Sahih al-Bukhari 953
Narrated Anas bin Malik: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of `Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to eat odd number of dates.
From this hadith, we can learn a few things:
- Sunnah of eating before Eid prayer: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would not start the prayer for Eid al-Fitr (the festival marking the end of Ramadan) until he had eaten some dates. This indicates that it is recommended to eat something before attending the Eid prayer.
- Preference for odd numbers: The hadith also mentions that the Prophet (peace be upon him) would eat an odd number of dates. This highlights a general preference for odd numbers in Islamic traditions, as odd numbers are considered to be more virtuous or blessed. It is a recommended practice to consume odd numbers of items, such as dates, when partaking in meals or snacks.
These teachings serve as guidance for Muslims on how to observe and perform the Eid prayer and emphasize the importance of following the Prophet’s example in matters of religious practices and traditions.
