Contents
Eid Salah is one of the most joyful and spiritually uplifting prayers in Islam. It marks the end of Ramadan with Eid al Fitr and follows the days of Hajj with Eid al Adha. Muslims gather in large numbers to pray together, remember Allah, and celebrate His blessings.
For many people, especially first time pilgrims or families travelling during Eid, questions often arise about how Eid Salah is performed and who is expected to pray it.
This guide explains Eid Salah in a simple and clear way.
What is Eid salah?
Eid Salah is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of Eid. It includes extra takbeer and is followed by a khutbah.
Muslims gather in mosques, open prayer grounds, and in the Holy Cities to pray together and celebrate the completion of important acts of worship.
Eid prayer reflects unity, gratitude, and joy.
What is the ruling of Eid Salah?
For Muslims not performing Hajj, Eid al Adha prayer is generally considered a highly recommended and confirmed Sunnah known as Sunnah Mu’akkadah. It is not treated like the five daily obligatory prayers, but it carries great importance and reward.
For pilgrims performing Hajj, the situation is different. Pilgrims do not have to perform the Eid prayer during Eid al Adha because they are occupied with the rituals of Hajj. However, those who choose to pray it may still receive reward for doing so.
How is Eid salah performed step by step?
Eid Salah consists of two rak’ah performed in congregation and takes place shortly after sunrise. Unlike Jumu’ah prayer, there is no adhan or iqamah before Eid Salah. People gather, recite takbeer, and prepare for the prayer together.
Arriving early is encouraged, especially in busy areas such as Makkah and Madinah during Eid.
First Rak’ah
- Begin with Takbiratul Ihram
- Quietly recite the opening du'a for yourself
- Have 3 additional takbeer with the Imam
- The Imam then recites Surah Al Fatiha and another surah aloud
- Complete the rak’ah as normal
Second Rak’ah
- After standing for the second rak’ah, the Imam recites Surah Al Fatiha and another surah aloud
- Then followed by another three takbeer before going to ruku position
- The prayer is then completed normally
After the prayer, the Imam delivers the Eid khutbah.
(*Please note that this guidance follows the Hanafi method. The Imam you are led by may follow another method, so please listen carefully and follow the Imam accordingly.)
Essentially Salah is not only about the prayer itself. It is about gratitude, unity, and remembering Allah after days of worship and sacrifice.
People greet one another, make du’a, and share happiness with family and community. In the Holy Cities, the atmosphere becomes especially emotional as pilgrims and worshippers gather from around the world.
Staying organised during Eid prayer
Eid gatherings can become very crowded, especially in Makkah and Madinah.
Keeping your belongings organised helps make the experience calmer and more focused. Many pilgrims use practical items such as our Hajj Safe neck bags, waist bags, or simple shoe bags to keep essentials secure and easy to manage while moving through large crowds.
This allows worshippers to focus more on the prayer and less on practical concerns.
Final Reflection
Eid Salah is a beautiful reminder of the unity of Muslims and the mercy of Allah. Whether you are praying Eid after Ramadan or during the days of Hajj, the prayer carries joy, gratitude, and reflection.
For those not performing Hajj, attending Eid Salah is a highly encouraged Sunnah and an opportunity to celebrate together as a community. For pilgrims, the focus remains on completing the rites of Hajj, though praying Eid Salah still carries reward for those who attend.
FAQs
1. Is Eid Salah obligatory?
Eid Salah is generally considered a highly recommended Sunnah for Muslims who are not performing Hajj.
2. Do pilgrims performing Hajj have to pray Eid Salah?
No. Pilgrims do not have to perform Eid Salah during Hajj, though they may still pray it and receive reward.
3. How many rak’ah are in Eid Salah?
Eid Salah consists of two rak’ah performed in congregation with extra takbeer.
4. Is there an adhan for Eid prayer?
No. Eid Salah is performed without adhan or iqamah.
5. What time is Eid Salah performed?
It is prayed shortly after sunrise on the morning of Eid.