🕌 How to Pray Eid Prayer: A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide
What is Eid Prayers
📌 Table of Contents
Introduction: The Beauty and Purpose of Eid Prayer
Is Eid Prayer Obligatory? (Fard, Wajib, Sunnah?)
When and Where is Eid Salah Offered?
Key Differences Between Eid Salah & Regular Salah
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Eid Salah
What to Do If You Miss Eid Prayer?
The Spiritual Power of Takbeer al-Tashreeq
Sunnah Practices Before and After Eid Salah
Real-Life Story: How the Prophet ﷺ Led Eid Salah
Common Questions for Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries
What to Avoid During Eid Prayer
FAQ Section (Detailed + Hadith & Quran References)
Conclusion: Eid Salah as a Moment of Unity & Spiritual Awakening
1. 🕊️ Introduction: The Beauty and Purpose of Eid Prayer
Eid Prayer (Salah al-Eid) is a moment of divine celebration. It’s not just a ritual but a community-wide declaration of gratitude to Allah ﷻ after completing major acts of worship—Ramadan fasting (Eid al-Fitr) or Qurbani/Hajj (Eid al-Adha).
It is a time when hearts unite, rich and poor stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and even the skies witness the joy of believers. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never missed the Eid prayer, even when times were hard.
“The Prophet ﷺ used to go out on the day of Eid and lead the prayer, then give the sermon.” — (Bukhari 956)
2. ❓ Is Eid Prayer Obligatory?
For Hanafi school: Wajib (highly obligatory)
For Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (confirmed Sunnah)
Meaning? You must not miss it without a valid reason.
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to command the people, men and women, to come out for Eid prayer.” — (Muslim 890)
Even women on their menses were encouraged to come to the gathering, though not to pray.
3. ⏰ When & Where to Offer Eid Salah?
Time: Shortly after sunrise (approx. 15-20 mins after Shurooq)
Ends before: Just before Zawal (midday)
Preferred Location: Open area (Musalla), but a mosque is also fine if needed.
For Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries:
You can pray at community centers, rented halls, parks, or even your backyard if safe and in congregation.
4. 🔁 Key Differences Between Eid Salah & Regular Salah
| Feature | Regular Salah | Eid Salah |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Rakats | 2, 3, 4 | 2 only |
| Iqamah | Yes | ❌ No Iqamah |
| Azan | Yes | ❌ No Azan |
| Extra Takbeers | No | ✅ Yes (6 in total) |
| Khutbah | Before | ✅ After Salah |
5. 🧎 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pray Eid Salah
Total Rakats: 2 (Congregational, loud recitation)
🧷 1st Rakat:
Niyyah (Intention): Silently in your heart — “I intend to pray two Rakats of Eid-ul-Fitr (or Eid-ul-Adha) for Allah.”
Takbeer al-Ihram – Say “Allahu Akbar” once to begin the prayer.
Extra Takbeers – Say “Allahu Akbar” three more times, raising your hands each time.
After 3rd Takbeer, place hands on chest (as in regular prayer).
Imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha + another Surah (e.g., Al-A’la).
Continue as normal Rakat: Rukoo, Sujood, etc.
🧷 2nd Rakat:
Stand up for 2nd Rakat.
After Al-Fatiha + another Surah (e.g., Al-Ghashiyah), do 3 extra Takbeers before going to Rukoo.
On the 4th Takbeer, go into Rukoo as usual.
Complete prayer normally.
🗣️ After Salah: Khutbah (Sermon)
Must listen to it quietly.
The Prophet ﷺ used to remind of charity, unity, and taqwa.
6. ❌ What If You Miss the Eid Prayer?
Missed it alone: You may offer 2 Rakats individually (no khutbah).
Missed congregation: If a group misses it, they can gather and pray it the same way.
Missed both: Don’t panic. Increase Takbeer and worship throughout the day.
7. 📣 Takbeer al-Tashreeq (The Eid Chant)
From Maghrib of 9th Dhul Hijjah to Asr of 13th, we say:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallahu wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil Hamd.
This Takbeer echoes unity, submission, and the glory of Allah.
