Performing the Eid Salah (Namaz): Step-by-Step Clarity
The Eid prayer is a joyous occasion, a time of immense gratitude and unity. Performing it correctly adds to that sense of collective worship. Here’s a straightforward guide:
1. Preparation (Before Leaving Home):
Ghusl (Full Ablution): It’s highly recommended (Sunnah) to perform a full ritual bath before heading out for Eid prayers.
Best Attire: Put on your best clothes, often new ones, reflecting the celebratory nature of Eid.
Eating (A Slight Difference):
For Eid al-Fitr: It’s Sunnah to eat something sweet, usually an odd number of dates, before leaving for prayer.
For Eid al-Adha (Bakrid Eid): It’s often recommended to delay eating until after the prayer, perhaps to partake first in the meat from the Eid Qurban / Eid al Qurban if possible.
Takbirat al-Tashreeq: While heading to the prayer ground (often an open space called an Eidgah or a large mosque), recite the Takbirat softly or loudly (depending on the Eid and local custom): “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd.” (God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, There is no god but God, and God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, and to God belongs all praise.)
2. Timing and Location:
Eid Salah is performed in congregation after sunrise and before the sun reaches its zenith (midday).
It’s typically held in a larger mosque or an open ground (Eidgah) to accommodate the large crowds.
3. The Intention (Niyyah):
Before starting, make the intention in your heart specifically for the Eid prayer you are performing (Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha), mentioning the intention to follow the Imam (prayer leader) and the extra Takbirs (saying “Allahu Akbar”).
4. Performing the Eid Salah (Two Rak’ahs):
The Eid prayer consists of two Rak’ahs (units) with some key differences from daily prayers, mainly involving extra Takbirs:
First Rak’ah:
Begin with the opening Takbir (Takbirat al-Ihram – saying “Allahu Akbar”) while raising your hands to your ears or shoulders, led by the Imam.
Recite the opening supplication (Sana/Thana) silently.
The Extra Takbirs: The Imam will then say “Allahu Akbar” several extra times (usually three additional Takbirs, making a total of seven including the first one). With each Takbir called by the Imam, you raise your hands and then drop them to your sides (or fold them, depending on school of thought, follow the Imam). There’s usually a short pause between these Takbirs.
After the final extra Takbir, the Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatiha aloud, followed by another Surah (often Surah Al-A’la or Qaf). Listen attentively.
Complete the Rak’ah as usual: Go into Ruku (bowing), rise, perform two Sujud (prostrations), and stand up for the second Rak’ah.
Second Rak’ah:
The Imam will begin reciting Surah Al-Fatiha aloud, followed by another Surah (often Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Al-Qamar).
The Extra Takbirs (Before Ruku): After the recitation and before going into Ruku, the Imam will lead Three additional Takbirs. Again, raise your hands with each Takbir and then drop them (or fold them).
After the fifth extra Takbir, say “Allahu Akbar” one more time to go into Ruku.
Complete the Rak’ah as usual: Ruku, rise, two Sujud, sit for Tashahhud, recite Salawat (blessings on the Prophet), and conclude the prayer with the Tasleem (saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” turning your head to the right and then to the left) along with the Imam.
5. The Khutbah (Sermon) – Don’t Rush Off!
Unlike the Friday prayer where the sermon precedes the Salah, the Eid Khutbah is delivered after the two Rak’ahs of Namaz.
It is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) to stay and listen attentively to the entire sermon. The Imam will typically speak about the significance of Eid, gratitude, community responsibilities, and lessons from the occasion (like the sacrifice of Ibrahim on Bakrid Eid).
In Essence:
The key difference in performing Eid Salah lies in the extra Takbirs – usually seven in the first Rak’ah (including the opening one) and five in the second Rak’ah (before Ruku). Listening to the Khutbah after the prayer is also a vital part of the Eid observance.
Performing this special Namaz together, shoulder-to-shoulder, is a powerful expression of unity, faith, and shared joy. Especially on Eid al-Adha (Bakrid Eid), it sets a spiritual tone before the communal act of Eid Qurban.
May your Eid prayers be accepted and filled with peace and connection.
Found this guide helpful? Have any questions or experiences performing Eid Salah you’d like to share? Drop a comment below – the conversation continues!