Question
Can a family decorate the inside or outside of their home with white electric strings of light?

Answer
1. This never was a practice of the Salaf or their true followers.

2. It is most commonly known to be the practice of the Christians during the Christmas and New Year period.

3. It is an extravagant practice through which electricity (among other things) is wasted.

Because of the above, this practice is not permissible [Haram (prohibited)].

Question
Should the masjid solicit donations and purchase gifts in bulk quantity to be distributed according to age and gender? That is of course if gift giving at Eid time is a Sunnah practice.

Answer
The Sunnah does not support gift exchange for the occasion of Eid. The only exception is sadaqatul-fitr given to the poor on Eidul-Fitr, and part of the sacrifice given away on Eidul-Adha.

However, if the gift exchange results in a definite maslahah (benefit) for Muslims that cannot be attained otherwise - such as to bring feelings of pleasure and dignity to the Muslim children on these days, or to make da`wah to the non-Muslims or the weak-hearted Muslims, then it may be done. Still, this should not be made a regular practice consistently associated with the Eid.

Question
Can a Pollyanna type gift exchange be observed for the women and children? This is a method whereby name, age, and gender slips of paper are tossed into a box and then the person draws a name. This name is that of the person for whom the drawing person will buy a gift according to the modest amount of money specified on the slip of paper.

Answer
This appears to be borrowed from non-Islamic practices. Besides, instead of providing a fair way of gift-distribution, this method seems to emphasize social differences and to cause hard feelings among the children of different financial status.

Therefore, this practice is not permissible [Haram (prohibited)].

Question
Can Eid gifts be given to non-Muslim relatives?

Answer
As long as those non-Muslims are not hostile toward Islam, gifts can be given to them in the Eid or outside it as a form of da`wah and to bring their hearts closer to Islam.

Question
Can families exchange Eid greeting cards?

Answer
In general, card exchange is a non-Islamic practice, and has no justification from the Sunnah. Thus it should be avoided, except in cases where one has to write a letter anyway, and the card seems to serve the purpose conveniently. Obviously, the cards should not contain prohibited texts or pictures, such as the non-Islamic greeting: "Kullu `aamin wa-antum bi-khayr (May you be well each year)".

Question
When should the Eid feast traditionally take place - after the Eid prayer, at lunch-time, at dinner-time...?

Answer
There is no evidence in the Sunnah for an Eid Feast (or walimah). The Sunnah instructs the Muslims to feed people from the sacrifice, but not necessarily by holding a feast. However, to many people, the Eid day is an occasion to meet friends and relatives, and to celebrate together. Feasting is a common celebration practice. So, as long as it is not treated as a religious ritual, and as long as it does not involve extravagance and other prohibited things, then it can be held at any time convenient for people.

Question
Is major housecleaning at the time of Eid a ritual borrowed from the Jews?

Answer
The Sunnah commands the Muslims to clean their courtyards because the Jews do not clean theirs. So, the Muslims should always keep their houses clean, not only for the Eid. There is no apparent imitation here.

Question
What are some suggestions for teen girls' activities? The boys are always satisfied with playing basketball or some other sport. We want the girls to have some activity other than sitting around eating and gossiping.

Answer
Sports are some of the useful activities that can be done by boys and girls during the Eid or at other times. However, precaution should be taken so that:

1. the girls are not mixed with the boys;

2. the girls are not being watched by men while they play;

3. the girls' clothes are wide fitting, with pants underneath to prevent exposing their bodies when they move or jump; and

4. the girls keep their voices low while they play to preserve their modesty and to avoid attracting the boys' attention.

Other possible activities for both boys and girls (with adults' help and supervision) during the Eid :

1. Competing in reading and memorizing the Quran.

2. Competing in reading and memorizing Hadith.

3. Competing in general Islamic knowledge.

4. Making drives to collect donations to help needy Muslims.

5. Teaching younger children basic important Islamic knowledge.

6. Joining the parents in visiting other Muslims for Allah's sake and for Da`wah.

Question
Can non-Muslim entertainment, such as the following be considered for the children during the Eid?

Answer
1. Pony, camel, or elephant rides

Nothing is wrong in this, as it is not specifically a non-Muslim practice. [Mubah (allowable)]

2. Amusement rides

This is permissible if it does not involve mixing with the non-Muslims and observing their improper ways of dressing and behaving. Since this is not possible in most cases, this activity should normally be avoided. [Makruh (disliked)]

3. Face Painting

This practice is mostly meant to change Allah's creation for the purpose of fun. Changing Allah's creation is one of the major sins in Islam. Thus the children should not be encouraged to like this practice, even to the slightest degree.

4. Clowns

A clown dresses and acts in a way meant to change Allah's creation in a funny way, which is a prohibited action. Thus the clowns should not be watched or encouraged. [Haram (prohibited)]

5. Slight of hand tricks

This involves magic and deceit, which are not of the ways of the Muslims. [Makruh (disliked)]

6. Balloon vendors

This is mostly a non-Muslim practice, and should be largely avoided - especially as it is getting to a point to become a constant practice that the children and parents associate with the Eid.

7. Fire truck rides

Same as above.

8. Petting zoo (without the pigs)

Same as above.

Question
Can vendors setup tables and sell their goods on the Eid?

Answer
There is nothing to prohibit this.

Question
Should the women pray the afternoon and evening salah with the men outdoors in the open - if no suitable tent or sheltered private area can be provided?

Answer
Women are instructed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to pray in the innermost rooms of their houses. If they are outdoors at prayer time (which is an exceptional situation), the women should be sheltered in such a way that no men would be behind them or to their sides watching them while they pray, especially in ruku` and sujud (bowing and prostration). If this cannot be fulfilled in Jama`ah with men, then they should hold their own Jama`ah or pray individually.

Question
Can Islamic songs be sung? If so, what is the cut-off age for young girls performing in front of mixed gender crowd?

Answer
The Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) indicates that it is permissible for young girls (under the age of puberty) to sing during the Eids. This singing should be with Islamically acceptable words, and should not be accompanied with any musical instruments except for the duff. Their singing should also be within a limited circle of parents, relatives, and friends to preserve their shyness and modesty.