How to Pray Eid Prayer Step by Step (Takbeer, Time & Complete Guide)
Introduction
Eid prayer is one of the most beautiful acts of worship performed by Muslims around the world during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. It is a special prayer that brings the Muslim community together to thank Allah after the blessings of Ramadan or the sacred days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Many Muslims often ask questions such as:
- How to pray Eid prayer step by step
• How many rakats are in Eid prayer
• How many takbeer are in Eid prayer
• What time Eid prayer starts
This complete guide explains everything clearly according to authentic Islamic teachings.
What Is Eid Prayer?
Eid prayer is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of Eid. It consists of two rakats and is followed by a khutbah (sermon).
The prayer is performed in open grounds, mosques, or large prayer areas so the Muslim community can gather together.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
Therefore pray to your Lord and sacrifice.
(Qur’an 108:2)
Scholars explain that this verse refers to the Eid prayer and sacrifice of Eid-ul-Adha.
When Is Eid Prayer Time?
The time for Eid prayer begins shortly after sunrise.
Generally:
- Start time: about 15–20 minutes after sunrise
• End time: before the Dhuhr prayer
Most mosques usually perform Eid prayer between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on the location.
It is recommended to perform it as early as possible.
How Many Rakats in Eid Prayer?
Eid prayer consists of:
2 Rakats
However, the difference from normal prayers is that extra Takbeer are recited.
How Many Takbeer in Eid Prayer?
Scholars explain that Eid prayer includes additional Takbeer.
The common method followed by many scholars:
First Rakat
1 Takbeer for starting the prayer (Takbeer-e-Tahrima)
- 3 extra Takbeer
Second Rakat
Before ruku:
3 extra Takbeer
Total extra Takbeer: 6
Some Islamic schools mention slightly different counts, but the purpose remains the same: glorifying Allah on the day of Eid.
How to Pray Eid Prayer Step by Step
Here is the simple step-by-step method.
Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Make the intention in your heart to perform two rakats of Eid prayer. And you can also make it by mouth.
Step 2: Start the Prayer
Raise your hands and say:
Allahu Akbar
This is called Takbeer-e-Tahrima.
Step 3: Recite the Opening Supplication
Recite Sana (Subhanaka Allahumma) quietly.
Step 4: Recite the Extra Takbeer
Raise your hands and say Allahu Akbar three times.
After each Takbeer, briefly pause.
Step 5: Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and Another Surah
The Imam usually recites:
- Surah Al-A‘la
or
• Surah Qaf
But any surah can be recited.
Step 6: Complete the First Rakat
Perform Ruku, Sujood, and stand for the second rakat.
Step 7: Second Rakat Recitation
Recite:
- Surah Al-Fatiha
• Another Surah
Step 8: Recite Extra Takbeer Again
Before going to Ruku:
Say Allahu Akbar three times.
Step 9: Complete the Prayer
Perform:
- Ruku
• Sujood
• Tashahhud
• Salam
The prayer ends after two rakats.
Khutbah After Eid Prayer
After the prayer, the Imam delivers a Khutbah (sermon).
Unlike Jumu’ah prayer:
- The khutbah is after the prayer, not before.
Muslims should listen attentively because the khutbah includes reminders, guidance, and supplications.
Can Eid Prayer Be Prayed at Home?
If someone cannot attend the congregation due to illness or other reasons, many scholars allow Eid prayer at home.
However, praying in congregation is strongly recommended.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged Muslims, including women and children, to attend the Eid gathering.
Sunnah Acts on the Day of Eid
Before going to Eid prayer, Muslims should follow these beautiful Sunnahs:
- Take a bath (Ghusl)
• Wear clean or new clothes
• Apply perfume (for men)
• Eat dates before Eid-ul-Fitr prayer
• Recite Takbeer
Example of Takbeer:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.
Common Mistakes During Eid Prayer
Many people unknowingly make small mistakes.
Some common ones include:
- Missing the extra Takbeer
• Talking during the khutbah
• Leaving before the khutbah finishes
• Arriving very late
Understanding the correct method helps Muslims perform the prayer properly.
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Conclusion
Eid prayer is a beautiful act of worship that strengthens the unity of the Muslim community and reminds believers to thank Allah for His blessings.
By understanding how to pray Eid prayer step by step, the correct number of rakats, and the extra Takbeer, Muslims can perform this special prayer with confidence and devotion.
May Allah accept our prayers and allow us to celebrate Eid with faith, gratitude, and unity.
Eid Mubarak.
Frequently Ask Question
Eid prayer consists of two rakats performed in congregation. The khutbah (sermon) is delivered after the prayer, not before.
In the most commonly practiced method, there are 6 extra Takbeer:
• 3 Takbeer after the opening Takbeer in the first rakat
• 3 Takbeer before going into ruku in the second rakat
Eid prayer starts 15–20 minutes after sunrise and must be performed before Dhuhr. Most masajid conduct Eid prayer between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
The Imam recites Surah Al-Fatiha and a short surah. The Sunnah recitations include:
• Surah Al-A‘la
• Surah Al-Ghashiyah
or
• Surah Qaf
• Surah Al-Qamar
But any surah may be recited.
According to many scholars (Hanafi school), Eid prayer is Wajib. Other schools consider it a strongly emphasized Sunnah Mu’akkadah. All agree that attending it is highly rewarded.
Yes, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged women and children to attend Eid prayer, even those who normally do not attend regular prayers. It is a beautiful Sunnah to join the congregation.
- If someone cannot attend the congregation due to illness or valid reasons, many scholars allow praying Eid prayer at home, alone or with family. Congregation is preferred when possible.
If someone misses the prayer, the majority of scholars say there is no qada (make-up) for Eid prayer. However, you may pray two rakats Nafl at home as an alternative.
Yes, if you are unable to reach the masjid due to travel, illness, or other genuine reasons, you may perform Eid prayer alone, though praying with the community is better.
• Take Ghusl (bath)
• Wear clean or new clothes
• Apply perfume (for men)
• Eat dates before Eid-ul-Fitr prayer
• Recite the Takbeer aloud on the way to the prayer area
Listening to the khutbah is Wajib according to some schools and Sunnah according to others. However, leaving immediately after prayer is not recommended.
No. The khutbah is a necessary part of the Eid gathering. Even if someone prays at home, scholars recommend giving a short khutbah if praying in a group
If it rains heavily and open-ground prayer is not possible, Eid prayer can be held inside the masjid or any covered area.
Non-Muslims may attend the Eid gathering respectfully to observe. But they cannot join the prayer.
It is from the Sunnah to celebrate Eid by glorifying Allah. Saying “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…” collectively creates unity and joy among Muslims.
• On Eid-ul-Fitr: Sunnah to eat dates before going for the prayer
• On Eid-ul-Adha: Sunnah to eat after the prayer
If you join during Takbeer or recitation, join immediately. If you miss the majority of the prayer, most scholars say there is no makeup, and you may pray two rakats Nafl at home.
Make a simple intention in your heart:
“I intend to pray two rakats of Eid prayer for the sake of Allah.”
No. There is no Azan and no Iqamah for Eid prayer.
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