How to Pray Eid Prayer: Rakats and the Extra Takbirs
Quick Answer
The Eid prayer is 2 rakats, wajib in the Hanafi school, and prayed in congregation. Its distinctive feature is the extra takbirs: 3 after Subhanaka in the first rakat and 3 after the recitation in the second, going into bowing with the fourth. The sermon (khutbah) comes AFTER the prayer. Its time begins about 45-50 minutes after sunrise.
Step-by-Step Summary
- 1First Rakat: Intend the Eid prayer following the imam. After Subhanaka, say 3 extra takbirs with the imam: raise and release the hands on the first two, fold them on the third. Then the imam recites Al-Fatiha + a surah aloud; bow and prostrate as usual.
- 2Second Rakat: The imam recites Al-Fatiha + a surah. Then 3 extra takbirs (hands raised and released each time); go into bowing with the FOURTH takbir.
- 3Completion and Khutbah: Prostrations → final sitting → salam. The khutbah is delivered AFTER the prayer; listening is sunnah.
The Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer is the 2-rakat wajib congregational prayer on the mornings of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Its only difference from a normal prayer is the extra takbirs.
Step by Step
First rakat
- Intention and opening takbir with the imam.
- Subhanaka.
- 3 extra takbirs: raise and release the hands on the first two; fold them on the third.
- The imam recites aloud → bow → prostrations.
Second rakat
- The imam recites Al-Fatiha + a surah.
- 3 extra takbirs, hands raised and released each time.
- Go into bowing with the fourth takbir → prostrations → final sitting (At-Tahiyyat + Salli-Barik + Rabbana) → salam.
Khutbah
Unlike Friday prayer, the Eid khutbah comes after the prayer; listening is sunnah.
Eid Morning Sunnahs
Performing ghusl, wearing your best clothes and using fragrance are sunnah. On Eid al-Fitr, eating something sweet (dates) before the prayer is sunnah; on Eid al-Adha, delaying it until after.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rakats is the Eid prayer?
2 rakats, wajib in the Hanafi school, prayed in congregation at the mosque.
What time is the Eid prayer?
After sunrise, once the disliked time passes — when the sun has risen about a spear's length (roughly 45-50 minutes after sunrise). The exact local time is announced for each Eid; you can check sunrise for your city on our prayer times page.
What does a latecomer do?
Join the imam in whichever rakat you reach; after the imam's salam, stand and complete the missed rakat with its extra takbirs yourself.