How to Pray Eid Prayer: Step-by-Step Guide, Extra Takbirs & Sunnahs
Quick answer: Eid prayer consists of two rak’ahs followed by a khutbah. Its best-known difference from daily prayer is the set of extra takbirs. The number and placement of those takbirs differ among the schools of Islamic law, so in congregation the safest approach is to follow the imam carefully. Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha use the same basic prayer structure, but some practices before and after them differ.
Before the Eid Prayer: Sunnah Preparations
- Begin the day with cleanliness: bathe (ghusl), wear clean and suitable clothes, and use the miswak if available.
- On Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunnah to eat something—often an odd number of dates—before leaving for prayer.
- On Eid al-Adha, many scholars recommend waiting to eat until after the prayer, especially for a person who will offer a sacrifice.
- Give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayer so eligible people can share in the day.
- Say the takbir on the way to the prayer place in a manner consistent with the practice of your community.
- Taking one route to the prayer and another route back is also reported from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha at a Glance
| Practice | Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha |
|---|---|---|
| Occasion | End of Ramadan | Festival connected with sacrifice and the Hajj season |
| Eating before prayer | Eating dates before leaving is Sunnah | Commonly delay eating until after prayer |
| Important duty | Zakat al-Fitr before prayer | Sacrifice after prayer for those who are required and able |
How to Pray Eid Prayer Step by Step
The following sequence is for following an imam. Small details of hand position and takbir counting can vary, so do not rush ahead of the imam.
First Rak’ah
- Stand facing the qiblah and make your intention to pray the Eid prayer.
- Say the opening takbir and begin the prayer.
- Say the extra takbirs before the recitation, following the imam and the counting table below.
- Listen to Surah al-Fatihah and the imam’s additional recitation. Surah al-A’la or Surah Qaf is commonly recited in the first rak’ah.
- Complete ruku, stand, and perform the two prostrations as in a normal prayer.
Second Rak’ah
- Stand for the second rak’ah.
- Say the extra takbirs in the sequence used by your school (see table), then listen to Surah al-Fatihah and another surah. Surah al-Ghashiyah or Surah al-Qamar is commonly recited.
- Complete ruku, standing, two prostrations, the final sitting (tashahhud), and salam.
- Remain seated for the Eid khutbah, which is delivered after—not before—the prayer.
Extra Takbirs by School of Thought
| School | First rak’ah | Second rak’ah |
|---|---|---|
| Hanafi | Opening takbir, then 3 extra takbirs before recitation | 3 extra takbirs after recitation and before ruku |
| Maliki | Opening takbir, then 6 extra takbirs before recitation | 5 extra takbirs before recitation |
| Shafi’i | Opening takbir, then 7 extra takbirs before recitation | 5 extra takbirs before recitation |
| Hanbali | Opening takbir, then 7 extra takbirs before recitation | 5 extra takbirs before recitation |
Counting conventions are described differently in some books, especially whether a standing takbir is included. That is why local practice may appear different. The difference is recognised in Islamic scholarship; follow your imam or trusted school.
Can You Pray Eid Prayer at Home?
Scholars differ about praying Eid prayer at home when a person cannot attend the congregation. Many allow or recommend offering the two rak’ahs individually or with family in the same basic format, normally without a formal khutbah; others place stronger emphasis on attending the congregation whenever possible. If you are ill, travelling, or circumstances prevent attendance, follow a trusted local scholar’s guidance for your school rather than treating one brief answer as a universal ruling.
What If You Miss the Eid Prayer?
If you arrive late, join the imam and complete what you missed according to your school. If the congregational prayer has already finished, scholars differ about whether and how it should be made up, so ask a qualified scholar for your situation. Missing the prayer does not remove the duty of Zakat al-Fitr; if it was not paid before the prayer, give it as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rak’ahs are in Eid prayer?
Eid prayer has two rak’ahs for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Is Eid prayer obligatory?
The Hanafi school classifies it as wajib (necessary). The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools generally treat it as a strongly emphasised Sunnah, with some juristic discussion about communal obligation. Muslims are therefore encouraged not to neglect it without a reason.
Why is the Eid khutbah after the prayer?
This is the established Prophetic practice: the prayer is offered first and the khutbah follows. This is different from the Friday prayer, where the khutbah comes first.
Can women and children attend Eid prayer?
Yes. Women and children may attend the Eid gathering. A woman who is not praying because of menstruation should remain away from the prayer rows while still being able to witness the gathering and supplications, according to well-known hadith guidance.
For messages to share after the prayer, see Eid greetings and best wishes.
Sources and References
Qur’an 2:185; Sahih al-Bukhari 956 (prayer before khutbah) and 986 (returning by a different route); Sunan Abi Dawud 1149 and 1151 (reports about extra takbirs). School summaries are provided for orientation and are not a substitute for instruction from a qualified teacher.
Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
