Eid Prayer Method: A Complete Guide to Its Correct Performance, Etiquettes, and Traditions

Hello everyone, Eid is just around the corner, and I wish you all well. The festive atmosphere is beginning to show, and the traditions are emerging. The most important thing on Eid day, after the joy of Ramadan or standing at Arafah, is the Eid prayer. Many people ask exactly how to perform the Eid prayer, what is obligatory and what is recommended? Today, I'd like to explain it to you from the heart, in a simple and clear way, so you can go to the prayer ground with peace of mind.

Time and Place of the Eid Prayer

First things first, the Eid prayer is not at dawn, no. Its time begins approximately a quarter of an hour after sunrise and continues until just before the Dhuhr call to prayer. So, one shouldn't rush; have breakfast, get ready, and head out calmly. The Prophet ﷺ used to pray it in the musalla, an open space outside the mosque, so that everyone could gather: young and old, men and women. Here in our country, large mosques and prayer grounds welcome the worshippers, and it's prayed in congregation, the reward for which is immense.

How to Perform the Eid Prayer Step by Step

Now, let's get to the core, the method of prayer in Islam in general, and the Eid prayer specifically. The Eid prayer consists of two rak'ahs, but with additional takbeers compared to regular prayers. Let's explain it in order:

• The Intention (Niyyah): The heart is the foundation; you intend in your heart to pray the Eid prayer, a confirmed sunnah.
• First Rak'ah: You start with the opening takbeer (Allahu Akbar), then recite the opening supplication (quietly). After that, you say six takbeers excluding the opening takbeer, making a total of seven takbeers. Raise your hands with each takbeer and say "Allahu Akbar." Between the takbeers, you can say: "Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar" (Glory be to God, praise be to God, there is no god but God, and God is the Greatest).
• After the takbeers, you seek refuge in God (recite Ta'awwudh) and recite Al-Fatihah, followed by a short surah like Al-A'la or Qaf, or the Imam will recite audibly.
• Second Rak'ah: You rise from prostration, saying the takbeer for standing up, then you say five takbeers excluding the takbeer for standing. Meaning, you say takbeer five times in succession, raising your hands with each one. After that, you recite Al-Fatihah and, for example, Surah Al-Ghashiyah, then bow, prostrate, sit for the Tashahhud, and say the greeting of peace (Tasleem).

This is the relied-upon opinion according to many scholars, and it is the easiest and most comprehensive. The important thing is to follow the Imam and not add takbeers on your own.

Etiquettes and Sunnahs of Eid Day Before the Prayer

Regarding the teaching of prayer and ablution and its rulings, performing ablution (wudu) for the Eid prayer is obligatory just like for any other prayer. However, there are specific sunnahs for Eid that you should learn and teach your children:

• Taking a Bath (Ghusl): It is sunnah to purify yourself and take a bath before you go out.
• Eating Before the Prayer: On Eid al-Fitr, it is recommended to eat an odd number of dates before leaving, to show that you have broken your fast after Ramadan. On Eid al-Adha, the sunnah is to eat after the prayer from the Eid sacrifice.
• Attire: Wear your finest clothes, not necessarily new, but clean and nice. Also, apply perfume and show your happiness.
• Going and Returning Paths: Take two different routes, go one way and return another, so you can see and greet more Muslims.
• Takbeer (Proclaiming God's Greatness): Reciting takbeer on Eid day is a sunnah, you'll hear it everywhere. Repeat: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd" (God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, there is no god but God; God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, and to God be all praise).

Common Mistakes We Must Watch Out For

Some people rush after the prayer and leave before listening to the sermon (khutbah). The sermon is not obligatory but it is a sunnah, and it contains much good. Be sure to listen to it. Also, some brothers miss the Eid prayer using work or sleep as an excuse. It is a confirmed sunnah that should not be neglected. And as for the women, brothers, do not prevent them from going out to the prayer ground, wearing proper Islamic hijab and avoiding display of beauty, all goodness lies in gathering together.

Summary

The Eid prayer brings joy and happiness, and it is a way of thanking God for completing an act of worship. Learn how to perform the Eid prayer and teach it to your families. Renew your intentions, and go out with hearts filled with love and forgiveness. May you draw closer to God each year, and may the blessings, goodness, and prosperity of Eid be upon us and you.