A SCHOLASTIC REVIEW ON THE SUBJECT OF EIDUL FITR PRAYER
(FOR THE YEAR 1441AH -2020) DURING THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC: SHEIKH SHARIF IBRAHIM SALEH ALHUSSAINI
In the name of Allah The Most Beneficent The Most Merciful
May The Blessings and Salutations of Allah be upon the Most Noble Prophet
This review and publication is issued in response to the request by HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, CFR, (Long May He Reign) The President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the solicitation from the members of the Fatwa Committee for both Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) and National & International Leaders in Several Islamic Communities around the world on an intensive assessment of Eidul Fitr for the year 1441AH in the Light of Shari’ah amid the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic that has claimed several lives in every continent around the world.
Given that up to the moment of this publication, there is no official declaration from concerned authorities that public gatherings are no longer threats to the continuous spread of the pandemic, verily the Islamic ruling we issued on the 23rd of Shaaban 1441 AH (16th April 2020) permitting the cessation of Five daily prayers, Jumaat Prayer and Tarawih (Tahajjud) in Congregation as well as advocating for social distancing and adherence to safety measures remains applicable. This new publication will further include the review of Eidul Fitr amid this dwindling pandemic.
Surely, Eid Prayer is one of the most highly recommended Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) as portrayed by majority of Scholars. It is usually observed in large open spaces and not in enclosed mosques. It is recommended that both males and females attend the Eid Prayer as it embodies so many benefits. Congregants are required to appear in the most adorable attires they posses and smell nice as well as observe other Mustahab (desired) deeds like eating dates palm before attending the Eid Prayer.
If there is any reason why the Ummah can not observe the Eid prayer in open spaces as a result of weather, security, health or similar concerns like the current Corona Virus Pandemic which has necessitated restrictions in travel and businesses around the world in the bid to protect lives and property which is one of the items of Maqasid Shari’a (Cardinal levels of Shari’a), it is pertinent to note that in situations like this Pandemic, it is Sunnah to Observe Eid Prayer at home without the Sermon that follows suit.
Indeed, The author of Al Mukhtasar issued this ruling where he stated that: “For a person whom Eid Prayer is not obligated upon and one who missed the Eid prayer”.
Imamul Kharshiy in his commentary on the above explained that it is Mustahab (desired) for one whom Jumaat Prayer is not made obligatory or one who missed the Eid Prayer Congregation to either observe the Prayer in Congregation or alone.
The author of Minahul Jalil in his own explanation of the above statement said: the author (i.e the author of Al Mukhtasar) did not restrict the observance of Eid Prayer at home to either Congregation or singles. Indeed, it can clearly be deduced that it is desired for him to observe the prayer either alone or in congregation. This only is one of the views that has been considered on the subject matter.
In another view, It is desirable for one to observe the Eid prayer alone and undesirable in Congregation. One can not observe the Eid prayer in congregation nor alone as portrayed by Abul Hassan, Ibn Arfa and the Author of At Taudhih.
As for us, what we consider the most desirable is for one to observe the Eid Prayer at home with his family, this is in reference to the Hadith which was reported by Imamul Bukhari with an Authentic Chain of Narration stating that Anas Bn Malik (May Allah Be pleased with him) occasionally observed the Eid Prayer at home with his family in a place called Az Zawiyya in the Streets of Basra.
The practice of the Eid Prayer involved observance of Two Raka’ats by the Imam, The First Raka’ah consists of 7 Takbeers, the recitation of Fatiha and Suratul A’ala or whatever is obtainable from the Quran, the Second Raka’ah consists of 5 Takbeers, the recitation of Fatiha and Suratul Ghashiya or whatever is obtainable from the Quran, khutbah (sermon) will not be observed at the end of the prayer as Sermons have not been established to be observed at homes.
In the event that the lockdown is totally lifted or relaxed as seen in some states as recommended by concerned authorities, it becomes recommended for the Ummah to observe the Eid Prayer in Open Spaces or Mosques as the case may be. In both cases, it is important to observe all safety measures which include social distancing, washing of hands, use of sanitizers and face masks as it is Sunnah to avoid exposing the healthy to the infected.
In this period of the spread of a virus, a suspicion is treated as a certainty which makes it a necessity to protect lives of the Ummah.
Lastly, we would like to call upon the leadership of Muslims in various communities to insist on what will maintain the unity of Muslims and Islam for Allah states that: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah altogether and do not be divided…” (Al Imran: 103).
It is also important to remember that every one is a guardian and has an obligation to fulfill as reported on the authority of Abdullah Bn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards. The ruler is a guardian and responsible for his subjects; the man is a guardian and responsible for his family; the woman is a guardian and is responsible for her husband’s house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
May Allah Guide Us to Success!
May Allah Bless you all!
Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Saleh Alhussaini, CON
Chairman of Fatwa Committees for Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI)
27th of Ramadan 1441 AH
20th of May 2020
Translated by: Muhammad Mujtaba (Zakir)
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