Eid, Friday prayers should be performed separately – Islamic scholar

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | An Islamic Scholar Dr. Abdul-Hafidh Walusimbi has guided Muslims to perform Eid and Friday Juma prayers separately.

Dr. Walusimbi, who is also the Dean of the faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language and Head of department Shariah at the Islamic University in Uganda, gave his guidance after quoting written literature, invoking the sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed.

He says that during the prophet’s time, Eid concided with Juma, and after announcing that Eid was the next day, he told the Muslims that those who were heading home could do so but added that indeed the Muslims would pray Juma after praying Eid in the morning.

“This means that it remains obligatory upon the Muslim men to pray Juma after performing Eid prayers that morning. Except those who have reasons that would ordinarily excuse themselves from Juma for instance those on a journey” said Dr Walusimbi said.

According to his explanation, Muslims will have to perform the Eid prayers first, can then go back home, and later return to the mosque for the Juma prayers.

This advice is in line with several declarations made in other Muslim countries. for instance, the UAE Fatwa Council made a similar ruling this week further adding that during the prayers each sermon should be held separately on its time as per its Sunnah.

However, it should be noted that despite the communication, there are some Islamic school of thoughts that believe that after performing Eid, those who wish to stay for Juma may remain, while those who wish to return to their home cities may do so.

Another opinion on the matter suggests that those who participate in Eid are exempted from Juma prayers.

Earlier in the Ministry of Public Service released a series of letters regarding the public holiday for Eid. One of the letters initially declared Friday as a public holiday should the crescent moon be sighted.

Meanwhile Sheikh Lubanga says the national Eid prayers will be held at Old Kampala National Mosque,  led by His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda.

He also reminded Muslims to pay Zakatil Fitr before the Eid prayers, emphasizing that if paid after the prayers, it would be considered charity and not Zakat.

As Muslims prepare to observe Eid al-Fitr, they are expected to uphold their traditions and customs, such as reciting the takbeerat and exchanging greetings of “Eid Mubarak” which means Blessed Eid.

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URN