The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is not something, which Muslims have fabricated, or created on their own, neither is it celebrated in commemoration or rememberance of someone. Rather it is a festival that is a special gift of Allah for Muslims. The hadith pertaining to it is narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA) in the following manner:
“Holy Prophet came to Madinah, the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr .”
From this hadith it is clear that the function or festival of Eid is a blessing from Allah Almighty so that Muslims could rejoice and celebrate during the days of Eid. Therefore, if there is an occasion which Muslim can make specific for rejoicing, celebrating and merry making, it is the day of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Routine of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
There are numerous narrations of different Companions of Prophet Muhammad that show the different activities which the Prophet used to perform during the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. Some of the major activities of Prophet Muhammad specific to this day are discussed below.
Eid Prayer — The renowned Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad pertaining to the day of Eid-ul-Fitr is the offering of Eid prayer. Pertaining to this, Hazrat Jabir bin Samurah narrates:
“I prayed with the messenger of Allah the two Eid prayers more than once or twice, without an Adhan or Iqamah.” (Muslim).
From this narration it is clear that offering the prayer of Eid was an act which Prophet (PBUH) specially performed during the Eid-ul-fitr day.
Eating Food — The preparation and eating of variety of foods in general and sweets in particular is something that is also representative of the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. Hazrat Anas (RA) narrates:
“Prophet (PBUH) did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd number.” (Bukhari)
Therefore, before going for the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer a Muslim must consider eating something before going to the prayer. In another narration, Hazrat Buraidah (RA) says:
“Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not go out on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he had eaten some food; and that he did not eat any food on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (sacrifice) till he had prayed.” (Tirmidhi)
Therefore, on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr a Muslim must ensure that before going to offer prayer he eats something first.
Change of Routes — On the day of Eid-ul-Fitr before going to offer prayer, Prophet (PBUH) would go from one route and come back from the other. This is mentioned in the narration of Hazrat Jabir (RA) where He said:
“On the day of Eid the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to return by a different route from the one he had taken when going out.” (Bukhari)
Thus, on the day of Eid a Muslim must take different routes so that he can meet and greet as much people possible and spread love.