Islamiyat · Oct / Nov 2021 · Paper 21 · Question 5

Describe how and when the two Eids are celebrated and give an account of the Eid prayer.

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Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

The two main festivals of Islam are Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. The first is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan and the latter to mark the completion of the annual pilgrimage and to remember Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s will.

Muslims bathe and dress up in their best/new clothes at the start of the day. Before the celebrations Muslims begin the day by offering Eid prayers. Eid prayers are compulsory on all those on whom Friday congregational prayers are compulsory. They do not replace Fajr prayers and can only be prayed in congregation.

There is no qada for this prayer and the time for it is from sunrise until noon. There is no azaan or iqamat for Eid prayers.

Eid prayers are said in the mosque or in an open field (Musallah). A Khutba is read in Eid prayers. There are two rakaats to be read during which it is recommended to pronounce six extra takbirs in Hanafi jurisprudence. Three takbirs are pronounced after the opening takbir and before the Qur’anic recital in the first rakaat, while during the second rakaat the believer pronounces the other three takbirs after the Quranic recital. Worshippers raise their hands during each pronouncement of the extra takbir.

It is highly recommended to proclaim the takbir on Eid from the time a believer sets off from home for the Eid prayers until reaching the destination where prayer is to be said.

Sadaqa tul Fitr is given before Eid prayers to the needy. On Eid ul Adha an animal is sacrificed in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for the sake of God.

Candidates can also write about the festivities that take place on the day within families and friends and the wider community e.g. families celebrate by having Eid meals together, by giving Eidi and presents to the younger members of the families, visit friends and relatives, etc.

What is the importance of celebrating religious festivals? Give reasons to support your answer.

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Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

Various viewpoints could be given in response to this question. It could be said that Islam is not just a set of rituals and these festivals help to bring joy and happiness in the community and a sense of enjoyment after fasting for the set number of days and to mark the completion of the pilgrimage. It could be said that they help unite the community and allows families to get together. Charity, Sadaqa and the meat of the sacrificed animals is distributed in the community which helps the needy and promotes good will.