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how to pray eid prayer

You can pray the Eid prayer in congregation by following a simple structure: two rak’ahs with extra takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”) at the start of each rak’ah, then listening to the khutbah (sermon) afterward.

Quick Scoop

  • Eid prayer is 2 rak’ahs, prayed out loud, usually in congregation.
  • The main difference from regular salah is the extra takbirs at the beginning of each rak’ah.
  • The khutbah comes after the prayer, unlike Jumu’ah where the khutbah is before.
  • There are slightly different methods (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, etc.), but all agree on 2 rak’ahs with extra takbirs; you simply follow the imam of your masjid.

Think of it as a joyful, slightly “decorated” two‑rak’ah prayer to mark Eid, with more expressions of “Allahu Akbar” than usual.

Before Eid Prayer

  • Make ghusl (ritual bath) if possible and wear your best modest clothes.
  • For Eid al‑Fitr, eat something (like dates) before going; for Eid al‑Adha, many wait until after the prayer.
  • Recite the Eid takbir on the way: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah…” etc., as is common in your community.
  • Go early to the prayer place, sit, and join the congregational takbirs if they are being recited.

Step‑by‑Step: Common Hanafi‑Style Method

This is one very common way (often used in Hanafi mosques). If your imam explains a slightly different number of takbirs, just follow him.

First rak’ah

  1. Intention (niyyah)
    Intend in your heart: “I intend to pray two rak’ahs of Eid (al‑Fitr/al‑Adha) for Allah, behind this imam.”
  1. Opening takbir
    • When the imam says “Allahu Akbar,” raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” with him.
    • Place your hands as you normally do in salah.
  1. Opening supplication (thana)
    • Recite the usual opening dua quietly (e.g., “Subhanak Allahumma…”) while the imam pauses, if that is your madhhab’s practice.
  1. Extra takbirs in first rak’ah
    • The imam will now say three extra takbirs.
    • Each time he says “Allahu Akbar”:
      • Raise your hands, say “Allahu Akbar,” and let your hands fall to your sides.
    • After the final extra takbir, place your hands folded again, ready for recitation.
  1. Recitation and rukū‘ / sujūd
    • The imam recites Surah Al‑Fatiha and another surah out loud; you listen.
 * Follow him into rukū‘ and sujūd as in a normal prayer, saying the usual tasbihat.

Second rak’ah

  1. Standing for second rak’ah
    • After the first sajdah set is completed and the imam stands, you stand with him.
  1. Recitation
    • The imam recites Al‑Fatiha and another surah as normal; you listen.
  1. Extra takbirs in second rak’ah
    • After the recitation and before rukū‘ , the imam will again say three extra takbirs.
    • Each time, raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar,” leaving your hands at your sides.
    • After the last extra takbir, the imam says “Allahu Akbar” and goes into rukū‘; you follow him into rukū‘ without raising your hands again.
  1. Complete the rak’ah
    • Perform rukū‘ and the two sujūd as normal.
 * Sit for the final tashahhud, recite tashahhud and salawat, and end with salam with the imam (right, then left).

That’s it: two rak’ahs with extra takbirs near the beginning of each.

Other Common Methods (Briefly)

Different schools differ mainly in how many extra takbirs and exactly when they occur, but the essence stays the same.

  • Some methods have 7 takbirs in the first rak’ah and 5 in the second , usually all at the beginning of each rak’ah before recitation.
  • Some place the extra takbirs after the recitation instead of before going to rukū‘.
  • Because of these variations, most scholars recommend: follow the imam of your local masjid , and your prayer is valid.

If you ever feel lost, a simple rule of thumb: stay with the congregation and copy the imam’s movements.

After the Prayer: Khutbah and Sunnahs

  • After the salam, the imam usually stands to deliver the khutbah of Eid ; you sit and listen quietly.
  • It is recommended to stay for the khutbah even though Eid khutbah is not the same obligation as Jumu’ah.
  • After the khutbah, greet people, say “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum,” and enjoy halal Eid celebrations.

If You Have to Pray at Home

When a person or family cannot join a congregation (illness, no nearby masjid, etc.), many scholars allow praying Eid at home in a similar way: two rak’ahs with extra takbirs, following the same pattern, with or without a short reminder afterward.

Because detailed rulings differ by school and local fatwa bodies, it is best to follow the guidance of your local imam or trusted scholar when deciding how exactly to handle Eid prayer at home.

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