Eid-ul-Adha is upon us. People have already started buying sacrificial animals, ordering clothes for stitching, buying home decorations and so on. However, performing Qurbani and wearing clothes isn’t all that has to be done in order to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha. There are a number of other formalities that also on go with this day. Some of these activities are extremely important, so much so that they are regarded as Sunnah; acts that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) willingly performed himself.

In today’s post we will look at some of the Sunnah formalities of Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims are encouraged to adopt them on this day as it will enhance the celebrations of the day.

Pray Fajr Prayer – Fajr prayer is one of 5 prayers that are Farz on Muslims every day. Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to wake up early in the morning to make preparations for the Fajr Salah and then perform it. You should do this too.

Take Ghusal for Salat al-Eid (Eid Salah) – Taking a Ghusal (bath) for Salat al-Eid is another Sunnah that you should follow as a follower of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Not only is hygiene important, it also makes the prayer gathering and family festivities a pleasant affair.

Brush Teeth with Miswak – Miswak is used for brushing teeth. It has become more of a personal preference. Some people use it whilst others don’t. However brushing with Miswak has numerous benefits, one of them being keeping the teeth white. Miswak is easily available on various stalls during Eid-ul-Adha so finding it isn’t too difficult.

Dress Up For the Eid Occasion – Eid is an occasion to dress up nicely. Muslims tend to celebrate Eid wearing clean clothes. This isn’t just a Sunnah but a requirement as well for the days of Eid-ul-Adha.

Use Attar – For those who are unfamiliar with it, Attar is a special fragrance for men. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) applied Attar on Eid occasions. Using Attar (non-alcoholic perfume) is a Sunnah and is also highly recommended for men as it creates a pleasant aura.

Perform Salat al-Eid – It’s not Eid without the proper prayers and Salat al-Eid shouldn’t be skipped. Once Salat al-Eid has been completed, Muslims can begin the Qurbani ritual and then continue to distribute the meat accordingly in three equal sections; one for themselves, one for their neighbours and one for the poor.

Performing the ritual of Qurbani or undertaking the pilgrimage of Hajj is a mandatory requirement worthy of many blessings. Performing the additional Sunnah practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) earns more blessings and rewards for the same deed. Being followers of the Islamic faith, it is spiritually a good idea to incorporate Sunnah practice into our daily lives, especially when it comes to Eid celebrations and festivities. May Allah (SWT) accept the Hajj of millions of pilgrims performing Hajjto and may we follow the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).