How to pray Eid salah (prayer)

Prayer is a crucial part of Eid celebrations. On this day, Muslims join in congregational prayer and give thanks to Allah (SWT). The Eid celebration lasts for three days, and is welcomed in by the Eid Salah (prayer).

What time is Eid prayer?

Eid Salah (prayer) takes place in the early morning (after Fajr) on the  first day of Eid. Muslims are encouraged to pray in Jama’ah (congregation) with their local Muslim community on occasions such as these.

Please check with your local mosque for the prayer schedule in your local area.

How to perform Eid prayer

Before you begin the prayer, when you first get up in the morning:

• Make ghusl (the ritual ablution).
• It’s sunnah to eat something (you may be a bit out of practice!). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ate dates before going out to prayer.
• Wear the best clothes you have! Muslims are encouraged to clean themselves, dress in their best clothes and smell good for a day of celebration!
• Say the general takbeerat on the way to Eid prayer.

When you’re ready to pray:

• Make the intention to perform Eid prayer.
• Give the opening takbeer (‘Allahu Akbar’) with the imam.
• Say the opening supplication quietly to yourself.
• Give 3 more takbeer with the imam, raising your hands out for each.
• Listen to the imam recite Surah al-Fatihah and an additional surah.
• Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into ruku (bowing) with the imam and continue the prayer cycle as normal.
• In the second rakah, listen to the imam recite Surah al-Fatihah and an additional surah.
• Give 3 additional takbeer with the imam. After the third and final takbeer, place your hands to your sides before doing the ruku again.
• Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ while moving into the bowing position with the imam and complete the prayer cycle as normal.

*Please note: This is the Hanafi method of performing Eid prayer. If the imam recites more takbeer, please follow the imam.

Make sure you pay your Zakat Fitrah (Zakat ul Fitr) before Eid prayer in order to not miss out!