The Committed Believer · Eid & Special Occasions

Eid Rewards and Ramadan Observances

Explore rulings on Eid prayers, zakat al-fitr, and determining Ramadan start.

9 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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9 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. What specific reward is mentioned in reports for Eid prayer?

  • No specific reward is mentioned in a report. (correct answer)
  • Guaranteed entry into Paradise without any other deeds.
  • Automatic purification from every sin.
  • A fixed multiplication of reward by one thousand.

Why

Eid prayer is an act of obedience and is included in the general reward promised for righteous deeds. However, the source states that there is no known report that mentions a specific reward uniquely attached to Eid prayer. Eid al-Fitr is connected to purification and prayer, while Eid al-Adha occurs during the virtuous first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, but these are general virtues rather than a specific reported reward for Eid prayer itself.

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2. What is the correct ruling on giving a call such as “Salat al-‘Eid athabakum Allah” before Eid prayer?

  • The correct view is that no call should be given for Eid prayer. (correct answer)
  • It is required before every Eid prayer.
  • It replaces the adhan and iqamah.
  • It is obligatory if the prayer is outdoors.

Why

There is no adhan or iqamah for Eid prayer. The source also favours the view that no other call should be given, such as “al-Salatu jami‘ah” or “Salat al-‘Eid.” However, because some jurists allowed such calls, if it happens, an attendee should not cause division or avoid the prayer. Advice should be given gently and at a suitable time.

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3. What is the ruling on reminding people about zakat al-fitr before Eid prayer?

  • There is nothing wrong with it, if it is done without quoting baseless reports. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden in every case.
  • It is obligatory to interrupt the takbir for it every year.
  • It is allowed only if people recite takbir in unison afterward.

Why

There is nothing wrong with interrupting the takbir to remind people to give zakat al-fitr before the Eid prayer, because whoever has not yet given it may hasten to do so before the prayer. However, the source warns that quoting weak hadiths or reports with no basis is objectionable and not permissible. The prescribed takbir is said individually, not in coordinated unison.

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4. According to the majority view, if people find out during the day that Ramadan has begun, must they make up that day’s fast?

  • Yes, because the intention for an obligatory fast must be before dawn. (correct answer)
  • No, because any daytime intention makes the Ramadan fast complete.
  • Only if they personally saw the new moon.
  • Only if they had already eaten after hearing the news.

Why

If people learn partway through the day that Ramadan has begun, they must stop eating and drinking for the rest of the day. According to the majority view cited, they must also make up that day because an obligatory fast requires the intention from before dawn, and they did not fast the entire day in the proper manner. The source also mentions another scholarly view that they do not have to make it up, but presents the majority view as requiring makeup.

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5. If people find out partway through the day that Ramadan has begun, what must they do for the rest of that day?

  • Stop eating, drinking, and anything else that invalidates the fast. (correct answer)
  • Continue eating because they had no intention before dawn.
  • Fast only if they personally saw the new moon.
  • Replace the rest of the day with extra prayer.

Why

Once people receive proof during the day that Ramadan has begun, they must refrain from everything that invalidates the fast for the remainder of that day. This is required even if they started the day thinking it was still Sha‘ban. The separate question of whether the day must be made up is disputed, with the majority view requiring makeup.

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6. What determines the start of Ramadan?

  • Sighting the new moon, or completing thirty days of Sha‘ban if it is not sighted. (correct answer)
  • Astronomical calculations alone.
  • The decision of any single scholar without moon sighting.
  • Local custom, even if it contradicts the confirmed sighting.

Why

The beginning of Ramadan is confirmed by sighting the new moon. If the moon is not sighted, then Sha‘ban is completed as thirty days. The source states that this is indicated by the authentic Sunnah and scholarly consensus. Astronomical calculations alone do not determine the ruling, although sighting with modern equipment may be acted upon.

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7. What is one condition for Muslims to be united in starting and ending Ramadan?

  • Avoid relying on calculations and follow moon sighting or completing the month. (correct answer)
  • Ignore all verified moon sightings and use a fixed calendar only.
  • Let every individual choose whichever date seems easiest.
  • Rely only on astronomical calculations, even when the moon is not sighted.

Why

Unity in starting and ending Ramadan is desirable and required where possible. The source mentions two conditions for that unity: scholars should stop relying on calculations and instead follow moon sighting or completing the month, and Muslims should follow a verified sighting from a Muslim state that follows Allah’s shari‘ah. This is tied to the prophetic instruction to fast and end the fast based on sighting the moon.

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8. If a Muslim lives in a Muslim country that relies on moon sighting, what should they do about starting and ending Ramadan?

  • Follow that country and not differ from it on their own. (correct answer)
  • Start and end Ramadan based on personal preference.
  • Ignore the country’s scholars and follow any distant announcement.
  • Wait until the end of Ramadan to decide which days counted.

Why

A Muslim living in a Muslim country that relies on moon sighting should follow that country in starting and ending the fast. The source also notes that scholars differ on whether one sighting applies to all lands or only some lands, but a person should not act alone in a way that splits from their own community and scholars.

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9. What should Muslims in a non-Muslim country do about confirming the new moon?

  • Follow the decision of a trusted Islamic body representing the Muslim community. (correct answer)
  • Let every individual begin Ramadan separately.
  • Rely on astronomical calculations instead of moon sighting.
  • Ignore all local attempts to sight the moon.

Why

In a country where the government is not Islamic, a trusted Islamic body representing the Muslim community can take the place of an Islamic government for confirming the new moon. That body may decide whether to consider differences in moonrise significant or not, then inform the Muslims of its decision. The community should follow this to preserve unity and avoid disputes.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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