Id al-Fitr Prayer:<\/strong> Islamic occasions are a means of reminding Muslims to remember God, the Exalted. For most of these occasions, special supplications and prayers have been mentioned. Salat al-\u2018id is the prayer consisting of two rak\u2018ahs which is offered on \u2018Id al-Fitr and \u2018Id al-Qurban. Contrary to other celebrations and festivities which are associated with heedlessness, self-indulgence and sensual desires, Islamic festivity is accompanied by prayer, supplication, alms-giving and charity, washing {ghusl} and purification, etc. Now, we shall briefly explain the prayer of these two festivals:<\/p>\n \u2018Id al-Fitr Prayer<\/strong> Divine gift<\/strong> \u2018Id al-Fitr as a scene of the Day of Resurrection {qiyamah}<\/strong>
\nOn the first day of the lunar month of Shawwal, which is \u2018Id al-Fitr, one must offer prayer in gratitude for a whole month of worship and fasting. During the time of the presence of the infallible Imam, this prayer is obligatory and must be performed in congregation, but in our time it is mustahabb.
\nIt can be offered from sunrise of the day of \u2018Id up to midday, but performing it earlier in the day is recommended.
\nIn the first rak\u2018ah, after the recital of Surah al-Hamd and another surah, one must recite takbir {\u201cAllahu akbar\u201d} five times and perform qunut after takbir. In the qunut any supplication may be recited, but it is better to recite the supplication, \u201cAllahumma ahl al-kibriya\u2019i wa\u2019l-\u2018azamah\u2026\u201d
\nThere are four takbirs in the second rak\u2018ah, and after each takbir, qunut is required.
\nBecause of the peculiar spirituality it possesses, the \u2018Id al-Fitr prayer makes hearts aware of God and creates a state of repentance, followed by asking for forgiveness. It is recommended {mustahabb} for a person to take a bath, recite a particular supplication and pray in an open space.
\nImam ar-Rida (\u2018a) says: \u201cGod has made this day as a day of festivity so that the Muslims can gather together and glorify Him for His blessings and favors. Thus, this day is a day of festivity, of fraternal gathering, alms-giving, spiritual delight, and benediction.\u201d[1][604]
\nIn this noble hadith, the philosophy of the prayer and festivity {\u2018id} has been stated under the following headings:
\n(1) fraternal gathering;
\n(2) alms-giving and attending to the poor;
\n(3) dutifully inclining toward God; and
\n(4) humbly entreating the Lord.
\nAll of these refer to the spiritual and mystical dimension of the said prayer and religious rites, as well as the social effects and benefits which the people obtain. By giving their zakat al-fitr,[1][605] the people provide sustenance to the poor and needy. In another dimension, attention is diverted toward the deprived ones, \u2018Id al-Fitr is regarded as the \u201cfeast of the poor\u201d.
\nIn addition to sociopolitical effects of this glorious annual gathering, it is a symbol of the power and glory of the Muslim ummah.[1][606]<\/p>\n
\nThe main thing which can be requested from God in this prayer is forgiveness and mercy as well as the acceptance of worship. This is the best gift that God grants to the worshippers who have fasted.
\nImam al-Baqir (\u2018a) says: \u201cThe Messenger of Allah (S) said that whenever the first day of Shawwal (i.e., \u2018Id al-Fitr) arrives, a caller from God cries out, \u201cO believers! Hurry to get your gifts\u201d.\u201d Then, the Imam (\u2018a) turns toward Jabir and says: \u201cO Jabir! The gifts of God are not like the gifts of kings\u2026 Today is the day of (divine) gifts!\u201d[1][607]<\/p>\n
\nOne of the educational and constructive effects of \u2018Id al-Fitr prayer is that in the said gathering for supplication and entreating in open space, man is reminded of God, the Day of Resurrection and his need of divine mercy, while the scene of the Day of Resurrection comes into view. Remembering the Day of Resurrection on that day is enjoined by the Commander of the Faithful (\u2018a).
\nIt is recorded in the hadith that on a certain \u2018Id al-Fitr, the Commander of the Faithful (\u2018a) said to the people in a sermon: \u201cO people! This day of yours is the day when the good ones shall receive reward. On this day, the evil-doers shall be in loss.
\nThis day is the day most similar to your resurrection. Your coming out from your houses and going to the prayer ground calls to mind your coming out of your graves. Your waiting for the prayer reminds us of the gathering in the Presence of God on the Day of Resurrection. Your returning home after the prayer is reminiscent of your return to your dwelling, either in paradise or hell.\u201d[1][608]
\nOn a certain \u2018Id al-Fitr, Imam al-Mujtaba (\u2018a) came across some people who were busy laughing and playing. The Imam (\u2018a) said to his companions: \u201cGod has made Ramadhan as a ground to compete in obtaining His mercy and pleasure. Some are ahead while others are left behind. What is sorrowful is that on this day of reward, the latter are busy laughing and playing.\u201d<\/p>\n