Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain (صلاة العيدين)
Definition and Overview
Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain (صلاة العيدين), translated as “Prayers of the Two Festivals,” refers to the special prayers observed by Muslims on the two major Islamic festivals: ʿĪd al-Fiṭr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (Festival of Sacrifice). These prayers are composed of two units of prayer called rakʿahs and hold significant spiritual and social importance in the Muslim community.
Etymology
- Ṣalāt (صلاة): Arabic for “prayer”
- ʿĪd (عيد): Arabic for “festival” or “celebration”
- ʿĪdain (عيدين): Dual form of ʿĪd, meaning “two festivals”
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic:
- Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain (صلاة العيدين)
- Turkish:
- Bayram Namazları
The Two Festivals
1. ʿĪd al-Fiṭr (عيد الفطر)
Known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, ʿĪd al-Fiṭr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection. This festival is observed with special prayers, charitable giving (Zakāt al-Fiṭr), and communal gatherings.
2. ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (عيد الأضحى)
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah. This festival includes the ritualistic animal sacrifice (Qurbani) and distribution of meat to the poor.
Procedure of Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain
- Intention (Niyyah): Before starting the prayer, the worshiper makes the intention to perform the special ʿĪd prayer.
- Takbīr al-Iḥrām: The prayer begins with the declaration “Allāhu Akbar” (God is Great).
- Additional Takbīrāt: In the first rakʿah, seven additional Takbīrs are recited after the initial Takbīr al-Iḥrām, and five additional Takbīrs are recited in the second rakʿah.
- Recitation: The imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah, commonly Surah Al-A’la in the first rakʿah and Surah Al-Ghashiyah in the second rakʿah.
- Completion: The prayer is concluded with the Tasleem (saying “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah” to the right and then to the left).
Significance
- Spiritual Renewal: These prayers mark significant occasions of communal worship and spiritual renewal.
- Social Unity: They promote social cohesion as Muslims gather in large congregations, often in open spaces or mosques.
- Charitable Acts: Both festivals are closely linked with acts of charity and generosity towards the needy, fulfilling an important aspect of Islamic ethics.
Books for Further Study
- “Fiqh us-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq
- “The Book of the Prayer” by Ibn Qudamah
- “Ma’ādhir al-Usūl wa Mubādī al-Fiqh al-Islāmī” by Muhammad Hashim Kamali
- “Islamic Festivals” by Shahid Ashraf
Takeaways
- Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain represents two special prayers unique to the festivals of ʿĪd al-Fiṭr and ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā.
- These prayers are marked by additional Takbīrs and a sense of unity and communal gathering.
- Both festivals emphasize charitable acts, spiritual renewal, and social harmony.
Conclusion
Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain occupies a significant place in Islamic worship and serves as an embodiment of the communal and charitable values inherent in Islam. The special prayers enhance the spirituality of these grand festivals, bringing Muslims together in joyous and reflective observance.
Understanding the Ṣalātu ʾl-ʿĪdain enriches one’s appreciation of Islamic practices and highlights the integrated nature of faith, community, and ethical living within the Islamic tradition.
