# How to Pray Eid — Step-by-Step Guide | UK Prayer Times

> A complete step-by-step guide on how to perform Eid prayer — the 6 extra takbeers, the khutbah, duas, and what to do on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

*Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/how-to-pray-eid · Independent, free UK prayer times.*

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🎉 Eid Prayer Guide

# How to Pray Eid

Quick Answer

Eid prayer is 2 rak'ahs with 6 extra takbeers (3 in each rak'ah), prayed in congregation after sunrise with no Adhan. The khutbah follows the prayer. UK Prayer Times explains preparation, the takbeers, and Sunnah acts for both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Last updated 11 August 2026

A step-by-step guide to performing the Eid Salah — covering preparation, the 6 extra takbeers, the khutbah, and Sunnah acts for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Fitr

20 March 2026 (1447)

Next expected 9 March 2027 (1448) — subject to moon sighting

Eid al-Adha

27 May 2026 (1447)

Next expected 16 May 2027 (1448) — subject to moon sighting

See [Eid prayer times](/eid-prayer-times) for city links and schema dates.

## Preparation Before Eid Prayer

Sunnah acts for the morning of Eid

🚿

Perform Ghusl

Perform a full ritual bath (Ghusl) on the morning of Eid. This is Sunnah according to all four major schools of Islamic law.

👔

Wear your best clothes

Dress in your best or newest clothes. Applying perfume is also Sunnah.

🌙

Takbir al-Eid

Recite the Eid Takbir on the way to the prayer: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Lā ilāha ill-Allāh. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillāhi'l-hamd.

🫘

Eat before Eid al-Fitr (not Eid al-Adha)

On Eid al-Fitr: eat an odd number of dates before leaving home. On Eid al-Adha: it is Sunnah not to eat until after the prayer and the Qurbani sacrifice.

🚶

Walk to the prayer if possible

It is Sunnah to walk to the prayer ground and to return by a different route.

## How to Perform Eid Prayer

2 rak'ahs with 6 extra takbeers — Hanafi / majority view

1.  1
    
    Make Intention (Niyyah)
    
    Make the intention in your heart to pray 2 rak'ahs of Eid prayer in congregation (if in a mosque) behind the Imam. There is no verbal Niyyah required.
    
2.  2
    
    Opening Takbir (Takbir al-Ihram)
    
    The Imam says 'Allahu Akbar'. Raise your hands to your earlobes, fold them on your chest, and silently recite the opening dua (Thana: Subhanakallahumma wa bihamdika...).
    
3.  3
    
    Three extra takbeers — 1st rak'ah
    
    The Imam says three additional takbeers. After each one, lower your hands to your sides briefly. After the third takbeer, fold your hands. The Imam then recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah aloud.
    
4.  4
    
    Complete the first rak'ah
    
    Follow the Imam through ruku (bowing), returning upright, then two sujood (prostrations) with a sitting in between — exactly as in normal Salah.
    
5.  5
    
    Rise into the second rak'ah
    
    Stand for the second rak'ah. The Imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah aloud.
    
6.  6
    
    Three extra takbeers — 2nd rak'ah
    
    Before ruku in the second rak'ah, the Imam says three additional takbeers. Lower your hands between each. After the third, go into ruku without folding hands.
    
7.  7
    
    Complete the second rak'ah
    
    Complete the ruku, return upright, then two sujood. Sit for the Tashahud and conclude with Tasleem (Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi to both sides).
    
8.  8
    
    The Eid Khutbah
    
    After the prayer, the Imam delivers two Eid khutbahs. Unlike Jummah, the khutbah comes after the prayer, not before. It is Sunnah to remain seated and listen attentively.
    

## Takbir al-Eid (تكبير العيد)

Recited from the eve of Eid until the prayer begins. On Eid al-Adha, continued until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (the last day of Tashreeq).

ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّٰهِ ٱلْحَمْدُ

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, lā ilāha ill-Allāhu — wa-llāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, wa lillāhi'l-ḥamd.

Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no god but Allah — Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.

## Differences Between Schools of Thought

| School | Extra takbeers (1st rak'ah) | Extra takbeers (2nd rak'ah) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hanafi | 3 | 3 |
| Shafi'i | 7 | 5 |
| Maliki | 6 | 5 |
| Hanbali | 6 | 5 |

Follow the Imam leading your prayer — you are not required to know which school they follow. The prayer is valid with any of these counts.

## Eid Prayer FAQs

How many takbeers are in Eid prayer?

There are 6 additional (extra) takbeers in Eid prayer according to the Hanafi view: 3 in the first rak'ah after the opening dua, and 3 in the second rak'ah before ruku. The Shafi'i school has 7 additional in the first and 5 in the second.

When is the next Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha 1447 was on 27 May 2026. The next Eid al-Adha (1448 AH) is expected on 16 May 2027, subject to moon sighting. Check your local mosque for confirmed prayer times.

Can women attend Eid prayer?

Yes — the Prophet ﷺ encouraged all women, including those who were menstruating (as observers), to attend the Eid gathering. Women who are praying should perform Ghusl and attend the main congregation.

Do you need Wudu for Eid prayer?

Yes, Wudu is required for Eid prayer. It is also Sunnah to perform a full Ghusl on the morning of Eid.

What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?

The prayer is the same — 2 rak'ahs with extra takbeers. The key differences: on Eid al-Fitr eat before prayer (e.g. dates); on Eid al-Adha do not eat until after prayer. Eid al-Adha is connected to the Hajj pilgrimage and includes the Qurbani sacrifice.