# How to Pray Eid al-Fitr: Step by Step

> Eid al-Fitr prayer is two rak'ahs with extra takbirs, followed by a khutbah. Learn the steps, timing, school differences and Sunnahs.

- Canonical: https://muroujacademy.com/how-to-pray-the-eid-al-fitr-prayer/
- Published: 2023-04-15
- Updated: 2026-10-23
- Author: Murouj Academy
- Publisher: Murouj Academy (https://muroujacademy.com/)

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[Hadith](https://muroujacademy.com/category/hadith/) · [Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/category/islam/)

April 15, 2023 Updated October 23, 2026 Murouj Academy 8 min read

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The Eid al-Fitr prayer is two rak'ahs prayed in congregation on the morning of 1 Shawwal, with no adhan or iqamah. Extra takbirs are said before the recitation: seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second in the majority view, or three in each in the Hanafi school. A sermon (khutbah) follows the prayer.

## Is the Eid prayer obligatory?

The Eid prayer is at least a strongly emphasized Sunnah, and some scholars consider it obligatory. The Maliki and Shafi'i schools call it a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah), the Hanbali school considers it a communal obligation (fard kifayah), and the Hanafi school considers it wajib for those who are required to attend Friday prayer.

Because of this difference, the safest course is not to miss it without a good reason. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never left it, and he encouraged everyone to come out for it, including women and children.

## When is the Eid al-Fitr prayer prayed?

The Eid prayer is prayed in the morning, from shortly after sunrise until just before the sun reaches its zenith (the start of Dhuhr time). In practice, its time begins once the sun has risen a little above the horizon, roughly 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise.

It is Sunnah to delay the Eid al-Fitr prayer slightly within its time, which gives people a final chance to pay [Zakat al-Fitr](https://muroujacademy.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-zakat-al-fitr/) before the prayer. Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, is prayed a little earlier so people can go and offer their sacrifice. Most communities pray in a large open prayer ground (musalla) or in the main mosque, and the Prophet ﷺ himself usually went out to the prayer ground.

## How do you pray Eid al-Fitr step by step?

The Eid prayer follows the shape of any two-rak'ah prayer, with a set of extra takbirs ("Allahu akbar") added at the start of each rak'ah. Here are the steps as most Muslims around the world pray it, following the majority view of seven and five takbirs:

1. **Make the intention** in your heart to pray the two rak'ahs of Eid al-Fitr behind the imam. There is no adhan and no iqamah.
2. **Say the opening takbir** (takbirat al-ihram), raising your hands, just as in any prayer.
3. **Say the extra takbirs of the first rak'ah.** Follow the imam as he says seven takbirs (or six after the opening takbir, depending on the school). Many people raise their hands with each one. Between the takbirs, some scholars recommend quietly praising Allah, for example "Subhan Allah, wal-hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar".
4. **Listen to the recitation.** The imam recites Surah al-Fatihah and another surah aloud, then you bow and prostrate as normal.
5. **Rise for the second rak'ah** with the usual takbir, then follow the imam in five extra takbirs before the recitation.
6. **Listen to the recitation again,** then complete the rak'ah with ruku', sujud and the final sitting (tashahhud), and end with the taslim.
7. **Stay for the khutbah** that the imam gives after the prayer.

Aishah reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to say seven takbirs in the first rak'ah and five in the second in the prayers of al-Fitr and al-Adha, besides the takbirs of bowing (reported by Abu Dawud). The Companion Umar said that the prayer of al-Fitr is two rak'ahs, complete and not shortened (reported by an-Nasa'i).

## How many takbirs are in the Eid prayer?

The majority of scholars say seven takbirs in the first rak'ah and five in the second, all before the recitation. The Hanafi school says three extra takbirs in each rak'ah: in the first they come before the recitation, and in the second they come after the recitation, just before bowing.

The four schools of law count them slightly differently, mainly in whether the opening takbir is included in the seven:

| School | First rak'ah | Second rak'ah |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hanafi | 3 extra takbirs after the opening takbir, before the recitation | 3 extra takbirs after the recitation, before ruku' |
| Maliki | 6 extra takbirs (7 including the opening takbir), before the recitation | 5 extra takbirs after standing up, before the recitation |
| Shafi'i | 7 extra takbirs after the opening takbir, before the recitation | 5 extra takbirs after standing up, before the recitation |
| Hanbali | 6 extra takbirs (7 including the opening takbir), before the recitation | 5 extra takbirs after standing up, before the recitation |

All of these are valid ways of praying, based on reports from the Prophet ﷺ and the Companions. When you pray in congregation, simply follow your imam. If you miss one of the extra takbirs, your prayer is still valid; scholars differ only on whether a prostration of forgetfulness is needed.

## What surahs are recited in the Eid prayer?

The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have recited Surah Qaf (50) in the first rak'ah and Surah al-Qamar (54) in the second. He is also reported to have recited Surah al-A'la (87) and Surah al-Ghashiyah (88). Both reports are found in Sahih Muslim.

Imams are encouraged to revive these Sunnahs so that people become familiar with them, but any surah after al-Fatihah is valid. The recitation is aloud, as in the Fajr prayer.