8. 🌸 Sunnah Before and After Eid Salah
Ghusl (ritual bath)
Wear your best clothes (not necessarily new)
Use Miswaak
Apply pleasant fragrance (men only)
Eat dates before Eid-ul-Fitr Salah (not for Eid-ul-Adha)
Say Takbeer aloud while walking to Musalla
Congratulate one another: “Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum”
9. 🕋 Story: How Prophet ﷺ Led Eid Salah
Once, after a battle, the Prophet ﷺ still ensured Eid Salah was conducted. He instructed the entire community, including young girls and menstruating women, to join the gathering.
“Let them witness the goodness and the supplications of the Muslims.” — (Bukhari 324)
He ﷺ would walk to the Eid prayer and return by a different path, symbolizing gratitude and renewal.
10. 🌍 For Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries
No mosque nearby? Pray in congregation at home.
Can’t take off work/school? Schedule Salah early or during lunch if possible.
Dress modestly but proudly, even among non-Muslims. Show the beauty of Islam.
11. ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting extra Takbeers.
Skipping the Khutbah.
Talking during Khutbah.
Treating Eid like a party without Salah.
12. ❓ FAQ Section (With Quran & Hadith References)
Q1: Is Eid Salah mentioned in the Qur'an?
Q2: Can women attend Eid prayer?
Q3: Is the Khutbah mandatory?
Q4: Can we offer Eid Salah alone?
Q5: Are there any Eid prayers in the Qur'an?
Q7: What’s the ruling if Eid falls on Friday (Jumu’ah)?
Q8: Why so many Takbeers?
Q9: Can we combine Eid prayer with other celebrations?
Q10: What do I teach my children about Eid Salah?
🏁 13. Conclusion: Eid as a Day of Unity, Love & Submission
Eid Salah is more than two Rakats. It’s a spiritual summit, a global chorus of praise, and a reminder that Islam is a religion of balance — prayer and joy, obedience and celebration.
Wherever you are — in a park, a masjid, a living room — never miss this opportunity. Pray it. Feel it. Teach it. Let your children see it. Let your neighbors hear the Takbeers.
And remember, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
“For every nation there is a festival, and this is our festival.” — (Bukhari 952)
May Allah accept your Eid, your Salah, and your efforts. Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum! 🎉
Quran & Hadith References
Quranic References for Eid Prayers
While the Quran does not explicitly mention the prayer of Namaz-e-Eidain, it provides general guidelines on celebrating the two Eids and remembering Allah:
Eid al-Fitr and Gratitude to Allah
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
This verse emphasizes the celebration at the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) as a way to glorify and show gratitude to Allah.
- Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185):
Eid al-Adha and Sacrifice
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:28):
“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.”
This verse highlights the importance of sacrifice and sharing during Eid al-Adha, a key aspect of the celebration.
- Surah Al-Hajj (22:28):
Remembering Allah in Gatherings
- Surah Al-A’la (87:14-15):
“He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself and mentions the name of his Lord and prays.”
This verse underscores the significance of prayer and remembrance of Allah during special occasions.
- Surah Al-A’la (87:14-15):
Hadith References for Namaz-e-Eidain
Eid Prayer is Sunnah or Wajib
- Narrated by Umm Atiyah (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded us to bring out on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha the young women, menstruating women, and secluded women. But the menstruating women were to keep away from the prayer and witness the goodness and the supplication of the Muslims.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 971; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 890)
This hadith shows the communal nature of the Eid prayer and its importance for the entire Muslim community.
- Narrated by Umm Atiyah (RA):
Number of Takbirs in Eid Prayer
- Narrated by Amr bin Shu’aib from his father from his grandfather (RA):
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said the Takbir in the Eid prayer seven times in the first rak’ah and five times in the second, apart from the Takbir of Ruku’.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 1150; Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith 536)
This hadith specifies the additional Takbirs in the Eid prayer, which make it unique.
- Narrated by Amr bin Shu’aib from his father from his grandfather (RA):
No Sunnah Before or After Eid Prayer
- Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA):
“The Prophet (ﷺ) went out and offered a two rak’ah prayer on the Day of Eid and did not pray before it or after it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 989; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 884)
- Narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA):
Eid Khutbah After the Prayer
- Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, and Umar used to offer the Eid prayers before delivering the sermon.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 957; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 889)
- Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (RA):
Importance of Performing Eid Prayer in an Open Area
- Narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go out to the Musalla (open area) on the day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 956; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 889)
- Narrated by Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA):
