Eid prayer: 2 rak‘ahs and the takbirs, step by step
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: the extra takbirs, what is recited, the sermon and the positions of the schools
The Eid prayer has 2 rak‘ahs, prayed in congregation on the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The imam recites aloud and adds takbirs in each rak‘ah: their number varies by school. The sermon comes after the prayer. The Prophet ﷺ recited Al-A‘la and Al-Ghashiyah in it, or Qaf and Al-Qamar.
What the schools agree on
The four schools describe the same prayer: 2 rak‘ahs, in congregation, recited aloud, with extra takbirs, and the sermon after the prayer, unlike Jumu‘ah.
It is prayed in the morning, once the sun has risen, on the day of Eid al-Fitr and the day of Eid al-Adha. Women, even young girls, were invited to it.
| Rak‘ahs | 2, with extra takbirs |
|---|---|
| Time | the morning of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha |
| Voice | aloud (the imam) |
The Prophet ﷺ, then Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, prayed the prayer of the two Eids before the sermon.
Umm ‘Atiyyah said women were asked to come out on the day of Eid, even young girls and those who had their periods: they stood behind the people and said the takbir with them.
The Eid prayer, step by step
The number of extra takbirs depends on the school: the table of the schools, below, counts them.
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Before leaving
On Eid al-Fitr, you eat a few dates before leaving. On the way and while waiting for the prayer, you say the takbir of Eid.
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The first rak‘ah
After the opening takbir, the imam says the extra takbirs, then recites Al-Fatiha and a surah aloud, often Al-A‘la or Qaf.
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The second rak‘ah and the end
Extra takbirs again, before the recitation for most schools, after it for the Hanafis; then Al-Fatiha and a surah, often Al-Ghashiyah or Al-Qamar, the tashahhud and the salam.
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The sermonal-khutbah
After the prayer, the imam gives the sermon, which it is recommended to listen to.
On the day of Eid al-Fitr, the Prophet ﷺ did not leave for the prayer before eating a few dates, in an odd number.
Aisha said that at Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Prophet ﷺ said seven takbirs in the first rak‘ah and five in the second.
The four schools, all valid
| School | 1st rak‘ah | 2nd rak‘ah | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanafi | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Maliki | 6 | 5 | 11 |
| Shafi‘i | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| Hanbali | 6 | 5 | 11 |
Which surahs at Eid?
Two pairs come from the Sunnah, one surah per rak‘ah: Al-A'la then Al-Ghashiyah, or Qaf then Al-Qamar.
At both Eids and at Jumu‘ah, the Prophet ﷺ recited Al-A‘la and Al-Ghashiyah, even when Eid fell on a Friday.
Asked by ‘Umar, Abu Waqid al-Laythi answered that at both Eids the Prophet ﷺ recited Qaf and Al-Qamar.
| Surah | Verses | Listening | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-A'la | 19 | 1 min 54 s | Sunan Abi Dawud 1122 · rak‘ah 1 |
| Al-Ghashiyah | 26 | 2 min 26 s | Sunan Abi Dawud 1122 · rak‘ah 2 |
| Qaf | 45 | 10 min 41 s | Sunan Abi Dawud 1154 · rak‘ah 1 |
| Al-Qamar | 55 | 8 min 42 s | Sunan Abi Dawud 1154 · rak‘ah 2 |
Frequently asked questions
How many takbirs in the Eid prayer?
It depends on the school: 3 in each rak‘ah for the Hanafis, 6 then 5 for the Malikis and Hanbalis, 7 then 5 for the Shafi‘is. Follow your imam.
Is the Eid prayer obligatory?
The schools differ: obligatory (wajib) for the Hanafis, a strongly recommended sunnah for the Malikis and Shafi‘is, a collective obligation for the Hanbalis.
Where can I find the date of Eid?
It depends on the sighting of the crescent in your country: the site’s Hijri calendar gives estimated dates.
How can I check my Fatiha and the surahs I recite in prayer?
Recite them out loud in the Tilawa app: it follows your recitation word by word and shows you the words and tajweed rules to work on. During prayer, it can also follow the verses you recite.
Tilawa editorial team · Updated 2026-10-24 · Report an error