise
to go out for ice cream or the park later that day if they behave) may also
encourage kids to save the fun and games for after prayers.
Also explain that they must sit still and be quiet during the explanation of
the prayer, during the prayer (if they are not praying) and the Khutbah that
follows. Advise them to whisper in Mommy or Daddy's ear if they need anything
and must talk to them.
4. Take a bag to put your shoes in
This way, you can freely move around if necessary to straighten up your line
in prayer, since you won't be worrying about where you've put your shoes. Have
each family member make their own bag if there's time, and get the younger kids
to decorate theirs. Everyone should put their initials on the bag and remember
to carry it with them at all times.
5. Take your Musallas with you to pray
Although arrangements are usually made to have a sheet or paper to pray on,
encourage everyone in your family to bring their own, just in case.
6. Say the Takbirat in the car
In particular, have the younger kids lead it with everyone else following.
This way, their energy and excitement will dissipate and they won't be so hyper
at the Eid prayer place.
7. Go in the first line of prayer
For men, this is the best place to be if you want to catch the Imam's explanation
of prayers, his Khutbah, as well as any other announcements.
Sadly, it's also the place where there is a greater chance prayer lines will
be straight (things just start to deteriorate further down in the back).This
is a tendency in both the men and women's sections.
8. Be quiet while the Imam is explaining how to pray
If Maryam, a new Muslim sister, is trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer,
she can't exactly do that if Hafsa on her right is gabbing incessantly with
her friends. Out of respect for others, we should be silent or at least whisper
if necessary so we don't disturb others who are trying to understand how to
do the Eid prayer.
9. Straighten your lines in prayer
Make sure to stand shoulder to shoulder and in straight lines facing the Qibla
for the Eid prayer.
10. Be quiet during the Khutbah
After the Eid prayer, the Imam will give a brief Khutbah. It is highly encouraged
to stay and listen to it. Even if we do have to get up and leave, we should
do so as quietly as possible so as not to disturb those who are listening.
11. Greet those whom you know and those you don't
Say Salam and hug the person next to you once the Khutbah is over. Isn't it
ironic that we stand so physically close to someone in prayer (shoulder to shoulder)
but completely ignore them once it's over? Hug your prayer neighbor and at least
wish them Eid Mubarak.
If they are alone, invite them over or get their phone number and inform them
of any Eid activities that are coming up in your community. They may be new
to the community and know nobody, so be as open and friendly as possible.
Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that a man once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings
be upon him) what aspect of Islam was the best, and he said: You should provide
food, and greet both those you know and those you do not (Bukhari, Muslim).
12. Contribute to the arrangement of the Eid prayers
Some places may pass around a box or bag seeking donations to cover the cost
of renting the Eid prayer place. Give generously, since it normally costs thousands
of dollars and the more the Muslim community gives, the faster Eid prayer organizers
can pay back the amount.
13. Look for the Muslim leadership and congratulate them
How often do you see Muslims thanking their leaders, those poor people who
work so hard for the community with minimal to no pay. Seek these people out
and give them your Eid greetings. Thank them for all of their hard work for
the community.
14. Get the family to help out with clean up
See if the family can volunteer to help clean up the prayer area after everyone
has left. This is also a time when you may see Muslims who don't have family
in the community or are new Muslims. Greet them and invite them over or at least
inform them of any upcoming Eid activities.
Date created: 11/1/05
Date/Time Last Modified: 11/1/2005 9:15:42 AM
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