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After a month of quarantined fasting, Eid-al-Fitr is upon us! Eid-al-Fitr falls on the first of Shawwal (the tenth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar) and is characterized by the sighting of the crescent.
A staple of Eid-al-Fitr is the Eid prayers which is considered Sunnah Muakkada – highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), one which he always did. While it is normally performed at mosques or on open-ground in congregation, this period of social distancing puts a halt to such activities.
Fortunately, most Fatwa centers have encouraged praying at home in congregation or alone, and we’ve got you covered on the basic rulings of how to perform the Eid prayer.
TLDR? : it’s generally like a 2 Raka prayer, like Fajr or sunnah prayers before and after prayers, with addition of Takbiraat in the Qiyaam before recitation of Al-Fathiha in each rakat.
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The Niyah (Intention)
The Niyah, or Intention, of the Eid prayer is to fulfill two Rakas of Sunnah prayers in order to please Allah and as a sign of devotion and gratitude on the glorious day of Eid.
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The first Takbir (praise)
Takbir is the proclamation of “Allahu Akbar” which means “Allah is the greatest.” The prayer begins with a single Takbir as all other prayers do. The one praying must raise both hands up to their ears, palms facing forward during the proclamation and fold both hands over one another below their chest area (right hand over left hand) once they’re done with the proclamation.
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Repeat steps 2 until Takbir has been said seven times.
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Recitation of the Quran.
In the seventh Takbir, Surah Al-Fathiha (the opening of the Quran) is recited. After which, any surah or number of verses from a surah may be recited.
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Ruku’ (Bowing)
This is when the one praying bends forward such that their spine and body form a right angle and their hands are placed on their knees, with their gaze firmly placed on the Qibla (direction of the Kabah). In this position, they must recite “Subhana Rabbi al-Adheem” three times, which means “How free from imperfections is my Lord, the Grand”
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I’thidhal (Straightening from bowing)
They must then stand straight, hands by their sides and recite “Sami Allahu liman hamida, Rabbana Walak al-hamd” which means, “Allah hears those who send praises to him. Our lord, and all praises are for you.”
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Sajda (Prostration)
The one praying then proclaims “Allahu Akbar” before falling in prostration in front of them, with their palms pressed to the ground and their nose and forehead touching it. In sujood (prostration), they must recite the duaa “Subhana Rabi Al- A’laa” three times, which means “My Lord is free from imperfections, The Most High.”
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Jalsa (Sitting on the prayer rug between prostrations)
Once they’ve risen from the prostration, the one praying sits on their heels and recites “Rabbi’ghfirli” three times, which means “My Lord, forgive me.”
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Second Sajda.
Another prostration is then performed with the same proclamation as the first Sajda as seen in step 8. This concludes the first Rakaat of the Eid prayer.
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The Second Rakaat
Repeat steps 2 such that there are five recitations of Takbir.
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Recitation of the Quran.
In the fifth Takbir, Surah Al-Fathiha (the opening of the Quran) is recited. After which, any surah or number of verses from a surah may be recited.
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Repeat steps 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Here, the second sajda does NOT mean the conclusion of the Raka.
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Tashshahud (Sitting on the prayer rug after the final prostration)
After rising from the final prostration, the one praying sits on the prayer rug and says “Attahyathu Lillahi Wassalawathu Waththayyibathu, Assalamu Alayka Ayyuha Nabiyu Warahmathullahi Wabarakathuhu, Assalamu Alayna Wa Ala Ibaadhillahi Saliheen, Ashshadu An La Illaha Illallahu Wa Ashshadu Anna Muhammadan Abdhuhu Wa Rasooluhu.” Which means “All compliments, prayers and goodness are for Allah. May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you, Oh Prophet. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and messenger.” Then salutations are given to Prophet Muhammed and the Prophet Abraham in what is known as durood. This is then followed by a duaa of the individuals choosing.
This duaa is then followed by Taslim (greetings) which is where the one praying bids salaam to their right and then to their left by saying “Assalamu Alaykum Warahmathullahi Wabarakathuhu” which means, “May the peace, mercy and the blessings of Allah be upon you” in order to conclude the prayer.
The Eid prayer is known to be a comprehensive start to the blessed day. Common supplications made throughout the day in order to celebrate include recitation of the Takbir, invocations of the six Kalimas and a lot of Salaams. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to spread Salaams and spread the news of Eid through declarations of “Eid Mubarak!” It’s a day of joy and blessings, a day to celebrate the remembrance of Allah.
May this Eid-al-Fitr be a joyous one for you and your family and may Allah accept all the fasts and supplications made during the month of Ramadan! Stay safe and home this Eid and always stay blessed!
