Salat al-Eid: The Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer is one of the most visible communal acts of worship in Islam, performed on the mornings of Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal) and Eid al-Adha (10th Dhul Hijjah). The Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently performed the Eid prayer throughout his time in Madinah and instructed all Muslims, including women and children, to attend. It is a celebration of gratitude: Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of Ramadan's fast, and Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Legal Status

The scholars differ on the legal status of the Eid prayer. The Hanafi school considers it wajib (obligatory) for every Muslim male who is obligated to attend Jumuah. The Hanbali school (in one opinion) and some scholars consider it fard kifayah (a communal obligation that, if performed by some, is lifted from the rest). The Maliki and Shafi'i schools consider it sunnah mu'akkadah (strongly recommended). Regardless of classification, all scholars agree that the Eid prayer is among the most important rites of Islam and should not be abandoned.

Method of Prayer

The Eid prayer consists of two rak'ahs performed without an adhan or iqamah. What distinguishes it from other prayers is the additional takbirat (saying "Allahu Akbar"). The Hanafi school prescribes three additional takbirat at the beginning of the first rak'ah (after the opening takbir, before the recitation) and three additional takbirat in the second rak'ah (after the recitation, before going into ruku). The Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools prescribe seven additional takbirat in the first rak'ah (after the opening takbir) and five in the second rak'ah (after rising). In each rak'ah, Surah al-Fatiha and another surah are recited. The Prophet frequently recited Surah al-A'la in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Ghashiyah in the second (Sahih Muslim).

Khutbah and Etiquettes

After the prayer, the imam delivers a khutbah. Unlike Jumuah, the Eid khutbah comes after the prayer, not before, and attendance is recommended but not obligatory. The Sunnah etiquettes of Eid include: eating an odd number of dates before going to Eid al-Fitr prayer (and not eating before Eid al-Adha prayer until one eats from one's sacrifice), performing ghusl, wearing the best clothes, going to the prayer ground by one route and returning by another, reciting takbirat on the way ("Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd"), and greeting fellow Muslims with joy and warmth.