How to Perform Eid Prayer: Step-by-Step Guide

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The Eid prayer is a special group prayer performed on the mornings of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. It is a strongly encouraged Sunnah and a key element of the Eid festivities. Here’s how to perform it properly:

1. Timing of Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is performed shortly after sunrise, typically about 15 to 20 minutes once the sun has completely risen.
It should be performed before the Zuhr (noon) prayer.

2. Preparation
Begin with Ghusl (full-body purification), then dress in your best clean clothes, ideally white or festive garments.
Apply perfume (for men) as a part of Sunnah.
Go to the mosque or an open place where the prayer congregation is held.

3. Intention (Niyyah)
Hold a genuine intention in your heart to offer the Eid prayer solely for Allah’s sake.

4. Number of Rak’ahs
The Eid prayer is made up of two Rak’ahs (units of prayer).

5. The Eid Prayer Steps

First Rak‘ah
Niyyah (Intention): Make the intention in your heart for performing two rak‘ahs of Eid prayer for the sake of Allah.

Takbir al-Tahrimah: Say “Allahu Akbar” and raise your hands — this begins the prayer.

Extra Takbirs (3 times):

Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar”, then let your hands fall to your sides. Repeat this 3 times.

After the third Takbir, place your hands on your chest (right over left) as usual.

Recite:

Thana (Subhanaka Allahumma...)

Surah Al-Fatiha

Another Surah (commonly Surah Al-A‘la or Surah Al-Kafirun)

Ruku and Sujood: Complete the rak‘ah as in a normal prayer.

Second Rak‘ah
Rise for the second rak‘ah and begin by reciting:

Surah Al-Fatiha

Another Surah (commonly Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Surah Al-Ikhlas)

Extra Takbirs (3 times):

Before going into ruku, raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar”, letting them fall each time. Repeat 3 times.

Fourth Takbir (to go into ruku):

Say “Allahu Akbar” a fourth time without raising your hands, and go into ruku.

Complete the ruku, sujood, and then sit for Tashahhud.

End with Tasleem on both sides: “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”

6. Additional Sunnah Practices
Khutbah (Sermon): After the prayer, the Imam delivers the Eid sermon to the congregation.
Greeting Others: Saying “Eid Mubarak” and sharing happiness with others is a Sunnah.
Supplication: Make Du’a and thank Allah for His blessings.

Final Notes
If you are praying alone, the procedure of the prayer remains the same.
The Eid prayer is performed without an Adhan or Iqamah.
The Eid prayer is a celebratory form of worship and a symbol of unity within the Muslim community.