by the Imām, one after another, as he raises both hands to the ears and then leaves them free in the natural position. Those who stand behind him raise and lower their hands similarly.

The ‘Īd Sermon

The ‘Īd sermon is delivered after Divine service is over. As regards the manner and the subjects dealt with, it is similar to the Friday sermon, except that it is not necessary to break it up into two parts by assuming the sitting posture in the middle of it. It was the Holy Prophet’s practice to address the women separately, who were all required to be present whether they joined in the service or not.

The ‘Īd charity

While celebrating the great ‘Īd festivals, a Muslim not only remembers God (by attending Divine service) but he is also enjoined to remember his poorer brethren. The institution of a charitable fund is associated with both ‘Īds. On the occasion of the ‘Īd al-Fiṭr, every Muslim is required to give ṣadaqa al-Fiṭr (lit., the Fiṭr charity) which amounts to three or four seers59 of wheat, barley, rice or any other staple food of the country, or its equivalent in money, per head of the family, including the old as well as the youngest members, males as well as females (Bu. 24:70). The payment is to be made before the service is held, and it is obligatory (fardz). Like zakāt, the Fiṭr charity was an organized institution, as expressly mentioned in a ḥadīth: “They gave this charity to be gathered together, and it was not given away to beggars” (Bu. 24:77). According to another Ḥadīth, Abū Hurairah said that “the Holy Prophet gave me charge of the zakāt of Ramadzān” (Bu. 40:10). The principle of gathering the Fiṭr charity, so clearly laid down in these ḥadīth, has now been abandoned by the Muslims, and the result is that a most beneficial institution of Islām for the uplift of the poor and needy has been thrown into neglect, and considerable amounts which could strengthen national funds, thrown away.

‘Īd al-Adzḥā also furnishes an occasion for the exercise of charity. The sacrifice of an animal on that day (for which see the next paragraph), not only makes the poorest members of the community