What is Eid Prayer?

The ‘Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs.

‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of Eid ul-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of Eid ul-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” (Narrated by al-Nasai, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Nasai.) 

Abu Sa’id said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to come out on the day of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 956)

What to recite in Eid Prayer?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to recite Surat Qaf and Surat al-Qamar during the two ‘Eids . Or if he wishes he can recite Surat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Surat al-Ghashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghashiyah in the ‘Eid prayer .

The imam should revive the Sunnah by reciting these surahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

Reference:- Sahih Muslim 878a

Way to Perform Eid Salah:-

Summary:-

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbirat al-ihram (say “Allahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbirs, because of the hadith of ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), “The takbir of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbirs in the first rak’ah and five takbirs in the second, apart from the takbir of ruku’.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and classed as sahih by al-Albani in Irwa’ al-Ghalil, 639)  

Then he should recite al-Fatihah, and recite Surat Qaf in the first rak’ah.

In the second rak’ah, he should stand up saying takbir, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbir five times, and recite Surat al-Fatihah then Surat al-Qamar.

Step by Step:–

First Rak’ah:-

1. Set your intention in your heart for the Eid Salah prayer. Focus internally and think, “I intend to pray the Sunnah prayer of Eid al-Fitr [or of Eid al-Adha] 2 rak’ah for Allah ta’ala.” This prepares you to concentrate fully on performing Eid Salah. You can also say this verbally, though it is not required.

• Intentions are very important in Islamic tradition, and Muslims believe that they will be rewarded for their intentions as well as for their actions.

2. Follow the imam’s lead for the Eid Salah prayer. Even if you have a general idea for how the Eid Salah will progress, don’t move or speak before the imam has indicated it’s time to do so. Each imam will have their own pacing that they follow, even if the steps are the same. Your imam ill also indicate how many Takbirs will be said during the prayer, so listen closely.

• This shows that you are respectful of the imam and that you are focused on the moment.
• If you’re performing Eid Salah at home, act as your own imam, and conduct the prayer at whatever pace is comfortable for you.

3. Recite the first Takbirs and the Dua al-Istiftah. Raise your hands and say “Allahu Akbar” after the imam does the same. After this, lower your hands (place your right hand over left in front of your chest) and recite the Dua al-Istiftah quietly to yourself. Then, the imam will then say “Allahu Akbar” 3 times. Repeat after him and raise your hands after each utterance. After you raise your hands, put them back down by your sides.

• The Dua al-Istiftah refers to the opening prayer of the salah. There are different duas to recite, but the most common is: سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ وَلاَ إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ (“Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika wa tabarakasmuka, wa ta’ala jadduka wa la ilaha ghairuk”).
• The motion of raising your hands during a Takbir is known as “Takbiratul Ihram.”

4. Put your hands in front of your chest as the imam recites the Quran. Place your right hand on top of your left hand. The imam will recite Surah Al-Fatiha and then an additional Suran^. Listen carefully as he speaks and reflect on the words. After this, the first rak’ah will be completed as usual.

• Recite the Surah Al-Fatiha and additional Surah yourself if performing the Salah at home. The additional Surah can be any Surah from the Quran.

5. Perform Ruku once the imam is done reciting from the Quran. Ruku is a bowing position, so place your hands on your knees as you bend over. Make your back as parallel to the ground as you can. Keep your eyes focused on the ground. In this position, recite “Subhana Rabbiyal Adhim” (“How perfect is my Lord, the Supreme.”) 3 times.

6. Stand straight when the imam says “Sami AllahulimanHamidah.” Respond with, “Rabbana lakal Hamd” in a soft voice. This means, “Allah hears those who praise him,” and “Our Lord, praise be to You,” respectively.

• If you’re the imam at home, recite both yourself.

7. Go into Sujud the next time the imam says “Allahu Akbar.” Sujud is when you complete a prostration like you do during your normal prayers. Get onto your knees, and place your forehead on the ground in front of you. Recite “Subhana Rabbiyal A’la” 3 times. Then, sit upright and say, “Rabbighfir li,” which means “Oh my Lord! Forgive me.” Repeat this step. This completes the first Rak’ah of Eid.Salah.

• When in Sujud, keep your hands on the ground near your face, and do not let your elbows or forearms rest on the floor.

Second Rak’ah:-

1. Stand straight after the imam says “Allahu Akbar.” Listen to the imam recite Surah Al Fatiha and another Surah. This is another opportunity for you to listen and reflect on the words of the Holy Quran. Be quiet and respectful during the recitations.

• You may be tempted to let your attention stray as Eid Salah goes on, but do your best to stay focused and thank Allah for the opportunity of this special day that only comes twice a year.

2. Follow the imam in 3 additional Takbirs and then go back into Ruku. After each of the “Allahu Akbars,” raise your hands. After the third “Allahu Akbar,” go into Ruku, bowing with your hands placed on your knees and your back parallel to the ground.

• Remember to follow the pacing of the imam and not to rush ahead.

3. Stand back up after the imam says “Sami AllahulimanHamidah.” Respond with, “Rabbana lakal Hamd” softly. This is the same recitation from the first Raka, meaning, “Allah hears those who praise him,” and “Our Lord, praise be to Yo.”

4. Complete 2 Sujood prostrations after the imam says “Allahu Akbar.” Get onto your knees and place your forehead on the ground in front of you. Keep your hands flat against the ground as well.

• After you finish the second Sujood, you can stay on the ground rather than standing back up.

5. Recite the Tashahud. This is the testimony of faith. As the imam speaks, reflect on the glory of Allah and the power of the faith of Islam.

• Click here to read Tashahud Dua.
• After this, send salawat upon the Prophet, as you do when you normally perform Salah.

6. Turn your face to the right and say “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah.” This means “May the peace and mercy of Allah be with you.” Then turn your face to the left and repeat the prayer again. Wait for the imam to do this before you follow him. This indicates that the prayer has ended.

7. Stay seated and listen to a Khutbah from the imam. The Khutbah generally lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes with a break in between and addresses different Islamic issues. It is rude to stand up and leave before the imam has finished his Khutbah. It’s highly recommended to sit and listen to the Khutbah, and some scholars say that it is obligatory to do so.

• It’s usually discouraged to speak during the Khutbah, just like it’s forbidden to do so during the Friday sermon.
• If you’re praying at home, there won’t be a Khutbah.