How the Prophet Celebrated Eid with His Family

Eid is a wonderful opportunity for family bonding, expressing joy and happiness, and providing for family and children so they may feel the delight of Eid and its rituals after fasting for an entire month.

We find an excellent example of this in the household of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The atmosphere of happiness and joy would fill his house, expressed through attire, food, and celebration, just as it did in the homes of the noble companions, may Allah raise their rank.

One of the key features of Eid in the Prophet’s household was preparing for the Eid prayer. This preparation involved taking a bath with the intention of purifying oneself, applying perfume, and wearing the best or new clothes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would wear his finest clothes for both Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha), and he had a special garment that he wore for these occasions and for Fridays, as mentioned in the books of Hadith and Sira.

When the morning of Eid arrived, another aspect of the celebration would begin—the Eid prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would break his fast early in the morning, then leave for the mosque, saying Takbir (Allahu Akbar). He would command both men and women, regardless of whether they were menstruating or not, to go out for the Eid prayer. Even women who were menstruating would attend to witness the joy of Eid.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would go out on Eid day, pray two rak’ahs with the people, then greet them, standing on his mount facing the people who were seated in rows, saying: “Give charity.” The women would often give jewelry, such as earrings, rings, and other items. If the Prophet had a need or wanted to send an army, he would mention it to them, and if not, he would return home.

Within the house of prophethood, the books of Sira and the Sunnah narrate the joy and permissible singing during Eid. Imam al-Bukhari narrated from Umm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) Aisha, may Allah raise her rank saying: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) entered upon me while there were two girls singing the songs of the Day of Bu’ath. He lay down on the bed and turned his face away. Abu Bakr entered and rebuked me, saying: ‘The flute of Satan at the Prophet’s house?’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) turned to Abu Bakr and said: ‘Leave them alone.’ When he became inattentive, I nudged them and they left.’” In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O Abu Bakr, every people has a festival, and this is our festival.” And in a narration from Ahmad: “Let the Jews know that in our religion there is spaciousness. I have been sent with a hanif way that is easy.”

Not only that, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) was also keen on entertaining his family and wives during all occasions, whether festive or not. For example, he allowed Aisha, may Allah raise her rank, to watch the celebrations in the mosque of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Aisha (may Allah raise her rank) narrates: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was sitting when we heard a commotion and the voices of children. He stood up, and there was a woman from Abyssinia dancing with the children around her. He said: ‘O Aisha, come and watch.’ So I came and rested my cheek on the shoulder of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and watched the scene, from his shoulder to his head. He asked me: ‘Have you had enough? Have you had enough?’ I kept saying: ‘No,’ to see my status with him. Then Umar came and the people dispersed from around her. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘I see the devils of jinn and mankind fleeing from Umar.’” This narration was reported by Tirmidhi.

The Abyssinians used to praise the Prophet (peace be upon him) with their dancing in their language, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) would ask what they were saying. In the Musnad and Sahih Ibn Hibban, Anas bin Malik narrated that the Abyssinians would dance in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and speak in a language he did not understand. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked: “What are they saying?” They replied: “They are saying: Muhammad is a righteous servant.”

Another aspect of Eid joy is bringing happiness to children and the young so they can feel the sweetness and significance of the holiday. This is reflected in the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as narrated by Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah raise their rank both: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that bring joy to a Muslim.”