Overview of the Eid Prayer

The Eid al-Adha prayer (Salat al-Eid) is a communal prayer performed on the morning of Eid al-Adha, the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It consists of 2 rakat with additional takbeers (Allahu Akbar). According to the majority scholarly opinion (Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, Hanbali schools), the number of additional takbeers and their placement differ slightly — the description below follows the widely-practised method.

Before the Prayer

  • Perform ghusl (full ritual bath) before going out
  • Wear your best or new clothes
  • Eat something before the Eid al-Adha prayer (unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah to not eat until after the prayer and sacrifice)
  • Recite the takbeer on the way to the prayer: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi l-hamd
  • Go by one route and return by another (Sunnah)

The Eid Prayer — Step by Step

  1. 1

    Make the intention (niyyah)

    Intend in your heart to pray 2 rakat of Eid al-Adha prayer behind the imam, for the sake of Allah.

  2. 2

    First rakat — opening takbeer then 6 additional takbeers

    The imam says the opening takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and you follow. Fold hands and recite the opening supplication silently. Then the imam says 6 additional takbeers (some scholars say 7 including the opening — follow your imam). After each additional takbeer, lower your hands to your sides briefly. After the last additional takbeer, fold your hands as normal. The imam then recites Surah al-Fatihah followed by a surah aloud (commonly Surah al-A‘la). Complete the rakat normally with ruku (bowing), straightening, two sujood (prostrations) and sitting.

  3. 3

    Second rakat — 5 additional takbeers before recitation

    Rise for the second rakat. Before the recitation, the imam says 5 additional takbeers — lower hands to sides after each, then fold for the recitation. The imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah (commonly Surah al-Ghashiyah). Complete the rakat normally, ending with the tashahhud and tasleem (salam).

  4. 4

    Khutbah after the prayer

    Unlike Jumu‘ah (Friday prayer), the Eid khutbah comes after the prayer, not before. Remain seated and listen to both khutbahs — listening is recommended (some scholars say obligatory).

If you miss the congregationIf you miss the Eid prayer in congregation, the majority scholarly opinion is that it can be made up individually as 2 rakat without the additional takbeers, or with them if following the opinion that permits it. Consult your local imam for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are 2 rakat with additional takbeers and both are communal prayers. The key practical differences: Eid al-Fitr is on the 1st of Shawwal (after Ramadan) and it is Sunnah to eat before going out. Eid al-Adha is on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (coinciding with Hajj) and it is Sunnah to delay eating until after the prayer and after the Udhiyah (sacrifice). Both prayers have the same structure of additional takbeers.
Scholars differ on this. The Hanafi school considers it wajib (obligatory). The Shafi‘i and Maliki schools consider it a highly recommended communal Sunnah (Sunnah muakkadah or fard kifayah). The Hanbali school considers it fard (obligatory). Follow the opinion of your school or local scholarly community. What is agreed is that it is a very significant act of worship that Muslims should endeavour to perform.