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 14 things to remember for Eid day

If the focus of Eid this year for you and your family is making it special, emphasizing the build-up to and the actual Eid prayer also requires preparation.

Here are some tips, etiquettes and points to remember for Eid day to make it happy and comfortable for all.

1. Prepare all clothes, maps, etc. one day in advance

Looking for the map of how to get to the Eid prayer area once you're in the car headed there is not a good idea. You may discover it's missing. That's why you need to check that you have all the necessary information about how to reach your destination one day in advance. This way, you have enough time to call for directions or buy a map.

Similarly, all clothes should be ironed the night before, since there may not be time the day of Eid, or there may be too much of a rush for the iron.

Setting the Eid table should also be done in advance, especially considering it's Eid and you want the table to look nice. It's hard to do that when you're in a rush to get to Eid prayers on time.

2. Share children's responsibilty

Decide which kids will go with which parent the day before Eid prayers. Too often, fathers dump the entire responsibility for taking care of the children on mothers' shoulders. The situation often becomes unmanageable as moms may not be able to watch all of the kids. Fathers need to take some of this responsibility.

One way of doing this is by separating the siblings who fight the most. Another is by keeping the girls with mom and the boys with dad. Or babies (birth to three years) with mom and kids (four to seven-years-old) with dad. Every family is unique so parents will have to decide how to split up the kids. Regardless of how it's done, the point is to reduce disruption for parents and for others and to keep the kids in tow.

3. Talk to the kids about proper behavior

Explain to them before going that while Eid is a time of happiness, fun and celebration, it is not appropriate to run, jump, shout and play hide-and-seek with other kids at the prayer place. Throw in an enticing reward (i.e. a promise to go out for ice cream or the park later that day if they behave) may also encourage kids to save the fun and games for after prayers.

Also explain that they must sit still and be quiet during the explanation of the prayer, during the prayer (if they are not praying) and the Khutbah that follows. Advise them to whisper in Mommy or Daddy's ear if they need anything and must talk to them.

4. Take a bag to put your shoes in

This way, you can freely move around if necessary to straighten up your line in prayer, since you won't be worrying about where you've put your shoes. Have each family member make their own bag if there's time, and get the younger kids to decorate theirs. Everyone should put their initials on the bag and remember to carry it with them at all times.

5. Take your Musallas with you to pray

Although arrangements are usually made to have a sheet or paper to pray on, encourage everyone in your family to bring their own, just in case.

6. Say the Takbirat in the car

In particular, have the younger kids lead it with everyone else following. This way, their energy and excitement will dissipate and they won't be so hyper at the Eid prayer place.

7. Go in the first line of prayer

For men, this is the best place to be if you want to catch the Imam's explanation of prayers, his Khutbah, as well as any other announcements.

Sadly, it's also the place where there is a greater chance prayer lines will be straight (things just start to deteriorate further down in the back).This is a tendency in both the men and women's sections.

8. Be quiet while the Imam is explaining how to pray

If Maryam, a new Muslim sister, is trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer, she can't exactly do that if Hafsa on her right is gabbing incessantly with her friends. Out of respect for others, we should be silent or at least whisper if necessary so we don't disturb others who are trying to understand how to do the Eid prayer.

9. Straighten your lines in prayer

Make sure to stand shoulder to shoulder and in straight lines facing the Qibla for the Eid prayer.

10. Be quiet during the Khutbah

After the Eid prayer, the Imam will give a brief Khutbah. It is highly encouraged to stay and listen to it. Even if we do have to get up and leave, we should do so as quietly as possible so as not to disturb those who are listening.

11. Greet those whom you know and those you don't

Say Salam and hug the person next to you once the Khutbah is over. Isn't it ironic that we stand so physically close to someone in prayer (shoulder to shoulder) but completely ignore them once it's over? Hug your prayer neighbor and at least wish them Eid Mubarak.

If they are alone, invite them over or get their phone number and inform them of any Eid activities that are coming up in your community. They may be new to the community and know nobody, so be as open and friendly as possible.

Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that a man once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) what aspect of Islam was the best, and he said: You should provide food, and greet both those you know and those you do not (Bukhari, Muslim).

12. Contribute to the arrangement of the Eid prayers

Some places may pass around a box or bag seeking donations to cover the cost of renting the Eid prayer place. Give generously, since it normally costs thousands of dollars and the more the Muslim community gives, the faster Eid prayer organizers can pay back the amount.

13. Look for the Muslim leadership and congratulate them

How often do you see Muslims thanking their leaders, those poor people who work so hard for the community with minimal to no pay. Seek these people out and give them your Eid greetings. Thank them for all of their hard work for the community.

14. Get the family to help out with clean up

See if the family can volunteer to help clean up the prayer area after everyone has left. This is also a time when you may see Muslims who don't have family in the community or are new Muslims. Greet them and invite them over or at least inform them of any upcoming Eid activities.