A Faith-Inspiring Account of the Night of Rewards and the Blessed Day

The night that follows the conclusion of the blessed and sacred month of Ramadan is one of immense blessings, mercy, forgiveness, and unparalleled virtue. On this night, Allah Almighty, in His boundless generosity, grants His servants forgiveness even more than on any other night of this sacred month. However, it is unfortunate that many people remain heedless of its significance and thus deprive themselves of its immense rewards and blessings.

In the Hadith, this night, known as the Night of Eid, is referred to as Laylatul Jaiza (the Night of Reward). Those who engage in worship with faith and sincerity on this night are blessed with great rewards and glad tidings. Those who have spent the month of Ramadan engaged in fasting and worship, drawing closer to the divine blessings and virtues of this sacred month, secure Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, attain deliverance from Hellfire, and become worthy of divine illumination and rewards.

On Laylatul Jaiza, even the angels rejoice, and Allah Almighty, in His divine radiance, asks them: “What is the reward of a laborer who has completed his work?” The angels respond: “O Lord, he should be given his full recompense.” Upon this, Allah declares: “O My angels, bear witness that I have granted the fasting believers of the Ummah of Muhammad (ﷺ) their reward—I have forgiven them.”

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “On the last night of Ramadan, the fasting individuals are forgiven.” The Companions (RA) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, is this the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr)?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: “No, rather the divine practice is that a laborer receives his wages upon completing his work.” (Musnad Ahmad, Al-Bazzar, Al-Bayhaqi)

The Importance of Worship on Laylatul Jaiza

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized staying awake in worship on this night. He said: “Whoever stays awake in worship on the nights of both Eids (Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha) with sincerity, his heart will not die on the Day when all hearts will perish (i.e., during times of tribulation and on the Day of Judgment).” (Ibn Majah)

Another Hadith states: “Whoever stays awake in worship on five nights will be granted entry into Paradise: the night of Tarwiyah (8th of Dhul-Hijjah), the night of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), the night of Nahr (10th of Dhul-Hijjah, i.e., Eid-ul-Adha), Laylatul Jaiza (the night of Eid-ul-Fitr), and the night of Shab-e-Barat (15th of Sha’ban).” (Targheeb wa Tarheeb)

Due to this, the Companions (RA), the Tabi’een, and the righteous predecessors would greatly value these nights, dedicating them to worship, remembrance of Allah, and supplication. Islamic scholars have also declared it desirable to remain awake in worship on these nights.

A Night of Divine Gift and Forgiveness

Laylatul Jaiza is a night of divine grace, a special gift from Allah Almighty to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Muslims should value this night and spend its precious and blessed moments in repentance, supplication, and the remembrance of Allah instead of wasting it in trivial pursuits. Unfortunately, many people stay awake on this night but fail to engage in worship. Instead, they spend it in entertainment, outings, dining in restaurants, listening to music, and shopping. Some traders remain so engrossed in their businesses that they miss even the Eid prayer. Therefore, utmost effort should be made to ensure that this blessed night is not squandered on futile activities.

We have spent the entire month striving to strengthen our connection with Allah. This night should be dedicated to seeking His mercy, forgiveness, and deliverance from Hellfire. We must be careful not to let any minor act of disobedience nullify the efforts we have made throughout Ramadan. When our Lord is pleased with us and is ready to shower His blessings upon us, we must not allow any heedlessness to cause us to miss out on these divine rewards. Thus, the night of Eid should be spent in devotion, seeking Allah’s protection, peace, and forgiveness.

The Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr: A Reward for Fasting

Eid-ul-Fitr is not merely a festival of joy but an act of worship. It marks the completion of a great form of worship—fasting in Ramadan. On the day of Eid, Ramadan presents its report before Allah, testifying to our dedication over the past thirty days. Before performing the Eid prayer, Muslims must offer Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity), ensuring that those in need can also partake in the celebrations.

Rulings and Etiquettes of Eid-ul-Fitr

• The Eid prayer is Wajib (obligatory) for those upon whom the Friday prayer is mandatory. There is no Adhan or Iqamah for Eid prayer.
• It is recommended to delay the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer and hasten the Eid-ul-Adha prayer.
• Hazrat Buraidah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) would eat something before leaving for the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer but would refrain from eating before the Eid-ul-Adha prayer. Hazrat Anas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) would not leave for Eid-ul-Fitr prayer until he had eaten an odd number of dates. (Bukhari)
• It is Sunnah to perform the Eid prayer in an open space rather than in a mosque unless there is an excuse such as rain.
• Hazrat Ali (RA) stated that praying the Eid prayer in an open field is the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that due to rain, the Prophet (ﷺ) once offered the Eid prayer in the mosque.
• Performing Miswaak, taking a bath, applying fragrance, and wearing the best clothes available before the Eid prayer is recommended.
• The Sunnah practice is to walk to the Eid prayer ground and recite Takbir softly along the way: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

The Eid Prayer Method

The prayer consists of two Rak’ahs with six additional Takbirs. The worshipper makes the intention, recites Takbir-e-Tahrima, folds the hands, and recites Thana. Three additional Takbirs are then recited: the hands are raised and dropped twice, and on the third, the hands are folded. The Imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, and the Rak’ah is completed. In the second Rak’ah, the Imam first recites Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, followed by three additional Takbirs. The hands are raised with each Takbir but not folded. The fourth Takbir signals the transition into Ruku.

After the prayer, the Imam delivers two sermons (Khutbah). It is recommended to exchange Eid greetings, following the practice of the Companions, who would say: “May Allah accept our deeds and yours.”

May Allah grant us the ability to worship Him sincerely on Laylatul Jaiza and celebrate Eid in accordance with His pleasure. Ameen.