How to pray salat al eid: A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Eid Prayer 

How to pray Salat al Eid correctly cannot be overstated. The prayer is not only a means of expressing thankfulness to Allah for what He has blessed us with but also a sign of solidarity among Muslim people.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through everything you need to do regarding how to pray Salat al Eid, from required Takbirs to accurate recitations and movements, in order to make your Eid prayer significant and spiritually enriching.

How to Perform Eid Prayer Step by Step

Salat al-Eid is a congregational prayer performed on the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha mornings. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah prayer that is of immeasurable spiritual significance. It is different from the five daily prayers in that it has its own special regulations and format.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The Eid prayer is a participation prayer; there is no Eid for a person who does not pray the Eid prayer.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1329)

Here is how to pray salat al eid step by step guide:

1. Preparing for Salat al-Eid

Before offering Salat al-Eid, it is better to:

• Take Ghusl (bath of purity) before performing the prayer.
• Wear your best and clean clothes, preferably new or fresh washing.
• Apply perfume (for men) and take good care of personal hygiene.
• Have something before Eid al-Fitr prayer (e.g., dates in odd numbers) but fast until after the Eid al-Adha prayer.
• Recite the Takbir (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil-hamd) while proceeding to the prayer.

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2. At the Prayer Area

• To know how to pray salat al eid it is important to learn that Salat al-Eid is normally performed in an open area (Musalla) or in a mosque.
• Come early to join the congregation and continue saying the Takbir until the prayer begins.
• No Adhan or Iqamah is recited for Eid prayer.

3. How to Pray Salat Al Eid: The Structure of Salat al-Eid

Salat al-Eid is two Rak’ahs (prayer units) with additional Takbir (Allahu Akbar). Here is how to pray salat al eid Rakat:

First Rak’ah:

• The Imam says Takbir al-Ihram (“Allahu Akbar”) and raises his hands. The congregation follows.
• There are six additional Takbirs (according to some scholars, three) before starting the recitation.
• After the Takbirs, the Imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha and a second Surah (typically Surah Al-A’la).
• Perform Do Ruku’ and Sujood like in ordinary prayer.

Second Rak’ah:

• Stand to read the second Rak’ah, and start by reciting five more Takbirs prior to reciting Surah Al-Fatiha.
• The Imam proceeds to read a second Surah (typically Surah Al-Ghashiyah).
• Continue with Ruku’, Sujood, and Tashahhud, and end by saying Tasleem (“Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to both sides).

4. How to Pray Salat Al Eid: Attending the Eid Khutbah

• Now that you know how to pray salat al eid, the next step is the Khutbah. Upon completion of the prayer, the Imam delivers a Khutbah (sermon).
• It is recommended to listen to the Khutbah following Eid prayer but not obligatory as compared to Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer.
• The Khutbah entails a reminder of gratitude, charity (Zakat al-Fitr for Eid al-Fitr), and sacrifice for Eid al-Adha.

5. Sunnah Acts After Salat al-Eid

• Greet fellow Muslims with “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept [this worship] from us and from you).
• Go visit friends and relatives to share bliss and happiness.
• Do acts of charity and kindness.

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Eid Prayer Rules: What You Need to Know Before Praying

• Salat al-Eid, the special prayer that one performs on the two important Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, is extremely important in Islam.
• It’s not just a formality, but a means to express gratitude towards Allah and promote unity among Muslims.
• To ensure your Eid prayer is performed in the right way, here are the regulations and guidelines you must know about praying Salat al Eid and how to pray salat al eid.

1. Conditions for Performing Salat al-Eid

Before you learn how to pray salat al eid and perform it, several conditions must be met:

A. How to pray Salat Al Eid: Time of Eid Prayer

• Salat al-Eid is performed from morning till before the Zawal (noon). It is an early morning prayer, which is generally performed at a precise time by the neighborhood mosque or prayer ground.
• It is preferable to say the prayer in congregation, either in a mosque or an open place (Musalla), although in certain circumstances it can be said at home.

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B. Being a Muslim

Only Muslims are required to say the Eid prayer. Non-Muslims need not join.

C. The Requirement of Congregation

Salat al-Eid is a congregational prayer. While it can be prayed individually if necessary (e.g., due to illness or certain restrictions), it is recommended to perform it in a group.

2. Things You Ought to Know Before Reciting Salat al-Eid

There are a variety of things you ought to know before attending the Eid prayer. This is essential to learn how to pray salat al eid:

A. Ritual Purity

You should ensure you’re in ritual purity (Wudu). It’s a good idea to have Ghusl (full-body washing) before attending the Eid prayer, but it’s not obligatory.

B. Eid Attire and Fragrance

Wear your best clothes for the occasion. To wear new or clean clothes is a Sunnah.

Men are encouraged to apply perfume, but women should not apply strong perfumes outside their homes.

C. Charity

Charitable alms in the form of Zakat al-Fitr should be distributed before the prayer on Eid al-Fitr. This action purifies the fasting period and helps the poor.

D. Eid Takbir

Prior to going to the prayer ground, recite the Eid Takbir (Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa Lillahil-hamd) to demonstrate your joy and anticipation for the prayer.

E. No Adhan or Iqamah

Salat al-Eid does not follow the Adhan or Iqamah to be recited.

Can You Pray Eid Salah at Home? Guidelines and Rulings

Yes, you can pray Eid prayer at home if you missed it. The scholar Ibn Qudamah cited that,

“If a person is unable to pray the Eid prayer with the congregation, it is permissible for him to pray it at home.” (Al-Mughni)

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Conclusion

Knowing how to pray salat al eid, the prayer rules, and how to have Salat al-Eid done correctly allows you to savor each second of Eid with happiness and spirituality.

Follow each step, from preparing your soul to adhering to the correct prayer process. Following instructions, your Eid prayer will be following the Sunnah, and you’ll be a part of the collective spirit of thanksgiving and worship.

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FAQs

How many rakats is salat al-eid?

Salat al-Eid consists of two rak’ahs.

How many Takbirs are in Eid prayer?

In Eid prayer, there are a total of 12 Takbirs—7 in the first rak’ah and 5 in the second rak’ah.