Eid prayer, or Salat al-Eid, is a special prayer offered by Muslims on the two major Islamic holidays: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The prayer is performed in the congregation and is a significant act of worship. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pray the Eid prayer according to the teachings in the Holy Quran and Hadith:
1. Preparation Before the Prayer
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Make Ghusl (ritual bath): It is recommended to perform ghusl before going to the Eid prayer, although it is not obligatory.
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Wear your best clothes: Eid is a time of celebration, so wearing the best available clothes is a Sunnah (recommended practice).
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Eat something sweet (especially dates): It is recommended, especially before going to the Eid al-Fitr prayer, to eat odd numbers of dates (typically 1, 3, or 5 dates).
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Give Zakat al-Fitr: This is obligatory before the prayer, especially for Eid al-Fitr. Zakat al-Fitr is a form of charity to help those in need, ensuring they can also celebrate Eid.
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Go early to the mosque or prayer ground: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended going to the prayer ground early.
2. The Congregational Gathering
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Eid prayer is performed in a congregation, either in an open field, a mosque, or an open area. It is highly encouraged to perform it in a large group to emphasize unity.
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It is also recommended to go to the prayer ground by walking if possible.
Eid al fitr namaz rakats
Eid al-Fitr prayer, or Salat al-Eid, consists of two rak’ahs (units of prayer).
Key Points to Note:
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Number of Rak’ahs: The Eid al-Fitr prayer is made up of two rak’ahs.
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Extra Takbirs: One of the distinguishing features of the Eid prayer is the extra Takbirs that are said at the beginning of each rak’ah. In total, there are 7 Takbirs in the first rak’ah and 5 Takbirs in the second rak’ah, before the Imam moves to recite Al-Fatiha and the Surah.
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Listening to the Khutbah: After the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (khutbah), which is highly recommended to attend.
3. The Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer consists of two rak’ahs (units of prayer). The general procedure for offering the Eid prayer is:
1. First Rak’ah:
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Start with Takbir: The prayer begins with the Imam (or individual) saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest). The congregation follows by raising their hands and saying “Allahu Akbar”. This marks the beginning of the prayer.
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Opening Dua (optional but recommended): After the Takbir, you can recite the Dua al-Istiftah (Opening supplication), such as:
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“Subhanak Allahumma wa bihamdi-ka wa tabaarak asmu-ka wa ta’alaa jaddu-ka wa la ilaaha ghayru-ka.”
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(Glory is to You, O Allah and all praise is due to You. Blessed is Your name and exalted is Your Majesty. There is no deity but You.)
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Recite Al-Fatiha and another Surah: The Imam will recite Al-Fatiha aloud, followed by a Surah. Typically, for Eid al-Fitr, the Imam recites Surah Al-A’la (Chapter 87).
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First Takbir (Additional): After the Surah, the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” and the congregation repeats it. This marks the beginning of the next phase.
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Raise your hands again: Say “Allahu Akbar” again as you move to bow (Ruku’).
2. Second Rak’ah:
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Recite Al-Fatiha and another Surah: After standing from the bowing position (after the first rak’ah), the Imam again recites Al-Fatiha followed by another Surah, such as Surah Al-Ghashiya (Chapter 88).
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Second Takbir: After reciting the Surah, the Imam says “Allahu Akbar”, and the congregation follows, signaling the transition to bowing again.
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Perform Ruku and Sujud (Prostration): As usual, after the Takbir, you bow (Ruku’) and then perform two prostrations (Sujood).
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Final Tasleem: After completing the second rak’ah and making the final prostration, the Imam ends the prayer by turning his head to the right and then to the left, saying, “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you). The congregation follows suit.
4. Khutbah (Eid Sermon)
After the Eid prayer, there is a sermon (khutbah), which is delivered by the Imam. It is a Sunnah to listen to the khutbah attentively. During the sermon, the Imam talks about the significance of Eid, the importance of gratitude, and good deeds, and reminds the congregation of the moral and social responsibilities in the community.
It is highly recommended to stay for the khutbah, though it is not obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Eid prayer and the sermon are a part of the Eid worship. Whoever attends the prayer and then leaves before the sermon, it is as though he has not participated in the Eid at all.”
5. After the Prayer
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Congratulate one another: It is common to greet others with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid).
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Charity: It is highly encouraged to give charity on Eid, not only through Zakat al-Fitr but also through general charity (sadaqah).
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Enjoy with family and friends: After the prayer, Muslims usually gather with family and friends to enjoy the day together, share meals, and celebrate the occasion.
