The Prayers Of The Two Feast

These are:

1.The prayer of the feast of breaking the fast of the month of Ramadan (known as Eid ul fitr) 

2. The prayer of the feast of Immolation (known as Eid ul adha) 

We shall now discuss the mode of  performing each of these prayer.

1. Eid Ul Fitr Prayer

Upon completion of the obligatory of the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslim celebrate the occasion of breaking the fast by festive celebrations which last for three days. 

The Muslim welcome the feast with prayers and private supplications and by giving praise to almighty Allah  Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. This prayer is performed as follows:

a. On the first day of Shawaal (the month that follows Ramadan) the person goes to the Eid Masjid or praying ground having undertaken the following recommended acts:

1. Taken total ablution. (Ghusl)

2. Dressed in the best of clothes (preferably new clothings).

3. Assumed a breaking of the fast by eating at least two pieces of dates. This is in accordance with the tradition of the Prophet Salallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  ,and an odd number is preferred i.e. 3,7,5,9 and so on.

4. It is the practice (Sunnah) to head to the I'd prayer centre by walking.

Upon arrival at the place of prayer the person sits and waits for the prayer to begin.

b. After about 20 minutes from clear sunrise, the Imam stands up for the prayer and loudly signifies entering into the prayer by reciting the Takbiiratil Ihraam i.e. Allahu Akbar. The whole congregation also follows suit by reciting the Takbiiratil Ihraam.

e. As usual, with any other prayer, the person thereafter comes up with the opening supplication known as Dua Al Istiftaah.

d. After that, the Imam says, Allahu Akbar for 6 more times, and the congregation would follow likewise. Between each recitation of Allahu Akbar every person recites to himself in a low voice the following supplication:

"Allahu Akbar kabiira ,wal-hamdulillah kathiraa, wa subhanna-llahi bukratan wa asilaa,was sallalahu ,'alaa muhammadin wa 'aala alihi wa sallam taslimma kathira."

 which means

"Allah is great, all thanks and praises are due Allah, glory be to Allah, and may Allah bless His messenger and grant him salvation."

Note:

Besides the above supplication the person may recite any other recommended supplications. 

e. After completing the recitations of the words of greatest which total up to seven, the Iman would then seek the protection of "Allah" Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala" from the cursed satan in a low voice by saying "A'uthu billahi  minash shaitanir rajeem." He would thereafter silently invoke Allah's name by saying "Bismillahi-r-rahmani-r-rahiim" and then recite Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Holy Qur'an) in a loud voice. The followers (congregation) would then say "Ameen" together loudly after the Imam completes reciting the Al-Fatihah silently. It is recommended that the Imam thereafter recites the whole of chapter 87 of the Holy Qur'an i.e. "Sabihisma"( glorified be the name of thy lord, the most high). The followers are required to listen to the Imam recitation.

f. The Imam then raises his hands up to the level of the shoulders or ears and performs Rukuu saying "Allahu Akbar". to say the followers are required to listen to Imam recitation Akbar.Thereafter he raises his head up from bowing saying "Sami's Allahu liman hamida" followed by the congregation saying "Rabbanna Walakal Hamd." The  Imam and the congregation thereafter proceed to prostration saying Allahu Akbar.

g. After the prostrations,  the Imam would resume the standing position for the second rakaat and the congregation would follow him up accordingly.

h. Then, the Imam would say "Allahu Akbar" for 5 times and the congregation would perform likewise, and would recite the private supplication between each Takbir as  as already discussed in point 4 above. i. Then, the Imam recites Al-Fatihah and for the second rakaat it is preferred that he thereafter recites the whole of chapter 88 of the Holy Qur'an i.e. Al-Ghasiya, (the disaster) and the congregation would listen attentively. 

j. Thereafter, the Imam complete the Rukuu (bowing) and Sujuud (prostration) positions in the manner already discussed and sits back for the words of witness i.e. "At-Tashahud". Then, the Imam concludes the prayer with the words of peace i.e."Assalamu alaikum Wa Rahmatullah" and off course, the entire congregation would follow the Imam in all these acts as is the custom in all prayers.

k. After concluding the prayer, the Imam would climb the pulpit to deliver the "Festival Sermon", and starts the same with nine recitations of "Allahu Akbar" with the congregation saying after him the same, After listening to the semon, the congregation disperses. Listening to the sermon is not obligatory but is recommended.

Note:

When going home after the prayer, it is recommended practice to use another route different from the route used in in coming to the Masjid/place of prayer.

2. Eid Ul Adha Prayer 

Eid ul adha prayer ( feast of Immolation) prayer is performed on the 10th day of the 12th month of Islamic "Hijri" calendar and is performed exactly in the same manner as enumerated and discussed above for the Eid ul fitr Prayer.