Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul Adhaa

Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul Adhaa at Masjid Ahlis Sunnah

Masjid Ahlis Sunnah warmly welcomes between 700 to 1000 Muslims, both men and women, on either Eid day for the special prayers and celebrations. The Eid prayers, known as Eid Salaah, take place early in the morning. Following the prayer, the Eid Kutbah (sermon) is delivered. If the celebration is held inside The Masjid, the sermon takes place there; however, if it is held in a park, the sermon is given at the musallah (prayer area) in the park.

Masjid Ahlis Sunnah is one of the largest Masjids in the region, and it has a history of hosting large, united gatherings. For example, during Eid al-Fitr 1433 (August 2012), five local masjids came together to celebrate at the park located just across the street from The Masjid in East Orange. Over 1400 Muslims, including men, women, and children, attended this event, making it a memorable occasion for the community. The celebration continues throughout the day, with the worshippers staying in the musallah area until Maghrib, engaging in prayers, reflections, and community activities.

When asked about pre-Islamic festivals, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stipulated the blessed festival of Eid: “Verily Allah has replaced them for you with something better than them: the day of (Eid) al-Adha and the day of (Eid) al-Fitr.” [Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood]

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month in the Islamic calendar. The timing of Eid depends on the sighting of the moon. This celebration is a special occasion for Muslims to express their gratitude to Allah, particularly after a month of reflection and fasting during Ramadan. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings they have received and to extend support to the less fortunate, fulfilling the spirit of charity and generosity.

At Masjid Ahlis Sunnah, we collect Zakat al-Fitr and distribute it on behalf of those who are unable to do so themselves.

Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is a required donation given before Eid al-Fitr, and it must be paid before the Eid prayer, ideally before the end of Ramadan. This donation, is compulsory for every self-supporting adult Muslim who has food in excess of their own needs. It is paid on behalf of the individual and their dependents. The head of the household can make the payment for the entire family, but a contribution must be made for each member of the household. Zakat al-Fitr ensures that even those who are less fortunate are able to eat and celebrate during the holiday.

Eid-ul Adhaa

Eid al-Adha is a time when we remember the great sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (ﷺ). In honor of his devotion, we also offer a sacrifice and divide it into three equal parts:

  1. The family will consume one third.
  2. One third goes to friends and relatives.
  3. One third is given to the poor and needy.

This act of giving helps support our brothers and sisters in need. Eid al-Adha is celebrated for three days, filled with acts of worship, reflection, and charity.

During Eid al-Adha, Masjid Ahlis Sunnah receives approval from the city municipality to slaughter 4-5 sheep in the parking lot, in accordance with the tradition of sacrifice. This makes the masjid a central hub for the community during the Eid celebrations.