What is Eid Prayer?
Eid prayer, also known as Salat al-Eid, is a special prayer that Muslims perform on the mornings of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is a moment of joy, gratitude, and unity, where people come together in large congregations to worship Allah (SWT). This prayer marks the beginning of festivities, setting the tone for a day filled with blessings and celebration.
In Islam, the Eid prayers are highly important. It is not just an act of worship but a way to thank Allah (SWT) for His mercy and blessings. Eid al-Fitr signifies the completion of Ramadan, a month of fasting. Eid al-Adha reflects the spirit of sacrifice and obedience, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Although both Eid prayers are similar, there are small differences in that the Eid al-Adha prayer is followed by the sacrifice (Qurbani). At the same time, Eid al-Fitr is preceded by Sadaqatul-Fitr (charity). There is no Adhan (call to prayer) and Iqamah for Eid prayer.
Eid prayer is unique. Unlike daily prayers, worshippers include extra Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”) in this prayer. They perform it in large gatherings, usually in open spaces (Eidgahs), mosques, or large community centers. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always performed Eid Salah in the congregation (jama’ah), encouraging men, women, and children to join. This prayer reminds Muslims of unity, humility, and the importance of gratitude.
Is Eid Prayer Obligatory (Compulsory)?
Islamic scholars have different opinions on whether Eid prayer is mandatory or recommended. Here’s a breakdown of their views:
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah – According to Imam Malik and Imam al-Shafi’i, Eid prayers are confirmed Sunnah. This means it holds great importance in Islam, and every Muslim should perform it, but skipping it is not sinful.
- Communal Obligation (Fard Kifayah) – Imam Ahmad believes Eid prayer is a communal duty. If enough people in the community perform it, they excuse the rest. However, if no one prays, the whole community is responsible.
- An Individual Duty (Fard Ayn) – Imam Abu Hanifah and some narrations from Imam Ahmad hold that Eid prayer is obligatory for every Muslim man. People consider those who skip it without a valid excuse sinful.
While opinions differ, all scholars agree that Eid prayer is a great act of worship that strengthens faith and unity among Muslims.
Fard and Sunnah are essential in Islamic practice. Fard acts are obligatory, while Sunnah actions bring extra rewards. Understanding both click provide link Fard and Sunnah.
Sunnahs of Eid Prayer
Eid prayer is not just about praying; it’s also about following the Sunnah (teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)). These small but meaningful acts make the day even more special.
- Start your day with Ghusl (ritual purification). A clean body reflects a clean soul, and it prepares you for worship.
- Wear your best clothes and apply perfume (for men).
- Before going to the Eid al-Fitr prayer, eat something, preferably dates (in odd numbers). The Prophet (SAW) did this to show that fasting has ended. Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) Narrated that: Allah’s Messenger (SAW) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of `Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Hazrat Anas (RA) also narrated: The Prophet (SAW) used to eat the odd number of dates. (Sahih al-Bukhari 953) However, for Eid al-Adha, it is recommended not to eat before the prayer. Instead, Muslims should eat from their sacrificial animal after performing the Qurbani (sacrifice).
- Use a Miswak (tooth-stick) or brush your teeth. It keeps your mouth fresh and is a Sunnah act.
- While going to the Eid prayer, say the Takbirat al-Tashreeq (“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahi al-hamd”). It fills your heart with faith and reminds you of Allah’s (SWT) greatness.
- After the prayer, take a different route home. This small act symbolizes spreading blessings and meeting more people to share Eid greetings.
How to Perform Eid Prayer (Step-by-Step Guide)
Performing the Eid prayer is simple and beautiful. Eid prayer has two Rakats. Unlike regular prayers, it is just like Fajr prayer with extra Takbirs, and a special sermon at the end. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide on how to perform Eid Salah correctly. Let’s go step by step.
Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)
The niyyah (intention) does not need to be spoken aloud. It is a mental commitment that aligns your heart and mind with the purpose of the prayer.
Step 2: First Rak’ah (Unit of Prayer)
- Takbeer al-Ihram: Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” to start the prayer.
- Recite the Opening Supplication (SubhanakAllahumma). This is the same du’a recited in regular prayers.
- Say three extra Takbeerat (Allahu Akbar): Raise your hands with each Takbeer.
- After the first two Takbeers, lower your hands to your sides momentarily.
- After the third Takbeer, place your hands on your chest, as you do in regular prayer.
- The Imam will then recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (commonly Surah Al-A’la).
- Perform Ruku (bowing) and then Sujood (prostration) as in a normal prayer.
