Eid Prayer: A Complete Guide to Performing Eid Salah

Eid prayer (Eid Salah) is a congregational prayer that is offered solely on the Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha mornings. It is an important act of Islamic worship symbolizing thanksgiving, solidarity, and loyalty to Allah. Muslims of the entire world congregate in enormous groups to offer this prayer on the festival day with religious zeal and social cohesion.

Eid al-Fitr this year will be on Sunday, 30th March, or Monday, 31st March (TBC moonsighting). Eid al-Adha would probably be on Friday, 6th June (TBC moonsighting). On this blessed day of celebration with our loved ones seated around us, let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Ummah who are going through unimaginable tribulations. You have to donate  for the Gaza Emergency Fund and other charity appeals so that we can  help them as much as possible. Every donation counts.

Significance of Eid Prayer

Eid prayer is the largest display of piety during the two Islamic festivities, Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Eid prayer is a symbol of gratitude because Eid ul-Fitr is a time of celebration marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid ul-Adha is a time of celebration marking the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), commemorating obedience and submission to Allah (SWT).

This collective prayer promotes fraternity, uniting Muslims irrespective of their differing professions in one form of worship. It is also of colossal spiritual advantages because the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) put great stress on it, as he said,

The prayer of Eid is incumbent on all adult male Muslims. (Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah).

Doing Eid Salah according to the Sunnah—e.g., bathing, wearing the best of clothes, and saying Takbeer—gives religious importance to it and reminds Muslim people of the habits of the Prophet (PBUH). Muslims experience the feeling of joyfulness, pray for Allah’s benediction, and reinforce their religion by offering this prayer and in Eid blessing festivities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Eid Prayer

Eid prayer differs from regular daily prayers in some key aspects. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Preparing for Eid Prayer

Prior to offering the Eid prayer, adhering to the Sunnah acts suggested by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to increase the spiritual state and show thanks to Allah (SWT) is necessary.

One must first offer Ghusl (ritual bath) as a symbol of purity and spiritual readiness.

Dressing up in the best clothes, preferably new or fresh-washed, is also advised to denote the happiness and importance of the celebration.

Spraying perfume (Itr) is also a Sunnah, which denotes freshness and good appearance.

On Eid ul-Fitr, eating an odd number of dates prior to the prayer is advised, as practiced by the Prophet (PBUH), while on Eid ul-Adha, eating should be avoided until after the sacrifice

In addition, Muslims ought to read the Takbeer from early morning until the moment of the Eid prayer, praising Allah (SWT) and thanking Him for His numerous blessings.

2. Timing and Venue

Eid prayer is performed approximately 15 to 30 minutes after the sunrise, i.e., prior to the Zuhr prayer. It enables the people performing the prayer to start their day with thanks and spiritual consciousness. The most desirable place for Eid Salah is an open ground (Eidgah), as it covers a vast population and embodies the communal nature of the celebration. However, if there is no open space or on account of bad weather, mosques can be a good substitute for the conduct of the prayer.

3. Intention (Niyyah)

Before beginning the Eid prayer, it is essential to make a sincere intention (Niyyah) in your heart. The intention should be:

I will do two rak’ahs of Eid prayer for Allah in obeying the Imam.

4. The Eid Prayer Format

Eid prayer is two rak’ahs plus additional Takbeers.

First Rak’ah:

Takbeer-e-Tahrima: Begin with Allahu Akbar and lock hands.

Additional Takbeers: The Imam will read three to seven additional Takbeers, raising hands each time.

Recitation: Surah Al-Fatiha and a second Surah (generally Surah Al-A’la or Al-Qaf).

Complete the rak’ah as usual (Ruku, Sujood, stand up for the second rak’ah).

Second Rak’ah

Begin with Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by a second Surah (generally Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Al-Qamar).

Say three more Takbeers before entering Ruku, with raised hands each time.

Continue and conclude the prayer with Tashahhud, Durood, and Salam.

5. Khutbah (Sermon)

The Eid sermon (Khutbah) precedes the prayer.

It is recommended to listen attentively, but it is not obligatory, as in the Friday prayer.

Important Rules and Sunnah Practices

Eid Salah has specific Sunnah and judgments that make it different from the usual prayer. It has no Adhan and Iqamah preceding Eid prayer as it starts with a direct start following the Takbeer of Imam. It is obligatory after Eid ul-Adha prayer to resume Takbeer Tashreeq, expressing Allah as being great. Islam invites all men, women, and children alike to join in the collective joy of the Eid prayer. Having done their prayer and khutbah, Muslims are instructed to greet each other Salaam using the Sunnah greeting, “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you), bringing joy and reaffirming bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

FAQs On Eid Prayer

Can Eid prayer be performed at home?

Yes, if you cannot attend the congregational prayer, you can perform two rak’ahs at home without a sermon.

I arrive late for the prayer. What to do?

Continue the prayer at whatever stage you arrive and perform the rest after the Imam has finished it.

Is Eid prayer fard (obligatory)?

Some consider it wajib (mandatory), while others consider it Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly recommended).

How is Eid ul-Fitr prayer different from Eid ul-Adha prayer?

The prayers are identical, but Eid ul-Adha places greater emphasis on the Qurbani (sacrifice) that follows.

Can women attend the Eid prayer?

Yes, in Islam , women are encouraged to attend the eid prayer.

Conclusion

Eid prayer is probably the most religiously fulfilling act in Islam because it brings Muslims together in spirituality and commonality. Through performing the proper process and Sunnah practices, we can authenticate and make our Eid Salah productive. Observed as Eid ul-Fitr after Ramadan or Eid ul-Adha during Hajj time, the prayer reinforces belief and creates an appreciation. Allah accepts our prayer and His mercy. Eid Mubarak!

Special Eid Wishes

Eid Mubarak to you and your family from the Children’s Aid team at this special moment. We wish that the upcoming Eid brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into your life. Do pray for us too