627. Eid Salaah

By Asma bint Shameem 

Some people think it is not a big deal if they don't pray Salatul Eid. 

They either sleep through it or just don't think it's important. 

However, it is unanimously agreed that the Eid prayer is prescribed in Islaam and it is a very highly recommended act of worship; 

so much so that some Ulama even considered it "Fardh 'ayn" (an individual obligation), and that not doing it is a sin. 

And some ulama said it is Fardh kifaayah (communal obligation).

In any case, we should try and attend the Eid Salaah and not be negligent about it. 

 How to pray Salaatul Eid?

Eid Salaah is a two rak’ah prayer with multiple takbeeraat at the beginning of each rak’ah. 

There are several different opinions about the number of takbeeraat but the strongest opinion and the opinion of the majority of the scholars is that there are seven takbeeraat in the first rak’ah before the recitation of al-Faatihah. And five takbeeraat before the recitation of al-Faatihah in the second rak’ah. 

Our Mother Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to say takbeer in the prayer on (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adha, seven takbeers in the first rak‘ah and five in the second.” (Abu Dawood - saheeh by al-Albaani)

Al-‘Iraqi said: 

“This is the view of most of the scholars among the Sahaabah, Taabi‘een and imams”. 

1. So in the first rak’ah, the Imaam would raise his hands and say Takbeerat al-ihraam (“Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer). 

And we follow him and do the same. 

2. Raise the hands and say six or seven more takbeers

3.Recite al-Faatihah, and another Surah. 

4. Go into rukoo and sujood. 

5. Stand up for the second rak’ah and say takbeer five times, again while raising the hands. 

6. Recite al-Faatihah and another Surah. 

7. Go into rukoo and sujood and finish off the Salaah just like any other Salaah. 

8. End the prayer with tasleem on both sides. 

9. Follow the Salaah with the Eid Khutbah. 

Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam came out on the day of al-Fitr and started with the prayer BEFORE the khutbah.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Difference in the number of Takbeeraat?

The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that the Takbeeraat are seven in the first rak’ah and five in the second. 

But there are also OTHER opinions among the Sahaabah about that. 

So if an Imaam will say the takbeeraat that are any different  from the above, that is also acceptable. 

There’s no need to fight or argue about it. 

Imam Ahmad said: 

“The Companions of the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam DIFFERED concerning the takbeers, and ALL their views are ACCEPTABLE.” [al-Furoo‘ (3/201)]

Which Surah should be recited?

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to recite Surah Qaf in the first rak’ah and Surah al-Qamar in the second rak’ah. 

Or Surah al-A’la in the first rak’ah and al-Ghaashiyah in the second. 

Do women have to pray Eid Salaah?

Eid salah is not obligatory for women but it’s something RECOMMENDED. 

Umm ‘Atiyah radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  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.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Can women pray Eid Salaah at home on their own?

There’s NO EVIDENCE that women can pray the Eid Salaah at home on their own without the men. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“Eid prayer can ONLY be offered in CONGREGATION  with the men. Women are instructed to go out to the Eid prayer place and offer the prayer WITH THE MEN (in congregation); they should be behind them and avoid mixing with them. 

With regard to doing the Eid prayer in her house, this is a GRAVE MISTAKE. There is NO REPORT from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam or from his Companions that the women offered the Eid prayer in their houses.”

[Fataawa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb (189/9)]

The Scholars of the Standing Committee said about the Eid Salaah:

“It is not obligatory for women, rather it is Sunnah for them, and they should offer this prayer in the prayer place with the Muslims, because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam INSTRUCTED them to do that.”

[Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa’imah (8/284)]

And Allaah knows best.