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How to pray the Eid prayer
The Eid prayer is two rak'ahs prayed in congregation on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, followed by a khutbah. There is no adhan or iqamah.
Its time
From about 15–20 minutes after sunrise until just before Dhuhr. It is prayed earlier on Eid al-Adha so people can offer their sacrifice.
Hanafi method
- Opening takbir and the Thana.
- Three extra takbirs, raising the hands each time, then al-Fatiha and a surah.
- In the second rak'ah, recite al-Fatiha and a surah, then three extra takbirs before going to ruku with a fourth takbir.
Shafi'i and Hanbali method
Seven takbirs after the opening takbir in the first rak'ah, and five at the start of the second, before reciting. (Malikis: six and five.)
Sunnahs of Eid
- Ghusl, best clothes and perfume.
- On Eid al-Fitr, eat something sweet (dates) before going out; on Eid al-Adha, eat after the prayer.
- Pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
- Say the takbirat of Eid on the way, and go by one route and return by another.
Questions
Is the Eid prayer obligatory?
It is wajib in the Hanafi school, a confirmed sunnah for Shafi'is and Malikis, and fard kifayah for Hanbalis.
What if I miss the extra takbirs?
The prayer is still valid. Join the imam and follow along.