Should I eat before the Eid al-Fitr prayer?

Detailed answer

Yes. On the morning of Eid al-Fitr it is sunnah to eat something before going to the Eid prayer, preferably a few dates in an odd number (one, three, five and so on). It is not obligatory, but it follows the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

What the Sunnah says

Anas ibn Malik said: "The Messenger of Allah would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates," and in another version, "and he would eat them in an odd number" (Bukhari).

Buraydah reported that the Prophet would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten, and on the day of Eid al-Adha he would not eat until he had returned from the prayer (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).

Why eat first?

• It shows clearly that the fasting of Ramadan is over and that you are obeying Allah by eating, just as you obeyed Him by fasting.
• Fasting on the day of Eid is forbidden, so eating early removes any doubt; see can I fast on the day of Eid?
• On Eid al-Adha, waiting allows people to eat first from their sacrifice after the prayer.

In practice

• One, three or five dates with some water is enough. You do not need a full breakfast before the prayer.
• If you have no dates, eat or drink anything else that is halal.
• If you forget or have no time, there is no sin; you have simply missed a sunnah.
• Children can share the dates too; it is a nice way to start the day as a family.

Why dates?

Dates were the staple food of Madinah and the food with which the Prophet usually broke his fast. Read more in why do Muslims break their fast with dates?

Tips

• Put a small plate of dates by the door the night before, so you remember on your way out.
• After eating, say the takbir on the way to the prayer, and follow the other sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr.
• Check the expected date of Eid in your country on our Ramadan dates page.

A few dates before the prayer is a small, sweet way to follow the Prophet on the first morning after Ramadan.