## What happens after the Eid prayer?

After the prayer, the imam delivers the Eid khutbah. Unlike Friday prayer, where the sermon comes first, the Eid khutbah comes after the prayer. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that on the days of al-Fitr and al-Adha the Prophet ﷺ went out to the prayer ground and the first thing he did was pray; then he stood facing the people and gave them advice and instructions.

The Prophet ﷺ also addressed the women with a special reminder during the Eid sermon, encouraging them to give charity. Listening to the khutbah is part of the Sunnah of the day, even though it is not a condition for the prayer to be valid. Afterwards, people greet one another with "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you).

## What are the Sunnahs of Eid al-Fitr morning?

Several Sunnahs make the day complete. The best known are:

- **Taking a bath (ghusl)** before going out, as the Companions did.
- **Wearing your best clothes** and, for men, wearing perfume.
- **Eating before the prayer.** Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and he ate an odd number (Sahih al-Bukhari).
- **Saying the takbir** on the way to the prayer ground: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil-hamd." Allah says about completing Ramadan: "and that you may glorify Allah for having guided you" (Quran 2:185).
- **Taking a different route** home from the one you took to the prayer, as reported from the Prophet ﷺ in Sahih al-Bukhari.

You can read the full list, with more detail on each, in our guide to the [10 Sunnahs on the day of Eid](https://muroujacademy.com/10-sunnahs-on-the-day-of-eid/).

## Can women and children attend the Eid prayer?

Yes. The Prophet ﷺ specifically commanded that women come out to the Eid prayer, including young women and those who usually stayed at home. Umm Atiyyah reported that they were commanded to bring them out, and that women who were menstruating would stay back from the prayer area itself but witness the gathering and join the takbir and the supplication of the Muslims (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

When a woman asked what someone without an outer garment (jilbab) should do, the Prophet ﷺ replied that her companion should lend her one of hers. This shows how much he wanted every woman to share in the occasion.

Bringing children is also part of the spirit of the day. Seeing the whole community gathered, hearing the takbir and joining the greetings afterwards leaves a lasting impression on them and builds their love for Islam. Bring them in clean clothes, keep younger ones close during the prayer, and let them enjoy the open space and celebrations once it is over.

## What if I miss the Eid prayer?

Scholars differ on making it up. Many scholars, including the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools, say that someone who misses it may pray two rak'ahs on their own in the same way, with the extra takbirs. The Hanafi school holds that it is not made up individually. Either way, if you arrive late while the imam is still praying, join him and follow him for the rest of the prayer.

## Can you learn the fiqh of prayer with a teacher online?

Learning prayers like Eid, Taraweeh and the funeral prayer is much easier with someone who can answer your questions directly. The [online Islamic studies course for kids](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/) at Murouj Academy teaches the fiqh of worship in live, private one-to-one lessons with [native Arab teachers](https://muroujacademy.com/teachers/) including ijazah holders.

Students and parents choose their teacher, and women and girls are taught by female teachers. To try it, [book a free trial class](https://muroujacademy.com/register-free-trial/). You may also find our [Tajweed classes](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/tajweed-classes/) and overview of the [prayers in Islam](https://muroujacademy.com/prayers-in-islam/) helpful.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there an adhan for the Eid prayer?

No. The Eid prayer has no adhan and no iqamah. The imam simply begins the prayer when the people are ready.

### Can I pray the Eid prayer at home?

The Sunnah is to pray it in congregation. If someone genuinely cannot attend, many scholars allow praying two rak'ahs at home in the same manner, while the Hanafi school does not require or prescribe a make-up.

### Is there a Sunnah prayer before or after the Eid prayer?

There is no specific Sunnah prayer before or after the Eid prayer at the prayer ground. If it is held in a mosque, many scholars say you may pray two rak'ahs to greet the mosque when you enter.

### How long does the Eid prayer take?

The prayer itself usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and the khutbah that follows often takes a similar time, depending on the imam.

### Is the Eid al-Adha prayer the same as Eid al-Fitr?

Yes. Both are two rak'ahs with the same extra takbirs and a khutbah afterwards. The main differences are that the Eid al-Adha prayer is held a little earlier and the Sunnah is to eat after it rather than before.

## Related guides

- [10 Sunnahs on the day of Eid](https://muroujacademy.com/10-sunnahs-on-the-day-of-eid/)
- [Zakat al-Fitr: What It Is, How Much, and When to Pay](https://muroujacademy.com/all-you-need-to-know-about-zakat-al-fitr/)
- [Muslim Festivals: The Two Eids and Other Special Days](https://muroujacademy.com/muslim-festivals/)

Learn this with a teacher

## Islamic studies

Murouj Academy teaches this in live one-to-one online lessons with native Arab teachers, including ijazah holders. You choose your teacher (women and girls learn with female teachers) and can start with a free trial class.

[Explore our Islamic studies course](https://muroujacademy.com/courses/islamic-studies-for-kids/)

## Keep reading

[Can a Woman Learn Quran From a Male Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/can-women-learn-quran-from-a-male-teacher/)

[Quran for New Muslims: First Steps to Start Reading](https://muroujacademy.com/quran-for-new-muslims/)

[What Does Al-Azhar Certified Mean for a Quran Teacher?](https://muroujacademy.com/what-does-al-azhar-certified-mean/)

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