Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most joyous days in the Islamic calendar. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to Allah. At the heart of this celebration is the Eid al-Adha prayer, a special congregational salah that every Muslim should strive to perform correctly. This guide breaks down the prayer into five simple steps, complete with the correct number of takbeers, recommended surahs, and common pitfalls to avoid, so you can approach this blessed day with confidence and spiritual focus.
The Significance of the Eid al-Adha Prayer
The Eid al-Adha prayer holds immense spiritual weight, as it is offered on a day that embodies sacrifice, submission, and gratitude. While the obligatory Hajj is being performed by pilgrims in the holy lands, Muslims worldwide gather in mosques and open spaces to commemorate the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). This prayer is not merely a ritual; it is a collective declaration of faith and unity. Its timing is tied to the sighting of the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah, the month of pilgrimage, and it is performed after sunrise on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Islamic scholars differ on the legal ruling of the Eid prayer: in the Hanafi school it is wajib (mandatory), while the majority consider it a sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasized sunnah). Regardless of the ruling, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never missed it, urging all believers—men, women, and even those on their menses or in confinement—to attend the gathering. The prayer serves as a powerful reminder that the true spirit of Eid lies in obedience to Allah and in strengthening communal bonds. As you stand in rows shoulder to shoulder with fellow Muslims, you embody the unity of the Ummah.
The connection between the Eid al-Adha prayer and the rites of Hajj deepens its meaning. While you pray, thousands of pilgrims are performing the tawaf, sa’i, and standing on Arafat. To explore the profound rituals of the pilgrimage, visit our step-by-step Hajj and Umrah guide, which details every stage of this transformative journey. Understanding this link adds reverence to your own worship on this blessed day.
Preparing for the Eid al-Adha Prayer
Proper preparation sets the stage for a focused and accepted prayer. Begin by performing ghusl, the full ritual bath, as it is a sunnah act before both Eid prayers. Wear your best clothes—the Prophet ﷺ had a special garment he reserved for the two Eids—and apply perfume if you are a man. On your way to the prayer, it is recommended to walk, if possible, taking one route to the mosque and a different route back, a practice established by the Sunnah. As you leave your home, raise your voice with the takbeers: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illa Allah; Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahi al-hamd.” This glorification should continue until the prayer begins.
Unlike Eid al-Fitr, where it is sunnah to eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer, on Eid al-Adha the tradition is to refrain from eating until after the prayer. This is because the first meal of the day should ideally come from the meat of your sacrifice (udhiyah), which occurs after the prayer. This act symbolizes patience and prioritizes the command of Allah over physical needs. Arrive early to secure a place near the front, engage in dhikr, and avoid unnecessary chatter. The Prophet ﷺ would begin the Eid prayer without any adhan or iqamah, so expect the imam to stand and lead the prayer directly once the sun has risen to the height of a spear.
A crucial aspect of preparation is verifying the exact prayer time for your location. Eid prayer is offered after sunrise, typically about 15-20 minutes after the sun has fully risen, and it must be performed before the zenith. To avoid confusion, check the accurate prayer times for your city on Al Muslim Plus, which is updated with validated calculation methods. Additionally, use the Qibla direction tool to double-check your orientation, especially if you are praying in an unfamiliar open field or hall. These small steps ensure that your entire focus remains on the spiritual experience.
The 5 Simple Steps of the Eid al-Adha Prayer
The Eid al-Adha prayer consists of two rak’ahs, but it is set apart by additional takbeers. Follow these five clear steps to perform it with confidence and devotion. Whether you are a new Muslim or simply need a refresher, this breakdown ensures you never miss a beat.
Step 1: Make the Intention (Niyyah) and Say the Opening Takbeer
As with any act of worship, the prayer begins with a sincere intention in your heart. You do not need to utter it aloud, but silently resolve that you are performing the two rak’ahs of the Eid al-Adha prayer, following the imam (if in congregation) or for the sake of Allah if alone. Raise your hands to your ears and say “Allahu Akbar” for the opening takbeer (takbirat al-ihram). This signals the start of your prayer and the formal entry into a state of devotion. Place your right hand over your left on your chest, as you would in any other salah.
