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.
Is Eid Prayer Compulsory?
Scholars hold differing views on the obligation of Eid prayer.
- Sunnah Mu’akkadah: According to Imam Malik and Imam al-Shafi’i, Eid prayer is considered a confirmed Sunnah, meaning it is highly recommended but not obligatory.
- Communal Obligation: Imam Ahmad holds the view that Eid prayer is a communal obligation (Fard Kifayah). If enough people in the community perform it, the rest are excused.
- A duty: Imam Abu Hanifah and some narrations from Imam Ahmad consider Eid prayer to be a duty for each Muslim and obligatory for men; those who do not do it with no excuse are sinning.
Regardless of which opinion you follow, Eid Prayer is a source of great good deeds and an opportunity that should not be missed
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.
Can you pray Eid prayer at home?
Eid Salah is traditionally offered in congregation on the morning of Eid, and this is the practice which is most widely encouraged. Women are usually allowed to pray their daily Salahs at home, but the Prophet (PBUH) specifically instructed them to attend the Eid gathering, as narrated by Umm ‘Atiyyah:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded us to bring them (women) out on (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adha, and to bring out adolescent girls, menstruating women and virgins, but the menstruating women were to stay away from the prayer, but were to witness goodness and the gathering of the Muslims.
[Hadith | Bukhari, 324 and Muslim, 890]
This hadith highlights the special significance attached to Eid Salah, showing that communal prayer on this occasion is highly encouraged – even for those who usually pray at home.
While there may be valid reasons why some people cannot attend Eid prayer in person – such as illness, travel restrictions or other reasons – this teaching underlines why praying in congregation is encouraged whenever possible.
For personal circumstances or doubts, speak with a local imam or trusted scholar for tailored guidance.


