As Muslims worldwide prepare to celebrate Eid, the festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, there is a sense of excitement and joy in the air. Eid is a time to come together with family and friends, share in the season's blessings, and give thanks to Allah for all we have.
During this festival, Muslims gather to perform special prayers known as Eid al-Fitr prayers, a special prayer that is performed on the morning of Eid. These prayers are a unique opportunity to come together with other community members and express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.
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The virtues of Eid prayers are many. It is a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offered Eid prayers regularly, and he encouraged his followers to do the same. He also advised them to wear their best clothes and to take a bath before attending the prayers.
Eid prayers are offered on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The timing of these prayers is different from the regular daily prayers. The Eid prayers are offered after the sun has risen and before noon, which is the time of Duha prayers. The exact time may vary depending on the location and the time of the sunrise. Generally, the Eid prayers are offered within 1 to 2 hours after sunrise.
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Preparing for Eid prayers involves both physical and spiritual preparation. Physically, Muslims are advised to take a bath, wear clean and tidy clothes, apply perfume, and recite the Eid Takbir (Allahu Akbar) as a reminder of the greatness of Allah.
In Muslim countries, Eid prayers were traditionally conducted in open areas called Eid Gah. One of the reasons for this is to make the event as inclusive as possible so that everyone can join. However, now more and more of them are conducted in Mosques.
It is encouraged to walk to perform the Eid prayers if it is conducted in the vicinity. It is also part of the sunnah to take different routes when going for Eid prayers and returning from Eid prayers. It is also a practice to continue to recite the Eid Takbir while going to the place of prayer. The Takbir is recited until the Imam starts to lead the two rak'ahs of Eid prayer.
Narrated' Ali (RA):
It is Sunnah to go to the 'Eid (prayer) walking.
[at-Tirmidhi]
Narrated Jabir (RA):
On an 'Eid day, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) would return via a different road from the one he had taken when going out (for the 'Eid prayer.)
[al-Bukhari]
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Eid prayers consist of two Rak'ahs, just like the Fajr prayer. However, the method of performing these prayers is slightly different. The difference is that Takbirs (the saying of Allahu Akbar) are done more than once in the standing position (Qiyam) of each Rak'ahs. The exact number of Takbirs and when they are done slightly differ among the four Madhhabs. The rest of the prayer is the same as other prayers.
Similar to Jumu'ah prayers, there is a Khutbah and two Rak'ahs of prayers. However, in the Eid prayer, the two Rak'ahs of prayer are performed first, and then the Khutbah is delivered. The other difference is that the Khutbah is not compulsory to attend, as in Jumu'ah. There is also no Azan or Iqama called before the Eid prayer.
It was narrated that 'Abdullah bin Sa'ib said:
"I attended the 'Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He led us in offering the 'Eid prayer, and then he said: 'I have finished the prayer. Whoever wants to sit (and listen to) the sermon, then let him sit, and whoever wants to leave, then let him leave.'"
[Sunan Ibn Majah]
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In the first Rak'ahs, after the first takbir, the Imam will perform seven more takbirs before reciting Surah Fatihah.
In the 2nd Rak'ahs, after standing up with takbir, an additional five Takbirs are performed before the recitation of Surah Fatiha.
In the first Rak'ahs, after the first takbir, the Imam will perform six more takbirs before reciting Surah Fatihah.
In the 2nd Rak'ahs, after standing up with takbir, an additional five takbirs are performed before the recitation of Surah Fatiha.
In the first Rak'ahs, after the first takbir, the Imam will perform six more takbirs before reciting the Surah Fatihah.
In the 2nd Rak'ahs, after standing up with takbir, an additional five Takbirs are performed before the recitation of Surah Fatiha.
In the first Rak'ahs, after the first takbir, the Imam will perform three more takbirs before reciting Surah Fatihah.
In the 2nd Rak'ahs, three additional takbirs are performed after the recitation of Surah Fatiha and another surah before going into Ruku.
1. Is Eid prayer mandatory for Muslims?
Eid prayer is mandatory according to each belief; some say it is mandatory, but others say it is not mandatory, but Muslims are highly recommended to perform it.
2. Can the Eid prayer be performed at home?
Eid prayer is usually performed in a congregation, but if someone cannot attend the congregation, they can perform it at home.
3. How many Rak'ahs are there in Eid prayers?
Eid prayers consist of two Rak'ahs, just like the Jumu'ah prayer.
4. What is the significance of the Khutbah in Eid prayer?
The Khutbah is a sermon delivered by the Imam after the prayer, in which he discusses the significance of Eid and other relevant topics. Eid Khutbah is delivered after the Eid Prayer, and it is not compulsory to stay for the Khutbah.
5. Can women attend the Eid prayer?
Yes, women are highly encouraged to attend Eid prayers and participate in the celebration of Islamic festivals.