Step 2: Recite the Additional Takbeers in the First Rak’ah
After the opening takbeer, you will recite additional takbeers before beginning the Quranic recitation. According to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, there are three extra takbeers in the first rak’ah (making a total of four including the opening takbeer). In the Shafi’i and Maliki schools, there are seven takbeers including the opening one. The safest practice, and the one most widely observed in congregations, is to say three additional takbeers. After the opening takbeer and the brief opening supplication (thana), raise your hands for each of the three extra takbeers, saying “Allahu Akbar” each time. Between these takbeers, you may remain silent, or recite short praises such as “Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wa la ilaha illa Allah, wallahu Akbar.” After the final extra takbeer, place your hands again and prepare for the Quranic recitation.
Step 3: Recite Al-Fatihah and a Surah, Then Ruku and Sujood
Now you recite aloud: first Surah Al-Fatihah, then another surah. The Prophet ﷺ often recited Surah Al-A’la (87) in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88) in the second, or Surah Qaf (50) and Al-Qamar (54). After completing the recitation, complete the rak’ah as usual: say “Allahu Akbar” and go into ruku (bowing), then rise and say “Sami’a Allahu liman hamidah,” then go into sujood (prostration) twice. This completes the first rak’ah.
Step 4: Stand for the Second Rak’ah and Repeat the Additional Takbeers
Stand up from the second prostration, saying “Allahu Akbar,” and prepare for the second rak’ah. Before reciting Al-Fatihah, you will again add extra takbeers. In the second rak’ah, the number of additional takbeers (excluding the takbeer for standing) is the same as in the first: three extra according to Hanafi/Hanbali, or six extra according to Shafi’i/Maliki (making a total of seven with the standing takbeer). Raise your hands for each, just as in the first rak’ah, and you may recite the same praises in between. This repetition of the takbeer symbolizes your magnification of Allah on this great day.
Step 5: Recite Al-Fatihah and a Surah, Then Complete the Prayer
After the extra takbeers, recite Surah Al-Fatihah followed by another surah, just as in the first rak’ah. The Prophet ﷺ often paired Al-A’la in the first rak’ah with Al-Ghashiyah in the second. After the recitation, perform ruku and sujood as normal. Then sit for the tashahhud, recite the full tashahhud and the salawat (sending blessings on the Prophet ﷺ), and any additional du’as you wish. End the prayer by turning your head to the right and left, saying “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah.” With this, your two-rak’ah Eid al-Adha prayer is complete.
Common Mistakes During the Eid al-Adha Prayer
Even seasoned worshippers can fall into errors during the unique structure of the Eid prayer. One of the most frequent mistakes is forgetting the extra takbeers entirely and proceeding directly to Surah Al-Fatihah. If you are praying behind an imam, simply follow his actions; if he forgets, he may perform the prostration of forgetfulness (sajdat as-sahw) at the end, but as a follower you need not worry. If praying alone, you must include the extra takbeers or your prayer may be considered deficient according to some schools.
Another mistake is reciting the same surahs you habitually recite in daily prayers, rather than the ones specifically recommended for Eid. While any surah is permissible, choosing the prophetic sunnah—Surah Al-A’la and Al-Ghashiyah—adds to the reward and follows the practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Some worshippers also speak or move excessively during the imam’s silent pauses between takbeers; it is better to remain still and engaged in quiet dhikr. Additionally, arriving late and missing the first rak’ah: if you miss one rak’ah, join the congregation, then stand up after the imam’s salam to complete what you missed, making up the extra takbeers yourself in your own prayer.
A subtle but important point is the timing of the additional takbeers. In the Hanafi school, the extra takbeers in the first rak’ah are said after the opening supplication and before the recitation, while in the Shafi’i school they are said immediately after the opening takbeer, before the opening supplication. Both are valid, so follow the practice of your local imam. Above all, avoid the mistake of neglecting the khutbah after the prayer. While it is not an obligation to stay for the sermon, it is highly recommended and contains valuable reminders. Leaving early to socialize dilutes the spiritual benefit of the gathering.
