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.
FAQ: Performing the Eid Salah (Namaz): Step-by-Step Clarity
Q1: How many Rak’ats (units) are there in the Eid Salah?
A: The Eid Salah consists of two Rak’ats, similar in basic structure to the Fajr prayer (or a voluntary two-Rak’at prayer), but with some important additions, particularly the extra Takbeerat (saying “Allahu Akbar”).
Q2: Is there an Adhan (call to prayer) or Iqamah (call to commence prayer) for Eid Salah?
A: No, typically there is no Adhan or Iqamah recited before the Eid Salah. The prayer begins directly when the Imam starts.
Q3: What’s the deal with the “extra Takbeerat”? This seems like the main difference.
A: You’ve hit the nail on the head! The extra Takbeerat are the most distinct feature of the Eid Salah. Here’s the common practice (minor variations might exist based on different schools of thought, but this is widely followed):
First Rak’ah:
You start with the opening Takbeer (Takbeerat-ul-Ihram – “Allahu Akbar”) just like any other prayer, raising your hands.
Then, before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, the Imam will lead six (6) additional Takbeerat.
For each of these extra Takbeerat, you say “Allahu Akbar,” and it’s common practice to raise your hands each time (like the opening Takbeer) and then return them to your sides or folded position.
After the 6th extra Takbeer (making 7 total Takbeerat at the start of the Rak’ah including the opening one), the Imam will recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah aloud.
The rest of the first Rak’ah proceeds like a normal prayer (Ruku – bowing, Sujood – prostration).
Second Rak’ah:
When you rise for the second Rak’ah, the Imam will first recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah aloud.
Before going into Ruku (bowing) for the second Rak’ah, the Imam will lead five (5) additional Takbeerat.
Again, for each of these, you say “Allahu Akbar,” typically raising your hands each time.
After the 5th extra Takbeer, the Imam will say one more “Allahu Akbar” without raising the hands (this is the Takbeer for going into Ruku).
You then proceed into Ruku, Sujood, and complete the prayer as usual with the Tashahhud and Salam.
Summary of Extra Takbeerat: 6 extra in the first Rak’ah (before recitation), 5 extra in the second Rak’ah (before Ruku). Total of 12 extra Takbeerat across the two Rak’ats.
Q4: Do I need to recite anything quietly between the extra Takbeerat?
A: While saying “Allahu Akbar” aloud with the Imam (or quietly if praying behind him), there isn’t a specific mandatory recitation between each extra Takbeer. Some scholars mention praising Allah quietly (like saying “SubhanAllah, wal-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar”) is permissible or recommended, but simply pausing briefly after each Takbeer is also common practice. Follow the Imam.
Q5: Is the Khutbah (sermon) before or after the Eid Salah? Do I have to stay?
A: Unlike the Friday (Jummah) prayer where the Khutbah is before, for Eid Salah, the Khutbah is delivered after the two Rak’ats of prayer are completed. While listening to the Eid Khutbah is highly recommended and part of the Sunnah (Prophetic practice), it is generally considered Sunnah (recommended) to stay and listen, not Fard (obligatory) like attending the Jummah Khutbah. However, staying to benefit from the reminder is strongly encouraged.
Q6: What if I miss the Eid Salah congregation at the mosque or prayer ground? Can I pray it at home?
A: Yes, if you miss the congregational Eid prayer for a valid reason, the majority view is that you can make it up at home. You would pray two Rak’ats following the same method, including the extra Takbeerat as described above. However, there would be no Khutbah when praying individually or in a small group at home. Praying it in congregation is vastly preferred and captures the spirit of Eid.
Q7: What if I forget the number of extra Takbeerat or make a mistake?
A: If you’re praying behind an Imam, your primary duty is to follow the Imam. His actions cover minor individual variations or forgetfulness in things like the count of Takbeerat. If you are leading the prayer or praying alone and get confused, try your best to follow the correct procedure. If a mistake is made that requires Sajdah Sahw (prostration of forgetfulness), it can be performed at the end, though it’s less common in Eid prayers due to the large crowds and potential for confusion. The focus should be on sincerity and doing your best.
Found this guide helpful? Have any questions or experiences performing Eid Salah you’d like to share? Drop a comment below – the conversation continues!