How to pray Eid salah (prayer)

Prayer is a crucial part of both Eid celebrations – Eid al-Fitr (which marks the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (celebrated during the Hajj season). On these special days, Muslims join in congregational prayer and give thanks to God through the Eid salah (prayer).

What time is Eid salah?

Eid salah takes place in the early morning, after Fajr salah, on the first day of Eid (while Eid al-Fitr is a single day celebration, Eid al-Adha is traditionally marked over 3 days).

Most mosques hold several Eid prayers at different times throughout the morning to accommodate people’s varying schedules. Please check with your local mosque for their Eid prayer schedule.

Is Eid salah compulsory?

Scholars hold differing views on the obligation of Eid prayer.

1. A duty: Imam Abu Hanifah and some narrations from Imam Ahmad consider Eid prayer to be a duty for each Muslim and obligatory for men; those who do not perform it, without a valid reason, are considered sinful.
2. Sunnah Mu’akkadah: According to Imam Malik and Imam al-Shafi’i, Eid prayer is considered an emphasised sunnah (a practise of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), meaning it is highly recommended, but not obligatory.
3. Communal Obligation: Imam Ahmad holds the view that Eid prayer is a communal obligation (fardh kifayah). As long as some people within a community perform it, the rest are excused.

Regardless of which opinion you follow, Eid salah is a source of immense reward, and a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends in an environment of barakah (blessings).

How to perform Eid prayer

When you first get up in the morning, you should:

• perform ghusl (have a bath) or at least perform wudhu (ritual ablution).
• it’s sunnah to eat something (you may be a bit out of practice after a month of fasting!) The Prophet PBUH ate dates before going out to prayer.
• wear the best clothes you have. Muslims are encouraged to clean themselves, dress in their best clothes and smell good for a day of celebration!
• say takbir tashriq, a short supplication praising God, on the way to Eid prayer.

When you’re ready to pray:

Eid salah is performed slightly differently to the 5 regular prayers. You should:

• make the intention to perform Eid prayer.
• say the opening takbir (‘Allahu Akbar’) with the imam.
• recite the opening supplication (thana) quietly to yourself.
• say 3 more takbir with the imam, raising your hands for each.
• listen to the imam recite Surah al-Fatihah and an additional surah (chapter of the Qur’an).
• say ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into ruku (bowing) with the imam and continue the prayer cycle as normal.
• in the second rakah, listen to the imam recite Surah al-Fatihah and an additional surah.
• give 3 additional takbir with the imam. After the third and final takbir, place your hands to your sides before doing the ruku again.
• say ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position with the imam and complete the prayer cycle as normal.