Eid Prayer (Namaz-e-Eid) - Step by Step
The Eid prayer - two rakahs in congregation with extra takbirs, followed by the khutbah - is wajib in the Hanafi school and a stressed communal sunnah in others, prayed on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha mornings.
Also searched as: eid namaz ka tarika | eid ul fitr prayer method | namaz e eid | eid prayer rakats | eid ki namaz
How to
Steps in order
- 1Take ghusl, dress well, and eat dates (Fitr) before leaving for the Eidgah.
- 2Make intention for Eid prayer and say the opening takbir with the imam.
- 3Recite Thana, then say the extra takbirs raising hands each time.
- 4Complete two rakahs with Fatiha and a surah in each.
- 5Sit through the khutbah after salam, then embrace and congratulate fellow worshippers.
Before the prayer
Take ghusl, wear your best clothes and apply perfume; on Eid al-Fitr eat an odd number of dates before leaving, on Eid al-Adha delay eating until after the sacrifice. Walk one route, return another, reciting the Eid takbirat aloud on the way.
The prayer is held in an open ground (Eidgah) or large mosque shortly after sunrise - arrive early, as there is no adhan or iqamah for Eid.
The method and school differences
Two rakahs: after the opening takbir recite Thana, then extra takbirs (seven in the first rakah and five in the second in Hanafi practice, before recitation; Shafi’i and Maliki count twelve total with different placement) - follow your school and imam.
Recite Al-Fatiha and a surah (Al-A’la then Al-Ghashiyah is sunnah), complete the rakahs, then sit through the khutbah - listening is part of the rite, unlike Jumuah where it precedes.
Sources & review
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (Eid prayer, takbirat and khutbah)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many extra takbirs in Eid prayer?
Hanafi: three extra in each rakah (seven counting the opening, five in the second); Shafi’i/Maliki: twelve total with different placement. Pray behind your imam’s school.
Is the Eid khutbah obligatory to hear?
Staying for it is sunnah and strongly encouraged; leaving early does not invalidate the prayer.
Do women attend Eid prayer?
The Prophet commanded all women - including menstruating women (to witness goodness from aside) - to attend Eid; facilities and local scholarship decide arrangements.
Learn