Step 3: Second Rakah
- Stand up for the second rak’ah and let the Imam recite Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ghashiyah).
- Say three extra Takbeerat, raising your hands with each Takbeer.
- Go into Ruku (bowing) after the third Takbeer.
- Perform Sujood (prostration) and then sit for Tashahhud (the final sitting).
- Complete the prayer.
Step 4: Listen to the Eid Khutbah (Sermon)
After completing Eid Salah, the Imam delivers the Eid Khutbah. This sermon covers important Islamic teachings, gratitude, unity, and reminders for the community.
- Unlike Jumu’ah Khutbah, scholars do not make listening to the Eid Khutbah obligatory, but they highly recommend it.
- It is disrespectful to leave immediately after the prayer without listening to at least a part of the sermon.
- The Imam recites the Takbeerat of Eid after delivering the Khutbah. For Eid al-Adha, Muslims repeat Takbirat al-Tashreeq after every Fard prayer until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
By following these steps and Sunnah practices, you can ensure that your Eid Salah is performed correctly and with devotion.
When is the Eid Prayer Performed?
Eid prayer has a specific time window:
- Perform Eid prayer after sunrise but before Dhuhr (about 15-30 minutes after the sun fully rises).
- For Eid-ul-Adha, pray early so people can proceed with the sacrifice. For Eid-ul-Fitr, pray slightly later to allow time for Sadaqatul-Fitr distribution.
If a person misses the Eid prayer, there is no qada (make-up prayer), but they can still engage in dhikr and duas for blessings.
Celebrating Eid After the Prayer
After completing the Eid prayer, Muslims celebrate by:
- Greeting one another with “Eid Mubarak!“
- Visiting family and friends, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts.
- Giving charity and feeding the needy.
- Spending quality time with loved ones.
Eid is a day of happiness and gratitude, and following the Sunnah makes the day even more blessed.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)
Q1. Can Eid Prayer Be Performed at Home?
Yes, Eid prayer can be performed at home, but there is no Khutbah required. There are different opinions among scholars on when it is allowed.
–If you miss the congregation – Some scholars, including those from the Hanafi school, state that if someone misses Eid Salah in the congregation, they cannot pray it at home because it is a special prayer for large gatherings. However, other scholars, like those from the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, allow praying it at home if missed.
–In unavoidable situations – If there are restrictions, bad weather, illness, or other unavoidable reasons, many scholars permit Muslims to pray Eid Salah at home. The COVID-19 pandemic made this ruling more common when authorities closed mosques.
Q2. Can women and children attend Eid Salah?
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged all women—young, old, married, or unmarried—to attend Eid Salah. Even women who are not praying due to menstruation can join the gathering, listen to the Eid Khutbah, and engage in duas and dhikr. However, attending is not obligatory for women; it is their choice.
Bringing children to Eid prayer is a beautiful Sunnah. It allows them to experience the joy and unity of Eid and learn about Islamic traditions from a young age. However, parents should ensure that children remain respectful and do not disturb the prayer.
Q3. What should worshippers do if it rains—where should they hold the Eid prayer?
Muslims prefer to perform Eid prayer in an open field (Eidgah), following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). However, if it rains or the weather becomes extreme, they pray in a mosque or a large indoor gathering place.
Q4. Can I pray the Eid prayer alone?
Muslims pray Eid Salah in the congregation. However, if someone misses it, they may pray two rak’ahs alone (without a Khutbah), although opinions differ on whether this is necessary.
Q5. Can I pray the Eid prayers on my period?
Women in their period could not perform the prayer, but they could attend the gathering, listen to the Eid Khutbah, and engage in duas and dhikr. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged women to join the Eid congregation, even if they were not praying.
Q6. Which Eid lasts three days?
Eid al-Adha spans three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, and people also call it “The Days of Tashreeq.” In some traditions, celebrations extend to four days. Eid al-Fitr, however, is officially one day, but celebrations often continue for two to three days.
Q7. Which Eid comes first?
Eid al-Fitr comes first in the Islamic calendar. Muslims celebrate Eid on the 1st of Shawwal, immediately after Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid al-Adha comes later in the year, on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, during the days of Hajj (pilgrimage).
Final Thoughts
Eid prayer is a beautiful act of worship that brings the Muslim community together in celebration. By following the correct Ramadan guidelines for Eid-ul-Fitr and the proper Hajj guidelines for Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims can fully embrace the joy and blessings of this special occasion.
May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, fasting, and good deeds, and bless us all with happiness and success. Eid Mubarak!
Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by Fatima Rafique
