The ‘First Eid’ Custom?

Question: Many people observe what they call ‘First Eid’ on Eidul-Fitr. Family go to the house of the person who lost his/her spouse/parent/sibling etc. on Eid day. The emphasis given to this is high. Does it have any Islamic basis?

Answer: No, there is no Islamic basis for this. Nowhere is it mentioned that such a practice was initiated by Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) despite after his demise, great and senior Sahaabah were alive. The same with all the Sahaabah. Even none of our Akaabireen did this. If it was ‘Sunnah’ or ‘Mustahab’, then our Akabireen would have done so. Some of our Akabireen had such a close Ta’alluq (spiritual connection – by observing the Sunnats) with Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that some of them were reprimanded by Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in a dream for omitting the Khilaal by mistake/forgetfulness during Wudhu! So, if this had some Islamic credit to it, the Akabireen would have definitely practiced upon it.

Besides the above, during such ‘gatherings’ at the ‘Mayyit’ houses – despite at times the Mayyit took place good few months ago – many Laws of the Deen are violated and flung out of the window. The simple, basic and WAAJIB Law of proper and strict Hijaab between female cousins and male cousins are generally trampled upon by majority of the Muslims. Not to speak about the brother-in-laws speaking, chatting, mingling and giggling with the sister-in-laws. The Hadith sternly warns that a brother-in-law is Maut (death) for his sister-in-law. 

Meals are then eaten in an anti-Sunnah manner. The setting of tables and chairs for meals are in conflict to the Sunnah manner of eating.