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🕌 Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid): How It's Performed
The Eid prayer is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of both Eid ul Fitr and Eid al-Adha, distinct in structure from the five daily prayers.
Time & Place for Eid Prayer
Eid prayer is performed shortly after sunrise, once the sun has fully risen, and before the midday (Zuhr) prayer time begins. It's traditionally held in a large open space (Eidgah) or the largest available mosque to accommodate the whole community.
Step-by-Step Prayer Method
The Eid prayer consists of two units (Rak'ahs), similar in basic structure to other prayers but with additional sets of Takbeer (saying "Allahu Akbar") — typically seven extra Takbeers in the first Rak'ah and five in the second, recited before the recitation of Qur'an begins. It's followed by a sermon (Khutbah) that the congregation is encouraged to stay and listen to.
Takbeer Before Eid Prayer
In the days leading up to and on the morning of Eid, Muslims recite the Takbeer — "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd" — as an expression of gratitude and celebration, often out loud on the way to the prayer ground.
Etiquette
It's customary to perform Ghusl (a full ritual bath), wear one's best or new clothes, apply perfume, and — for Eid ul Fitr specifically — eat something sweet (often dates) before heading to the prayer, whereas for Eid al-Adha it's customary to wait until after the prayer and Qurbani to eat.