After the Prayer: Khutbah, Supplications, and Celebration
Once the two rak’ahs are concluded, the imam will deliver a khutbah (sermon). Unlike the Friday khutbah, the Eid sermon is given after the prayer. The Prophet ﷺ would deliver two parts, separated by a short pause, and would exhort the community to fear Allah, perform righteous deeds, and remember the blessings of the day. It is sunnah to remain seated and listen attentively, though talking is not prohibited as it is during the Friday khutbah. After the khutbah, the congregation engages in collective du’as, raising hands and asking for forgiveness, mercy, and acceptance.
This is a precious moment for personal supplication. Use the opportunity to pour out your heart to Allah, for the day of Eid is one of answered prayers. You can recite the beautiful Eid duas found in the Sunnah, such as: “Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and from you). To enrich your supplications throughout this blessed day, explore the comprehensive Duas collection on Al Muslim Plus, which includes themed supplications for morning, evening, and special occasions. Following the du’a, it is traditional to embrace and greet fellow Muslims with “Eid Mubarak” and to begin the festivities.
The final act of worship associated with Eid al-Adha is the udhiyah, or sacrifice of an animal. This sunnah is performed after the Eid prayer and continues until the sunset of the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. This act embodies the spirit of sharing and gratitude. As you enjoy the day with loved ones, remember that the real essence of Eid is not the food or new clothes, but the nearness to Allah achieved through sincere worship. May your Eid be filled with barakah, unity, and spiritual renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rak’ahs are in the Eid al-Adha prayer?
The Eid al-Adha prayer consists of two rak’ahs, similar to the Fajr prayer, but with additional takbeers. There is no unique number of rak’ahs beyond these two, followed by the khutbah.
What time does the Eid al-Adha prayer start?
It starts after sunrise, approximately 15-20 minutes after the sun has fully risen, and lasts until the sun reaches its zenith (about 15-20 minutes before Dhuhr). Exact times vary by location, so check local announcements or a reliable prayer time app like Al Muslim Plus.
What are the extra takbeers in the Eid prayer?
The extra takbeers are additional declarations of ‘Allahu Akbar’ recited before the Quranic recitation in both rak’ahs. In the Hanafi school, there are three extra in the first rak’ah (after the opening takbeer) and three in the second (after standing). Between takbeers, it is recommended to praise Allah.
Can I pray the Eid al-Adha prayer at home?
Yes, if you are unable to attend a congregation due to illness, distance, or other valid reasons, you may pray at home alone or with family. The method is the same, though you would miss the communal aspect and the khutbah. For women and children, attending the mosque is encouraged but not mandatory.
What surahs are recited in the Eid al-Adha prayer?
The Prophet ﷺ often recited Surah Al-A’la (87) in the first rak’ah and Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88) in the second, or alternatively Surah Qaf (50) and Al-Qamar (54). Any surah is permissible, but following this Sunnah is recommended.
What should I do if I miss the Eid al-Adha prayer?
If you miss the congregation, you can perform the two-rak’ah Eid prayer on your own, preferably before the Dhuhr prayer. According to many scholars, there is no makeup for the Eid prayer after its time expires, but you may still pray two voluntary rak’ahs with the intention of Eid, and Allah knows best.
Is there a khutbah after the Eid al-Adha prayer?
Yes, the khutbah is an integral part of the Eid gathering. Unlike Friday, it is delivered after the prayer, and it is recommended to listen attentively. The imam typically covers the significance of sacrifice, piety, and community obligations.
Eid al-Adha is a magnificent opportunity to renew your faith and draw closer to Allah through the beautiful prayer prescribed on this day. By mastering these five simple steps, you can perform the salah with ease and deep spiritual presence. As you prepare for this upcoming Eid, make sure you have the right tools at hand: confirm the exact time for your locale, orient yourself toward the Qibla, and enrich your worship with the many resources available on Al Muslim Plus. From accurate prayer times to a vast collection of duas, the app is your companion for a more meaningful Islamic life. May Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices, and grant you a blessed Eid with your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!