How do I pray the Eid prayer?
Question · One of the most asked questions about Ramadan
This will be my first Eid as a Muslim and I want to pray with everyone at the mosque. How is the Eid prayer done, and what happens with the extra takbirs?
Short answer
The Eid prayer is two rakats prayed in congregation in the morning, with extra takbirs before the recitation, followed by a sermon. There is no adhan or iqamah.
Detailed answer
The Eid prayer is two rakats prayed in congregation on the morning of Eid, led by an imam. It has no adhan and no iqamah, it includes a few extra takbirs (saying "Allahu akbar"), and it is followed by a short sermon (khutbah).
What the Sunnah says
Jabir ibn Samurah said that he prayed the Eid prayer with the Prophet (peace be upon him) more than once without an adhan or iqamah (Muslim). Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet, Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman all prayed the Eid prayer before the sermon (Bukhari, Muslim). The Prophet often recited Surah Al-A'la and Surah Al-Ghashiyah in the two rakats (Muslim).
Step by step
- Make the intention in your heart to pray the Eid prayer.
- Say the opening takbir with the imam, then the extra takbirs, raising your hands if your imam does so. Between them you can quietly praise Allah.
- The imam recites Al-Fatihah and another surah aloud. Complete the rakat as usual.
- In the second rakat, the imam says the extra takbirs again before reciting, then completes the prayer.
- Stay and listen to the sermon after the prayer.
In most mosques the extra takbirs are seven in the first rakat and five in the second. Some scholars hold that there are three extra takbirs in each rakat; both ways are valid, so simply follow your imam.
When is it prayed?
The time begins a little after sunrise, once the sun has fully risen, and ends just before midday (before Dhuhr). Many mosques pray Eid al-Fitr slightly later in the morning to give people time to pay Zakat al-Fitr. Check the sunrise time on our prayer times page and confirm the time with your local mosque.
What if I miss it?
If you arrive late, join the imam and complete what you missed. If you miss the whole prayer, many scholars say you may pray two rakats on your own or with your family in the same way.
Tips
- Arrive early and say the Eid takbir while you wait.
- Bring the whole family; see can women attend the Eid prayer?
- If you are new, stand next to someone experienced and follow the imam.
These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.
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