Muslims offer Eid prayer to thank Allah and strengthen their faith. This article explains the meaning, importance, and timing of Eid prayer. It also covers its sunnah acts, location, khutbah, and how to pray correctly. So, let’s explore each aspect in detail.
What is Eid prayers?
Eid prayers, also called Salat al-Eid (صلاة العيد), are special prayers performed on Eid day. The word "Eid" comes from the Arabic word "Owd," meaning to return or come back. There are two Eid prayers. These prayers mark the end of Ramadan on Eid al-Fitr and honor Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s sacrifice on Eid al-Adha.
Eid al Fitr prayer is said after Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal. Prayer of Eid ul Adha, on the other hand, is said on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah and marks the end of Hajj. Both prayers are performed in large gatherings. Muslims mainly perform them to show obedience to Allah.
Importance of Eid prayer
There are several significances of Eid prayers, such as,
Gratitude to Allah
Eid prayer is a way to thank Allah. Muslims express gratitude for completing Ramadan and Hajj. It is a moment of reflection. It reminds Muslims of the blessings they received. It also strengthens their faith and devotion.
Community Unity
Eid prayer brings the Muslim community together. Everyone prays side by side. This creates unity and strengthens bonds within the community.
Celebration and Rejoicing
After Eid prayer, people celebrate by gathering with family and friends for meals. They visit each other and exchange greetings. It is a joyful time for all. It marks the end of fasting and pilgrimage.
Remembrance of Allah
Eid prayer is a time to remember Allah and reflect on your faith. It strengthens your connection with Him. It also reminds Muslims of their religious duties. It brings peace and happiness.
Symbolism of Eid
Eid al-Fitr represents patience and steadfastness. It is a reward for fasting. Eid al-Adha represents sacrifice and devotion. It reminds Muslims of Prophet Ibrahim’s faith. Both celebrations strengthen faith and commitment to Allah.
Sunnah of the Prophet
Eid prayer is an important Sunnah that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged all Muslims to attend. It is a special act of worship. It brings spiritual and social benefits. It also strengthens faith and unity.
What time is Eid prayer?
Eid prayers take place in the morning on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These prayers are different from daily prayers. They are offered after sunrise but before noon. The sun must fully rise before the prayer takes place.
However, the timing of Eid prayer may vary depending on where you live. So, it’s best to check with your local mosque or Islamic center. Many communities announce the exact day and time after the moon is sighted.
When is Eid 2025?
Eid al-Fitr in 2025 is expected on Sunday, March 30th, or Monday, March 31st. It marks the end of Ramadan and is on the first day of Shawwal.
Eid al-Adha is expected on Sunday, June 16th. This festival is during the 12th Islamic month. Both Eids are based on moon sightings. So, dates may vary by location.
Where is Eid prayer offered?
Eid prayer happens in open spaces like fields or community centers, allowing more people to join. These places are called Eidgah or Musalla. If the weather is bad, mosques become the backup option. In fact it is Sunnah to offer Eid prayers in open air. Narrated Ibn `Umar:
"The Prophet (PBUH) used to proceed to the Musalla and an 'Anaza used to be carried before him and planted in the Musalla in front of him and he would pray facing it (as a Sutra)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 973)
The goal here is to gather as many people as possible. It brings the community together for worshipping Allah and sharing the joy of Eid.
Can you say Eid prayer alone?
You can pray Eid prayer at home alone if you cannot join the congregation. Eid prayer is best done in a group, but it is not mandatory. If you miss it, you can pray at home. There is no khutbah after praying alone. This is allowed by most scholars and schools of thought.
However, Muslims should try to pray Eid in the congregation. It is a communal duty, but not every person must perform it this way. If you cannot go due to valid reasons, you can pray alone. It is still valid and rewarding.
Khutbah after Eid?
After the Eid prayer, the Imam gives a khutbah (sermon). The four major schools—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—say there should be two khutbahs with a short pause in between, similar to the Friday khutbah. During the khutbah Imam talks about Eid’s meaning, reminds people to thank Allah, and also encourages good deeds.
Listening to the khutbah (sermon) is encouraged but not required. People can leave after the prayer if they want to. The Prophet (PBUH) gave the khutbah after Eid prayer. Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
"The Prophet (PBUH) used to proceed to the Musalla on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha; the first thing to begin with was the prayer and after that he would stand in front of the people and the people would keep sitting in their rows. Then he would preach to them, advise them, and give them orders, (i.e. Khutba)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 956)
The Prophet (PBUH) also encouraged all to attend Eid prayer. It is a time for unity, prayer, and supplication. Many follow his example by gathering to pray and listen. This strengthens faith and brings the Muslim community together.
Who should say Eid prayer
Eid prayer is important for all Muslims. The congregational Eid prayer is wajib for adult men. But they must be sane and local residents (who are not travelers). Women, children, travelers, and the sick are not obligated. But they are encouraged to attend. Islam makes it easy for them.
Some scholars like Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymin say it is fard 'ayn for every able-bodied man. Others believe it is fard kifayah, meaning if enough people pray, it fulfills the duty for everyone, and others are absolved of sin. The Hanafi school sees it as an individual duty. The Maliki and Shafi'i schools call it a confirmed Sunnah.
