Eid al-Fitr vs. Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr
🌙 Celebrating the End of Ramadan
- 1st Shawwal — after Ramadan fasting
- Eat something sweet before the prayer (Sunnah — dates preferred)
- Pay Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer
- Marks gratitude for completing the fast
Eid al-Adha
🐑 Festival of Sacrifice
- 10th Dhul Hijjah — during the Hajj season
- Eat after the prayer (from the sacrificial meat — Sunnah)
- Perform Qurbani (sacrifice) after the prayer
- Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) obedience
The Eid Takbir
On the way to the prayer ground and throughout the Eid days, recite the takbirat:
اللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise is for Allah."
📢 Eid al-Fitr: Recite takbirat from Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan until the Eid prayer. Eid al-Adha: Recite from the 9th Dhul Hijjah (Fajr of Arafat) through the 13th Dhul Hijjah (after Asr).
How to Pray Eid Salah — Step by Step
Eid prayer consists of 2 rak'ahs with extra takbirat. Here is the Hanafi method (most common). Other schools have slight variations noted below.
1
Opening Takbir (Takbiratul Ihram)
The Imam says Allahu Akbar to begin the prayer. Raise your hands and fold them as usual.
2
Recite Opening Dua (Thana)
Recite "Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika..." as you would in any prayer.
3
7 Extra Takbirat (1st Rak'ah)
The Imam says Allahu Akbar 7 times. After each takbir, raise your hands to your ears and drop them to your sides. After the 7th, fold your hands. (Shafi'i: 7 takbirat including the opening takbir.)
4
Imam Recites Surah Al-Fatiha + a Surah
The Imam recites Al-Fatiha followed by another surah (recommended: Surah Al-A'la or Surah Qaf).
5
Complete the 1st Rak'ah Normally
Ruku, sujud, sit between sujuds, second sujud — just like a regular prayer.
6
Stand for 2nd Rak'ah
Stand up saying Allahu Akbar.
7
5 Extra Takbirat (2nd Rak'ah)
Before recitation, the Imam says Allahu Akbar 5 times with the same hand-raising procedure. (Shafi'i: 5 takbirat not counting the standing takbir.)
8
Recitation, Ruku & Sujud
Imam recites Al-Fatiha + a surah (recommended: Surah Al-Ghashiyah or Surah Al-Qamar). Then complete ruku and sujud.
9
Tashahhud & Salam
Sit for the final tashahhud, recite durood (salawat on the Prophet ﷺ), and end with salam to the right and left.
10
Eid Khutbah (Sermon)
Unlike Jumu'ah, the Eid khutbah comes after the prayer. It is recommended to stay and listen, but it is not obligatory.
Sunnah Acts on Eid Day
🛁
Take a Ghusl
Shower and clean yourself before the prayer
👔
Wear Best Clothes
Dress in your finest or new clothing
🪥
Use Miswak / Brush
Clean your teeth before heading out
🚶
Walk to Prayer
Walk if possible, and take a different route back
🤝
Greet & Congratulate
"Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" — May Allah accept from us and you
🎁
Give Gifts & Visit
Visit family, neighbours, share food and joy
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rak'ahs is Eid prayer?
2 rak'ahs with extra takbirat: 7 in the first rak'ah and 5 in the second (Hanafi method). Other schools have slight variations on takbirat count.
Is Eid prayer obligatory?
Hanafi: Wajib (obligatory). Shafi'i/Maliki: Sunnah Mu'akkadah. Hanbali: Fard Kifayah. All schools strongly encourage attendance.
What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayer?
The prayer is identical. The differences: Fitr — eat before prayer, pay Zakat al-Fitr; Adha — eat after prayer (from sacrifice), perform Qurbani after prayer.
Can I pray Eid salah at home?
Traditionally prayed in congregation. During exceptional circumstances, scholars permit praying at home alone or in a group.
What time is Eid prayer?
After sunrise (15–20 min after) until before Dhuhr. Eid al-Fitr is prayed slightly later, Eid al-Adha slightly earlier.