Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Azha prayers are obligatory during the time of Imam (A.S.), and it is necessary to offer them in congregation. However during the present times when the Holy Imam is in Occultation, these prayers are Mustahab, and may be offered individually as well as in congregation. The time for Eid prayers is from sunrise till Zuhr. Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (as) delivered on the day of Eid al-Fitr, in which he said: "O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand on places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in presence of your Lord (on the day of Judgement). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise.(Nahjul-Balaghah)That is why It is recommended that Eid prayers be performed in the open fields, to walk barefooted to attend Eid prayers and to perform Sajdah on earth and to do Ghusl before namaz, and to place a white turban on one's head.
What is the actual meaning of Eid? At first, it may be proper to seek the meaning of Eid in the books of the scholars. (1) Eid is the day of special attention of Allah (SWT) to His servants, recalling them to His presence and the day of loving Him. Eid is the day of activeness, happiness, and granting of servant's requests. This day, is the day of awarding and writing a secure chit from hellfire for servants. Further it is the time one may gather things that benefit him in the hereafter.Eid is a day, which Allah (SWT) showers His servants with His blessings and generosity. So at this time that the merciful Allah (SWT) extended his generosity, how great it would be for pious people and sinners to confess (their defects and faults), and hope for receiving His grants. Surely they won't be dispossessed from Allah's (SWT) grace.Now on this Holy day that we have returned to our Lord, how should we talk to Him and call Him? What is better than accompanying with our kind Master when he is calling his Lord in a caring manner? it!
(thanks abbas lalani)