Women can join the Eid prayer but they are not obligated. Children can also attend with their families.
What are the sunnah before Eid Prayer
Eid is a special day in Islam. Following the sunnah before the Eid prayer makes it even more blessed and spiritually fulfilling. Here are the key sunnah acts you should follow before heading to the prayer.
Take a Bath (Ghusl)
Start your day with a full-body wash. This is sunnah. It doesn't only help you earn more rewards H3 but also make you feel fresh before going to the prayer.
Wear Your Best Clothes
The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions would wear their best clothes for Eid. So, dress in your finest clothes.
Apply Perfume (Attar)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to wear perfume on Eid, and men are encouraged to do the same to create a pleasant atmosphere in the masjid and gatherings.
Eat an Odd Number of Dates (Eid al-Fitr)
Before leaving for Eid al-Fitr prayer, eat an odd number of dates. This follows the practice of the Prophet (PBUH).
Recite Takbeer
Reciting Takbeer from the night of Eid until the prayer is Sunnah. Allah says in the Quran:
شَهۡرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِيٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ هُدٗى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٖ مِّنَ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَٱلۡفُرۡقَانِۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهۡرَ فَلۡيَصُمۡهُۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٖ فَعِدَّةٞ مِّنۡ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡيُسۡرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلۡعُسۡرَ وَلِتُكۡمِلُواْ ٱلۡعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ
"Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful."
(Quran 2:185)
The most common form of Takbeer that the Sahabah used to recite is:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil-Hamd."
This means, "Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest! There is no God except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise." It is advised that men should recite it loudly, while women may say it quietly.
Walk to the Prayer Place
If possible, walk to the prayer ground. Take a different route when returning home. Ali bin Abi Talib narrated:
"It is from the Sunnah to leave for the Eid walking, and to eat something before leaving."
(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 530)
It's also sunnah to take a different route to and from the Eid Prayer. Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:
"On the Day of Eid the Prophet (PBUH) used to return (after offering the Eid prayer) through a way different from that by which he went."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 986)
Pray in Congregation
Join the Eid prayer with others. This is a strongly recommended sunnah. It brings unity and blessings.
How to Pray
Eid prayer has two rak’ahs with extra takbeers. According to a hadith -
"Kathir bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin ‘Awf narrated, from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said the Takbir in the ‘Eid prayers, seven times in the first Rak’ah and five times in the second."
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1279)
Majority schools of thought follows this and accepts it as Sunnah.
According to another hadith (Hassan Sahih) -
"Abu Aisha narrated that Sa'id bin al-'As asked Abu Musa al-Ash'ari and Hudhaifah bin al-Yaman (May Allah be pleased with them both) : How would the Apostle of Allah (PBUH) utter the takbir in the prayer of the day of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) and of the breaking of the fast (Eid al-Fitr). Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) said : He uttered takbir four times as he did at funerals. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) said : He is correct. Then Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) said : I used to utter the takbir in a similar way when I was the governor of Basrah. Abu Aishah said : I was present there when Sa'id bin al-'As asked."
(Sunan Abi Dawud 1153)
Eid prayers by Hanafi madhab hence, says takbir 3 times after Takbirat al-Ihram in both raka's, while other madhabs recite it 4-8 times in first raka and 5-6 times depending on their school of thought. The number of Takbirs in Eid prayer depends on the school of thought you or the Imam follow. So, pay attention to the Imam while praying.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to performing it -
Make Intention and Prepare
Perform wudu and find a clean place. Then make the intention for Eid prayer.
First Rak’ah
The prayer begins with Takbirat al-Ihram—raise your hands and say Allahu Akbar, then place your hands on your chest. After that, the Imam will say 7 to 3 more Takbeers (depending on the school of thought), and you should follow along by raising your hands each time.
Once the Takbeers are completed, the Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another Surah, usually Surah Al-A’la. Listen attentively and follow silently. After the recitation, the Imam will lead you into Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration), just like in a regular prayer.
In case of Shia procedure, additional supplications are made in this rak'ah after each Takbir.
Second Rak’ah
As you rise for the second rak’ah, the Imam will say 5-3 additional Takbeers (depending on your school of thought). Raise your hands and follow along with each Takbeer. After this, the Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah, usually Surah Al-Ghashiyah.
You will then continue with Ruku (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) as usual. Finally, you will sit for Tashahhud (the final sitting position), recite the necessary supplications, and end the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left while saying Tasleem (As-salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah).
Listen to the Khutbah
After the prayer, the Imam will deliver the Khutbah (sermon). While it’s not obligatory for you to stay, it’s immensely rewarding. So, listen attentively.
What to recite in Eid prayer
During Eid prayer, follow the Imam’s recitation. In each rak’ah, listen to Surah Al-Fatiha and another surah. Say "Allahu Akbar" for extra Eid prayer takbeers, as mentioned before in Eid prayer steps. Stay focused and follow the prayer properly.
Conclusion
Eid prayer is more than just a prayer. It is a moment of gratitude, unity, and reflection. It strengthens faith and brings the community together. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged all Muslims to join this special act of worship. Following the sunnah before prayer adds more blessings to your act of worship. Hence, don't miss the opportunity.