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Salat al-Eid — The Eid Prayer

صَلَاةُ العِيدِ — فَضلُهَا وَوَقتُهَا وَكَيفِيَّتُهَا
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Salat al-Eid (صَلَاة العِيد — the Eid prayer, from *'aada*: to return, to repeat) is the communal prayer performed on the morning of Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal) and Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijja). It is among the most highly emphasized acts of communal worship in Islam — the Prophet never abandoned it, encouraged even menstruating women to attend the gathering (though not pray), and described the sermon that follows it as the occasion for the Imam/leader to address the community with counsel. Salat al-Eid consists of two rak'as with additional takbirat (declarations of Allah's greatness) and is followed by a khutba (sermon).

The Two Eids and Their Significance

Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal): The “Breaking Fast” celebration — the immediate post-Ramadan Eid. The Eid prayer on this day marks the completion of the Ramadan fast and begins with the payment of Zakat al-Fitr (sadaqat al-fitr — the obligatory charity given before the prayer). It is the communal act of gratitude for completing the month of fasting and Quranic recitation.

Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijja): The “Feast of Sacrifice” — the Eid that accompanies the Hajj pilgrimage. Its prayer coincides with the Day of Arafat concluding and the slaughter of the Udhiyya (sacrifice animal) beginning. It commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Isma’il, and the divine’s redemption.

The Prophet’s practice: “The Prophet used to pray [Eid prayer] and then give the khutba.” — Bukhari. The prayer precedes the sermon (unlike Jumu’a, where the khutba precedes the prayer).

See also: Eid Al Adha, Ramadan Guide, Five Pillars Of Islam

There are three scholarly positions:

  1. Fard Kifaya (Collective Obligation): Majority position (Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) — obligatory on the community collectively; if enough perform it, the rest are absolved.

  2. Wajib (Individual Duty): Hanafi and many scholars following the Hanbali tradition — individually required for every Muslim. This is the stronger position based on the Prophet’s insistence that all Muslims attend, even women who normally stayed home.

  3. Sunnah Mu’akkada (Confirmed Prophetic Practice): A minority scholarly view.

The Prophet’s instruction: “Going out for the Eid is obligatory on every Muslim man.” — Abu Dawud. The Prophet also said: “Let the young women, the older women, and the menstruating women go out to the place of prayer, and let the menstruating women be apart from the prayer area and witness the good and the supplications of the believers.” — Bukhari

How to Perform Salat al-Eid

The time: After sunrise (like Duha time), before midday. The Eid prayer is not performed at the time of forbidden prayer (just at/after sunrise).

The location: Traditionally performed in a wide open area — a musalla (outdoor prayer ground) — rather than a mosque. The Prophet (SAW) preferred the open area of Medina for the Eid prayer. Many communities today use mosques or large halls.

Method (following the Hanafi school, which is widely followed):

Rak’a 1:

  1. Imam announces: Salat al-Eid begins
  2. Opening Takbir: “Allahu Akbar” (hands raised to earlobes) — Iftitah/Opening
  3. Three additional Takbirat (“Allahu Akbar” three times, with hands raised each time, briefly lowering between each)
  4. Al-Fatiha + a Surah (recommended: Surah al-A’la 87, or Surah Qaf 50)
  5. Ruku’, Sujud — complete the rak’a

Rak’a 2:

  1. Stand, recite al-Fatiha + a surah (recommended: Surah al-Ghashiya 88, or Surah al-Qamar 54)
  2. Three additional Takbirat before Ruku’
  3. Ruku’, Sujud — complete the rak’a
  4. Tashahhud and Salam

Note: Different schools differ on whether the extra takbirs come before or after al-Fatiha, and on the exact number (6 or 12 total). Follow your imam.

The Khutba: Follows the prayer — two sermons (like Jumu’a). The first traditionally begins with nine Takbirat; the second with seven. The khutba includes:

See also: Understanding Namaz, Zakat And Khums, Dhikr

The Sunnah Acts of Eid

Before and after the Eid prayer:

The night before Eid (Laylat al-Eid): The Prophet (SAW): “Whoever stays awake on the two nights of Eid seeking reward, his heart will not die on the day when hearts die [the Day of Judgment].” — Ibn Maja. The night before Eid is marked by dhikr and takbir (the Eid Takbir).

The Takbirat al-Eid (after Maghrib on Laylat al-Eid through the Eid prayer): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illAllah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi al-hamd” (Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest — and all praise is to Allah)

The Sunnah acts of Eid day:

  1. Wake early and make ghusl (ritual bath)
  2. Wear best/cleanest clothes
  3. Eid al-Fitr: eat an odd number of dates before prayer; Eid al-Adha: eat nothing until after prayer (then eat from the sacrifice)
  4. Go to the prayer by one route; return by another (following the Prophet’s practice — possibly to witness more of the community)
  5. Congratulate fellow Muslims: “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you) — narrated from the Companions

See also: Ramadan Guide, Eid Al Adha, Five Pillars Of Islam, Morning Evening Adhkar

Eid in Bohra Practice

In the Dawoodi Bohra tradition, Eid is centered on the congregational prayer led by the Dai al-Mutlaq or his representative, followed by the Imam’s guidance (conveyed through the Da’i’s khutba). The communal gathering for Eid prayer carries special significance as a manifestation of the community’s walayah — coming together in the presence of the Dai as the Imam’s representative.

The Eid meal, the wearing of distinctive Bohra attire, and the practice of visiting elders for their blessings (baraka) extend the day’s spiritual quality into communal and family life.

See also: Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Barakah And Tabarruk, Understanding Walayah

See also: Understanding Namaz, Eid Al Adha, Ramadan Guide, Five Pillars Of Islam, Zakat And Khums, Dhikr, Morning Evening Adhkar, Dai Al Mutlaq Institution, Barakah And Tabarruk, Understanding Walayah

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