Eid Prayer Guide: A Complete Guide to Performing It Correctly, Its Etiquette, and Sunnah Practices

Hello everyone, Eid is just around the corner, and wishing you all well. The festive mood is picking up, and traditions are coming to life. The most important thing on Eid day, after the joy of completing Ramadan or standing at Arafah, is the Eid prayer. Many people ask about the exact method of performing the Eid prayer, what's obligatory and what's recommended? Today, I'd like to explain it to you sincerely, in a simple and clear way, so you can head to the prayer ground with peace of mind.

Timing and Place of Eid Prayer

First things first, the Eid prayer is not at Fajr time, no. Its time begins approximately 15 minutes after sunrise and continues until just before the Dhuhr call to prayer. So, there's no need to rush; one can have breakfast, get ready, and head out calmly. The Prophet ﷺ used to perform it at the Musalla, an open space outside the mosque, so that everyone could gather: young and old, men and women. Here in our country, major mosques and prayer grounds welcome the worshippers, and it's performed in congregation, with immense rewards.

How to Perform the Eid Prayer Step by Step

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

• Intention (Niyyah): The heart is the foundation; intend in your heart to perform the Eid prayer, a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah mu'akkadah).
• First Rak'ah: Start with the Takbirat al-Ihram (saying "Allahu Akbar"), then recite the opening supplication (Du'a al-Istiftah) silently. After that, say six additional takbirs (not including the Takbirat al-Ihram), making a total of seven takbirs. Raise your hands with each takbir and say "Allahu Akbar." Between the takbirs, you can say: "Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar" (Glory be to Allah, praise be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest).
• After the takbirs, seek refuge with Allah (recite Ta'awwudh silently), recite Surah Al-Fatihah, and then another Surah, like Surah Al-A'la or Surah Qaf. The Imam will recite loudly.
• Second Rak'ah: Stand up from prostration, saying the takbir for standing up, then say five additional takbirs (not including the takbir for standing). So you'll say five takbirs in a row, raising your hands with each one. After that, recite Surah Al-Fatihah and, for example, Surah Al-Ghashiyah. Then bow (ruku), prostrate (sujud), sit for Tashahhud, and say the Tasleem (greeting of peace).

This is the relied-upon opinion according to many scholars, and it's the easiest and most comprehensive. The key is to follow your Imam and not add any takbirs on your own.

Etiquette and Sunnah Practices on Eid Day Before the Prayer

Regarding teaching prayer and ablution (wudu) and its rulings, performing wudu for the Eid prayer is obligatory, just like for any other prayer. However, there are specific Sunnah practices for Eid. Learn them and teach them to your children:

• Taking a Bath (Ghusl): It is Sunnah to intentionally purify yourself and take a bath before heading out.
• Eating Before the Prayer: On Eid al-Fitr, it's 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 best clothes – they don't necessarily have to be new, but clean and neat. Apply perfume and express your joy.
• Route to and from Prayer: Take two different routes: go to the prayer ground via one path and return via another. This way, you can see and greet more Muslims along the way.
• Takbir: Reciting Takbir on Eid day is a Sunnah. You'll hear it everywhere. Recite: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd" (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah; Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise).

Common Mistakes We Should Avoid

Some people rush off after the prayer before listening to the Khutbah (sermon). The sermon isn't obligatory but it is a Sunnah, and it contains much goodness. Make sure to listen to it. Also, some brothers miss the Eid prayer altogether, using work or sleep as an excuse. It's a confirmed Sunnah, and it shouldn't be neglected. And as for the women, brothers, don't prevent them from going out to the prayer ground. Let them go out in proper Islamic hijab, away from displaying adornment enticingly – all goodness lies in gathering together.

Summary

The Eid prayer embodies joy and happiness, and it's a way of thanking Allah for enabling us to complete acts of worship. Learn the method of performing the Eid prayer and teach it to your family. Renew your intention, and go out with hearts filled with love and forgiveness. Wishing you all to be closer to Allah, and may Eid bring us all goodness, blessings, and prosperity.