Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu dear brothers and sisters,

As there has been no confirmed moon-sighting, we will complete the month of Dhul-Qidah as thirty days. Thus, the month of Dhul-Hijjah begins on Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 and Eidul-Adha will be on Friday July 31st, 2020.

Eid Salah is to be observed at home as the masjid remains closed due to the ongoing pandemic. What follows are summarized points related to Eidul Salah:

Timing of Eid Salah

Eid Salaah is performed on the day of Eid in the time period after the sun rises in the sky to the height of a spear (held at arm-length) over the horizon. This is approximately 20 minutes after sunrise. The time for performing the Eid Salah extends until midday right before the sun is at its zenith.

How to Perform Eid Salah at Home

The ‘Eid Prayer consists of two rak’ahs. After saying the opening takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”) to begin the prayer, there are 6 more takbeeraat (saying “Allaahu Akbar”) before beginning recitation of Qur’an. The hands are raised which each of the takbeeraat.

In the second rakah, after saying “Allaahu Akbar” to rise from prostration, there are 5 more takbeeraat (saying “Allaahu Akbar”) before beginning recitation of Qur’aan. The hands are raised which each of the takbeeraat.

In the first rak’ah after Surah Al-Fātihah, Surah Al-A’lā can be recited. In the second rak’ah, after Surah Al-Fātihah, Surah Al-Ghāshiyah can be recited.

Or the imām can recite Surah Qāf after al-Faatihah in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Qamar after al-Faatihah in the second rak’ah.

The rest of the prayer is completed as usual, without a khutbah/sermon delivered afterwards as there is no khutbah/sermon if Eid Salah is performed at home.

May Allaah grant us and you all safety and well-being. For more details on the rulings, Sunan, and virtues of Eid, please refer to the following resources:

The Day of ‘Eid and the ‘Eid Prayer: Obligations, Sunan and Celebration ―From Al-Fawzan, Ibn ‘Uthaimin, Al-Albani, Al-Baghawi and others

By Shaykh Abu Khadeejah Abdul-Waahid

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-day-of-eid-and-the-prayer-obligations-sunan-celebration/

A Beginner’s Guide to the ‘Eid Prayer

By Shaykh Hassan Somali

https://twitter.com/hikmahpubs/status/1261046684563447808

The Month of Dhul-Hijjah and Fasting the Day of Arafah

The sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar) begins on Wednesday July 22nd, 2020. Yaumul-Arafah (Day of Arafah, 9th of Dhul-Hijjah) will be on Thursday July 30th, 2020. It is highly encouraged for those people not making Hajj to fast on that day, as the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said regarding fasting on that day:

“It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim)

Please refer to the article below for important information on the virtues of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which are the best days in the world in the sight of Allaah, and in which the reward for righteous deeds are increased. Also in the article are rulings related to those who intend to perform the Udhiyah/Qurbani sacrifice:

Article: The Month of Dhul-Hijjah
https://www.troid.org/index.php/ibaadah/hajj-and-umrah/1242-the-month-of-dhul-hijjah

Baarakallaahu feekum

ICPB