In Barbados, the mosques remain closed, and although most workplaces are open for business with social distancing rules (physical distancing & masks & sanitising of spaces), the traditional prayer sites remain closed to congregations except for the publication/broadcast of religious services, weddings & funerals (with limited numbers). Even the beaches are open for limited hours morning and afternoon.
The Barbados Association of Thelogians has issued a guideline with respect to the performance of Eid salaat at home (a minimum of 4 mature males must be present for the salaat folllowed by a short Eid kihutbah to be performed) If the minimum isnt met, then do not pray the Eid prayer. This is of the Hanafi fiqh, but other fiqh conditions and prohibitions are respected. Strangely enough, or maybe simply, enough, in Trinidad, 2 viewpoints of the Hanafis have come forth – one for the Eid salaat at home, and the other saying simply, no, it is not to be performed at all, although one can pray the nafl salaat. In both countries, the Islamic faith organisations have encouraged adherents to observe the rules and guidelines of the country – in Barbados, traditional visits to the graveyard after the Eid salaat have been warned against.
We remain socially distanced in person, but it does not prevent getting together on online platforms to greet each other, and see the meals and treats (if any) prepared. Those who are sequestered in homes are blessed, but so are those who are alone – say farewell with sorrow to this Ramadan, many have not lived to see it at all, and many have not seen all of it, pray that we see another Ramadan, and celebrate this Eid ul Fitr – clean your surroundings, dress your bed, make ghusl, pray Fajr, recite Qur’an, eat something sweet, perform Eid salaat if you follow that school of thought, or if not, pray some nafl salaat during the course of the morning, prepare a different meal, dress your selves in your finest clothing, try a new activity (should we go to the beach this year?), make contact with your friends, family, near or distant, say Alhamdulillah and if you have performed the Eid salaat, then greet:
Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you). It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another: “Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa mink (May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you).”
