Eid salah is performed twice a year at Eid al-Fitr (after completing the month of Ramadan) and at Eid al-Adha (after Hajj) as a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for enabling us to worship Him.
The majority of scholars consider Eid salah to be highly emphasised (Sunnah Mu’akkadah), while others (such as the Hanafi school) consider it Wajib (obligatory). Regardless of this difference, it is strongly encouraged for every able Muslim to attend.
The Prophet ﷺ consistently performed it and encouraged the entire community to participate.
Before the Prayer
Before attending Eid salah, there are several Sunnahs:
Perform ghusl (ritual washing)
Wear your best clothes
Apply perfume (for men)
Eat before going out for Eid al-Fitr (preferably dates)
Recite the Takbir on the way to the prayer
The Takbir is:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.
The Eid Salah
Eid salah consists of 2 Rak‘ahs (units of prayer) with extra Takbirs. It is usually prayed in congregation, led by an Imam.
Hanafi Method
First Rak‘ah
Make the intention for Eid salah.
The Imam says Allahu Akbar (opening Takbir) and you fold your hands.
Recite the Thana (opening supplication).
Then say 3 extra Takbirs
Raise your hands for each Takbir
After the third Takbir, fold your hands again
The Imam recites Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah.
Complete the Rak‘ah as normal (Ruku‘ and Sujud).
Second Rak‘ah
Stand up for the second Rak‘ah.
The Imam recites Surah Al-Fatihah and another Surah.
Then say 3 extra Takbirs
Raise your hands for each
Do not fold your hands after the third
Then go into Ruku‘ with another Takbir (Allahu Akbar).
Complete the prayer as usual.
Shafi’i Method
In other schools of thought, such as the Shafi‘i, the Eid salah includes more extra Takbirs. In the first Rak‘ah, after the opening Takbir and before recitation, 7 additional Takbirs are said. In the second Rak‘ah, before recitation, 5 additional Takbirs are said. The Maliki school has a similar approach, though with slight variations in timing and practice. Despite these differences, all methods are valid, and the prayer is accepted in any of these forms. It is best to follow the Imam of your local mosque to maintain unity and ease.
The Eid Khutbah
After the salah, the Imam delivers a Khutbah (sermon). Unlike Jumu‘ah, the Khutbah comes after the prayer. It is usually delivered in two parts.
Alone at Eid
Eid salah may be performed in congregation or individually according to the Shafi‘i view, though it is preferable to perform it in congregation. Whoever misses it or does not have access to a congregational prayer, may pray it at home. There is no khutbah if prayed by yourself.
In the first unit, you begin with seven additional takbirs besides the opening takbir.
In the second unit, you say five additional takbirs besides the takbir for standing.
In both units, you recite Al-Fatiha and another Surah aloud.
If Eid Falls on a Friday (Jumu‘ah)
If Eid falls on a Friday, there is a difference of opinion among scholars. Some scholars say attending Eid salah is sufficient and Jumu‘ah is no longer obligatory, though praying Dhuhr is still required. Others, including the Hanafi school, maintain that Jumu‘ah is still obligatory, so you should attend both prayers.