Eid prayer: how to pray salat al-Eid
The Eid prayer is two rak‘ahs prayed in congregation on the morning of Eid, with extra takbirs and a khutbah afterwards, and no adhan or iqamah. Here is how to pray it step by step, how the extra takbirs differ between the schools, and the sunnahs of the day.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
How to pray Eid salah
- Make the intention to pray the two rak‘ahs of Eid behind the imam.
- First rak‘ah: the opening takbir, then the extra takbirs (raising the hands with each), then Al-Fatihah and a surah. Al-A‘la is sunnah (Sahih Muslim 878).
- Ruku‘, sujud as normal.
- Second rak‘ah: the extra takbirs (before or after the recitation, depending on the school), Al-Fatihah and a surah (Al-Ghashiyah is sunnah), then complete the prayer.
- Stay for the khutbah after the prayer.
The extra takbirs in each school
| School | Extra takbirs |
|---|---|
| Hanafi | 3 extra takbirs after the opening takbir in the first rak‘ah (before Al-Fatihah); 3 extra takbirs in the second rak‘ah after the recitation, before ruku‘. |
| Shafi‘i, Maliki and Hanbali | 7 takbirs (including the opening one, or after it by some counts) in the first rak‘ah, and 5 in the second, before the recitation in both. |
Follow your imam: in congregation, you do as the imam does.
Sunnahs of Eid day
- Take a bath (ghusl) and wear your best clothes.
- On Eid al-Fitr, eat an odd number of dates before going to the prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 953); on Eid al-Adha, eat after the prayer, from the sacrifice if you have one.
- Pay zakat al-fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayer.
- Say the takbirat of Eid on the way: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil-hamd.”
- Go by one route and return by another (Sahih al-Bukhari 986).
For the two Eids themselves, see Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha; for zakat al-fitr, zakat al-fitr; for the daily prayer, how to pray salah.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an adhan or iqamah for Eid prayer?
No. The Eid prayer has no adhan or iqamah (Sahih Muslim 887). The khutbah comes after the prayer, unlike Jumu‘ah.
Is Eid prayer obligatory?
Scholars differ: wajib in the Hanafi school, a communal obligation in the Hanbali school, and an emphasised sunnah in the Maliki and Shafi‘i schools. All agree it is a major sign of Islam and should be attended.
Can women and children attend Eid prayer?
Yes. The Prophet ﷺ commanded that women, including those who were not praying, come out to witness the good and the gathering of the Muslims (Sahih al-Bukhari 324). Many UK mosques and parks hold Eid prayers with space for families.
What if I miss the Eid prayer?
Many scholars say you may pray two rak‘ahs at home in the same way, while others say it is not made up. Ask your local imam.
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