Hadith about the Night and Day of Eid-ul-Fitr
As Ramadan draws to an end, we are reminded of the saying of Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rh), 'How can a believer not shed tears at the departure of Ramadan, when he doesn't even know whether he'll be alive for its return or not?' [Lataif al-Ma'arif]
It seems like Ramadan just started yesterday, and we certainly aren't ready for this time of increased blessings and multiplied rewards to be over yet! Fortunately, the night and day of Eid are also blessed, and it is important for us to take the time to make du'a to Allah (swt) as we go about our Eid preparations.
The night before Eid is also known as 'Laylat al-Ja'izah' or 'the Night of Rewards'. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, 'There are five nights on which du'a is not rejected: the first night of Rajab, the fifteenth night of Sha'ban, Thursday night, the night before Eid al-Fitr and the night before Eid al-Nahr (al-Adha)'. [Suyuti]
Furthermore, in addition to Allah accepting all our du'as on the night of Eid, He continues to shower His mercy upon us when Eid day begins, as illustrated by the beautiful hadith below:
Ibn Abbas (ra) narrated:
'When the day of Eid al-Fitr [begins], the angels descend on earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by the whole creation of Allah, except men and Jin, "O Ummah of Muhammad (saw)! Come out to your most Noble and Gracious Lord, who grants much, and pardons the major sins".
When they (the Ummah) proceed to their places of prayer, Allah, Exalted is He, says to His angels, "O My angels! What is the reward of a worker when he has done his work?"
So they (the angels) say, "Our Lord and Our Master! To receive his reward [for the work, in full]".
So He [swt] says, "I call you to witness that, for their fasts [during Ramadan], and for their standing in prayer at night, I have made their reward My Pleasure, and my Forgiveness. Depart [from here], you are forgiven"'. [Lataif al-Ma'arif]
SubhanAllah, what a beautiful and powerful hadith! You can check out our blog post on the Sunnah of Eid to learn recommended actions for this blessed occasion.
Remember to pay your Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) before Eid prayer so the poor can be fed on Eid day. Zakat al-Fitr (£3.50 per person) is obligatory upon every member of your household, including children and the elderly. This year, Muslim Hands is distributing your Zakat al-Fitr exclusively to orphans and widows.
As Ramadan draws to an end, we remind ourselves to keep making du'a on the final night of Ramadan for Allah to accept all our good deeds and forgive our sins. We pray we don't lose that 'Ramadan feeling' of being close to Allah and striving to please Him, amin!
