how to do eid prayer

Here’s a clear, step‑by‑step guide on how to do Eid prayer (Eid salah) , plus a bit of context so you feel confident when you stand behind the imam.

Key things to know first

• Eid salah is 2 rak‘ahs (units of prayer), with extra takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”).

• There is no adhan or iqamah for Eid prayer.

• It is prayed in congregation, usually in the mosque or an open area, shortly after sunrise and before midday.

• Methods differ slightly between madhhabs (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali), especially in the number and timing of extra takbirs.

Below is a simple Hanafi-style walkthrough (common in many communities), plus notes on the 7/5 takbir method.

Before the prayer

1. Make ghusl or wudu properly (wudu is obligatory, ghusl is recommended).

2. Dress in your best modest clothes and apply perfume if appropriate.

3. Eat :
   • Eid al‑Fitr: Recommended to eat something (like dates) before going.
   • Eid al‑Adha: Recommended to delay eating until after the prayer and sacrifice.

4. Go early to the place of prayer, saying the Eid takbirs on the way (according to your local practice).

5. Check your local mosque’s time – some hold multiple Eid prayers in the morning.

Intention (Niyyah)

In your heart, intend something like:

“I intend to pray two rak‘ahs of Eid salah for Allah, following the imam.”

You don’t have to say this out loud.

Eid salah: Hanafi-style (3 extra takbirs each rak‘ah)

This is one of the most commonly taught ways today, especially in many Hanafi mosques.

First rak‘ah

1. Takbir al‑Ihram
   • Raise your hands to your ears/shoulders and say “Allahu Akbar”.
   • Fold your hands as in normal salah.

2. Opening supplication (thana)
   • Recite the standard opening quietly (e.g., “Subhanaka…”) if this is your madhhab’s practice.

3. Three extra takbirs
   • The imam will say “Allahu Akbar” three times.
   • Each time:
     • Raise your hands.
     • After each of the first two takbirs, let your hands drop to your sides.
     • After the third extra takbir, fold your hands again.

4. Recitation
   • The imam recites Surah al‑Fatiha and another surah aloud.
   • Common sunnah: Surah al‑A‘la or similar in the first rak‘ah.

5. Ruku and sujud
   • Follow the imam into ruku when he says “Allahu Akbar”, then sujud, exactly like normal prayer.

Second rak‘ah

1. Stand up for the second rak‘ah when the imam does.

2. Recitation first
   • The imam recites Surah al‑Fatiha and another surah aloud (often Surah al‑Ghashiyah or something similar).

3. Three extra takbirs
   • After recitation, the imam will again say “Allahu Akbar” three times.
   • Each time:
     • Raise your hands and then let them fall to your sides (do not fold after the last one).

4. Fourth takbir into ruku
   • After the three extra takbirs, the imam says “Allahu Akbar” again and goes into ruku.
   • You follow into ruku and then complete sujud and sit for tashahhud.

5. Tashahhud and salam
   • Sit, recite tashahhud, send salawat upon the Prophet, and make du‘a if there is time.
   • The imam ends the prayer with salam to the right and left; you follow.

After that, the imam usually delivers two khutbahs (sermons) for Eid. It’s highly recommended to sit and listen.

Alternative method (7 + 5 takbirs)

Many masjids (especially following Shafi‘i/Maliki opinions) use the 7/5 takbir method, based on authentic narrations.

• First rak‘ah :
  • Takbir al‑Ihram (opening).
  • Then 6 or 7 additional takbirs (total 7 or 8 including the first), hands raised each time.
  • Then recitation: Fatiha + another surah (classically Surah Qaf).

• Second rak‘ah :
  • Stand up with takbir.
  • Then 5 extra takbirs , raising your hands each time.
  • Then Fatiha + another surah (classically Surah al‑Qamar).

If you are unsure what your mosque does, the safest practice is:

Follow the imam in whatever number of takbirs he makes, without trying to correct him.

Sunnah etiquettes around Eid prayer

• Change route : Some scholars recommend going home by a different route than the one you took to the prayer.

• Congratulate others : Use simple greetings like “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” or “Eid Mubarak”.

• Charity :
  • For Eid al‑Fitr, pay Zakat al‑Fitr before the prayer if you are able.
  • For Eid al‑Adha, arrange and distribute the qurbani meat properly.

If you are praying at home

In some situations, people may pray Eid at home, alone or with family.

• Basic structure is still 2 rak‘ahs with extra takbirs as above.

• According to many scholars, the khutbah is not necessary at home; you can skip it or simply read some verses and reminders.

• Always check a trusted local scholar or mosque’s guidance, as practice can differ slightly.

Simple “memory hook”

When you stand behind the imam, remember:

• Two rak‘ahs only.
• Extra “Allahu Akbar” at the start of each rak‘ah (more than usual).
• In doubt:
  • Stand when they stand,
  • Say “Allahu Akbar” with them,
  • Bow and prostrate when they do.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.