UAE Friday sermon: Eid Al-Fitr is a time for joy

Have a shower, wear something new, be happy and greet all people the way to and from Eid prayers, worshippers will be told at this Friday's sermon.

ABU DHABI // Have a shower, wear something new, be happy and greet all people the way to and from Eid prayers, worshippers will be told on Friday.

“Yesterday we were receiving Ramadan, and today it is almost over ... and the winner is thou who invested his time in obedience to Allah,” the sermon will say.

It will remind Muslims of the rewards they will face after fasting, reading the Quran and praying through the nights of Ramadan.

“Tomorrow the fast and Quran will come to you on judgement day to intercede on your behalf ... and Allah will accept it.”

To conclude the month of fasting, forgiveness and pardoning, Allah has ordered Muslims to pay “Zakat Al Fitr” charity to the poor, giving the less privileged the chance to share the joys of Eid.

Zakat Al Fitr has been calculated as Dh20 for each person. The head of the family must pay this amount for each person they are responsible for.

The Prophet Mohammed used to do certain acts during Eid, which became a sunnah for Muslims to follow.

He used to eat an odd number of dates before going to Eid prayer, then, on his journey home he would take a different route so he could greet as many passers-by as possible.

This year, Eid prayers will start at 6am, the sermon will say.