In light of current Covid 19 And the quarantine restrictions,
Is it fardh for us to pray eid prayers at home?
Answer: (Hanafi)
The spirit behind why the Eid Salah was prescribed in the first place is for Muslims to gather and observe one of the religious symbols of Islam (شعار الإسلام) displaying their strenghth and unity by gathering in large numbers to fulfill one of the commandments of Allah after completing an act of devotion and worship like in the month of Ramadhan or the pilgrimage (hajj) as in the case of Eid ul Adhah.
Keeping in mind that Eid prayer is a communal act of worship, due to certain restrictions imposed on us because of Covid 19 the following measures should be taken:
Eid prayer may be offered at multiple venues, multiple times with different imams whilst adhering to all safety and precautionary measures. Attendance should be limited in line with government directives.
CONDITIONS FOR EID SALAH
• The 2 Rakats Eid Salah according to the Hanafi school is Wajib on those upon whom Jumu’ah Salah is Wajib. The guidelines and conditions for the Eid Salah are similar to Jumu’ah Salah. Those who are unable to perform Eid Salah or do not perform it due to this pandemic will be excused.
• If four adult males perform Eid Salah at any venue, home etc., the Eid Salah will be valid (although there are views within the school that the prayer would be still be valid with less than four).
• In the instance where one is unable to perform the Eid Salah, one may perform 2 – 4 Rakats Nafl (optional) Salah individually and engage in Dhikr and duaa.
• The time for Eid Salah commences from Ishraq until before Zawal (midday).
METHOD OF PERFORMING EID SALAH (HANAFI)
1. There will be no Adhan or Iqamah.
2. The Salah will commence followed by the 2 Khutbah’s.
3. Make intention of performing the 2 Rakat Wajib Eid Salah behind the Imam.
FIRST RAKAT:
– The Imam will say the first Takbir [Tahrima] while lifting his hands and folding them.
– The followers will also say Allahu Akbar, raise their hands, then fold them below the navel and read Thana (praise of Allah).
– The Imam and the followers will thereafter say three extra Takbirs, raising their hands in the first two extra Takbirs and leaving them to the sides without folding them. There is nothing
to be recited between the extra Takbirs.
– However, after the third extra Takbir, the Imam and followers will now fold their hands below the navel.
– The Imam will then recite Surah al-Fatihah and any Surah, and complete the Rakat as done in an ordinary Salah.
SECOND RAKAT:
– As the Imam stands up for the second Rakat, he will recite Surah al-Fatiha followed by any other Surah. The Imam will then recite the three extra Takbirs and the congregation will do the same, raising their hands with every Takbir and leaving them to the sides without folding them.
– When the Imam will say the Takbir the fourth time, the Imam will go into Ruku’ and complete the Salah as usual.
The Khutbah:
– The Imam will then deliver two Khutbah’s whilst standing and facing the congregation. The Imam will sit in between the two Khutbah’s for a short duration on the mimbar (pulpit) or chair.
– The Imam should commence with the Takbir in the Khutbah of both Eids.
– It is Sunnah to begin the first Khutbah with nine continuous Takbirs and the second Khutbah with seven Takbirs likewise.
– At the end of the second Khutbah, the performance of the Eid Salah is concluded.
– There is no duaa after the Khutbahs.
Answer
Mohammed Shakeeb.
Thornlie, WA 6108
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