The Eid Prayer is two Rak'ah as established in the Hadith of Umar: "The Prayer of al-Adha’ is two Rak‘ah, and the Prayer of aI-Fitr is two Rak‘ah...They are complete and not shortened, [as stated] on the tongue of your Prophet."
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with prayers is an important tradition in Islam. Here are the guidelines, steps, and etiquette for performing Eid prayers:
1. Purification (Taharah): Perform the ritual purification (wudu) before attending the Eid prayer, ensuring cleanliness of the body and clothes.
2. Choosing the Venue: Eid prayers are typically performed in large open spaces, such as mosques, community centers, or outdoor fields, to accommodate a large congregation.
3. Timing: Eid prayers are performed after sunrise and before noon, usually around 15-20 minutes after the sunrise.
4. Intention (Niyyah): Make the intention (niyyah) for performing Eid prayer, intending to fulfill the Sunnah and seek Allah's pleasure.
5. Takbirat: Begin the Eid prayer with the Takbirat al-Ihram, saying "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), followed by the opening supplication (dua).
For those being led in the Prayer. then they say the Takbirat silently to themselves, as for saying them loudly like the lmam then this has no basis whatsoever. Collected by Abu Dawood (no.1151). It has been declared sound by Albani.
6. Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha and Another Surah: In the first Rak'ah, they recite Surah al-Fatihah (Chapter 1) followed by al-A'laa (Chapter 87).
In the second Rak'ah, they recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by Surah al-Ghashiyah (Chapter 88).
If they have not memorized al-A‘laa and Surah al-Ghashiyah , then they can recite with what they are able from the Qur'an. Collected by Ahmad (no. 257) and others. It has been declared authentic by Albani.
It is also the Sunnah to recite along with al-Fatihah Surah Qaf (Chapter 50) in the first Rak'ah and in the second Surah al-Qamar (Chapter 54), as in Sahih Muslim (no. 891).
7. Takbirat al-Eid: After the opening supplication and recitation, the Imam (prayer leader) will begin the prayer by reciting seven additional Takbirs. The congregation follows the Imam by raising their hands and saying "Allahu Akbar" after each Takbir.
In the first Rak‘ah there are seven Takbirat [including the opening Takbir], and in the second there are five not including the Takbir for standing.
A'ishah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The Takbir in al-Fitr and al-Adha’ is seven in the first [Rak ‘ah] and five in the second, apart from the Takbir for bowing.”
8. Second Rak'ah: Stand up for the second Rak'ah and repeat the Takbirat al-Eid as in the first Rak'ah.
In the second Rak'ah, they recite Surah al-Fatihah followed by Surah al-Ghashiyah (Chapter 88).
9. Ruku' and Sujood: Proceed with the Ruku' (bowing) and Sujood (prostration) as in the regular prayers, following the Imam's lead.
10. Khutbah (Sermon): After completing the prayer, the Imam delivers a sermon (khutbah), which includes reminders, advice, and reflections on the significance of Eid and its spiritual lessons.
11. Dua (Supplication): Following the sermon, it is recommended to make dua (supplication) individually or collectively, seeking Allah's blessings, forgiveness, and mercy.
12. Greeting and Congratulating: Exchange greetings of "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept it from us and from you) with fellow worshippers, family, friends, and neighbors.
13. Celebration and Festivities: After the Eid prayer, Muslims engage in various festive activities, including visiting relatives and friends, sharing meals, giving gifts, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness.
14. Adhering to Sunnah Etiquettes: Throughout the Eid celebration, observe the Sunnah etiquettes of modesty, humility, gratitude, and generosity, while avoiding extravagance, wastefulness, and immodesty.
In conclusion, by following these guidelines and observing the Sunnah practices associated with Eid prayers, Muslims can fulfill their religious duties, strengthen their bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and rejoice in the blessings of Eid while maintaining the spirit of piety and devotion.
All praise is due to Allah we ask Him to bless the Prophet Sallah Llah Alei Wasalam and let's die on the path of Qur'an and Sunnah.