Important Points to Remember
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Time of Eid prayer: Eid prayer is performed after sunrise, ideally within the first 30 minutes to an hour, before the time of Zuhr prayer begins.
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Optional Sunnah prayers: Although the Eid prayer is not followed by the regular Sunnah prayers, it is recommended to offer two rak’ahs before and after the prayer at home.
Eid al fitr Namaz dua
The Eid al-Fitr prayer is followed by a special Dua (supplication) that is often recited after the prayer, either individually or collectively. While the specific Dua may vary slightly depending on local customs, several common supplications are often recited on Eid al-Fitr.
Here is a common Eid al-Fitr Dua that Muslims often say to ask for Allah’s mercy and blessings:
Common Dua for Eid al-Fitr:
1. Dua after the Eid Prayer: This is a general Dua of praise and gratitude to Allah after performing the Eid prayer.
اللهم تقبل منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال Allahumma Taqabbal minna wa minkum salih al-a’mal. (O Allah, accept from us and you the good deeds.)
2. Eid Al-Fitr Dua for Blessings:
Another common Dua recited on Eid al-Fitr, asking for Allah’s blessings and mercy, could be:
اللهم اجعل عيدنا هذا عيد خير وبركة، واجعلنا من المقبولين، اللهم آمين. Allahumma ajil ‘Eedna hatha ‘Eed khayr wa barakah, wa ajilna min al-maqbulin, Allahumma Ameen. (O Allah, make this Eid a day of goodness and blessings and make us among those accepted by You. O Allah, Ameen.)
3. Acknowledging Allah’s Mercy and Blessing:
A supplication for Eid al-Fitr often includes praising Allah for the mercy and strength given during Ramadan:
اللهم إنا نسالك أن تجعلنا من عتقاء هذا الشهر الكريم Allahumma inna nas’aluka an tajilana min ‘atiqaa’i hadha ash-shahr al-kareem. (O Allah, we ask You to make us among those freed from the Hellfire during this blessed month.)
4. General Dua for Forgiveness and Mercy:
This Dua is often recited on Eid, asking for Allah’s forgiveness and blessings:
اللهم اغفر لنا ولآبائنا وأمهاتنا ولمن له حق علينا Allahumma ighfir lana wa li abaa’ina wa ummahatina wa liman lahu haqq ‘alayna. (O Allah, forgive us, our fathers, and our mothers, and those who have rights over us.)
5. Dua for Peace and Prosperity:
This supplication asks for peace and prosperity for the Muslim community worldwide:
اللهم اجعل هذا العيد مباركاً على الأمة الإسلامية Allahumma ajil hadha al-‘Eed mubarak’an ‘ala al-Ummah al-Islamiyah. (O Allah, make this Eid a blessed one for the entire Islamic Ummah.)
Eid Prayer Time
Eid al-Fitr prayer times vary by location and are typically scheduled shortly after sunrise. Here are the approximate prayer times for several key locations:
United Kingdom (UK):
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London: Approximately 6:30 AM
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Manchester: Approximately 6:45 AM
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Birmingham: Approximately 6:40 AMHindustan Times+1mint+1
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
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Abu Dhabi: 6:22 AMGulf News+1Hindustan Times+1
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Dubai: 6:20 AMHindustan Times+1Dar Al- Hijrah Islamic Center+1
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Sharjah: 6:19 AMHindustan Times
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Ajman: 6:19 AMDar Al- Hijrah Islamic Center+3Hindustan Times+3mint+3
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Umm Al Quwain: 6:18 AM
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Ras Al Khaimah: 6:17 AMmint+6Hindustan Times+6Gulf News+6
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Fujairah: 6:15 AMThe Economic Times+8Gulf News+8Hindustan Times+8
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Khorfakkan: 6:16 AM mint+1Hindustan Times+1
United States (US):
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New York City: Approximately 6:45 AM
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Washington, D.C.: Approximately 7:30 AM
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Chicago: Approximately 6:30 AM
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Los Angeles: Approximately 6:15 AM
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Riyadh: Approximately 5:45 AM
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Jeddah: At approximately 6:00 AMGulf News
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Mecca: Approximately 6:15 AM
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Medina: Approximately 6:00 AM
Conclusion
Performing the Eid prayer is an important and joyous occasion for Muslims. The Eid prayer helps strengthen unity in the Muslim community and allows the faithful to express gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Following the steps mentioned above will ensure that the prayer is performed correctly by the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.