Salat al Eid

Salat al Eid (Arabic: صلاة العيد‎) also known as Salat al Eidain (Arabic: صلاة العيدين‎) is the special prayer offered to commemorate two Islamic festivals. Both the Eids are collectively known as Eidain (عيدين) in Arabic language. The two Islamic festivals are:

• Eid Al Fitr, (Arabic: عيد الفطر‎) is celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal, the 10th month of Islamic calendar (the first day after Ramadan).
• Eid Al Adha, (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎) is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of Islamic calendar.

On both the occasions this special prayer is usually offered in Eidgah, a place in the outskirts of the city dedicated for Salat al Eid.

Importance

Different scholars interpret the importance of this Salah (prayer) differently. Salat al Eid is Wajib according to Hanafi scholars, Sunnah al Mu'kkadah according to Maliki and Shaf'i jurisprudence, and Fard according to Hanbali scholars. Some scholars say it is fard al-ayn and some said its fard al-kifaya.

Participation of women

Women are allowed to participate in Salat al Eid provided they adequately cover themselves and do not use perfume.

Timing

The time of Salat al Eid begins when sun reaches approximately two meters above the horizon until it reaches its meridian before Dhuhr. Adhering to the Sunnah, the time for Eid al Fitr prayer is delayed and Eid al Adha prayer is hastened, so as to facilitate distribution of Fitrah before the Eid al Fitr prayer and offer sacrifice after the Eid al Adha prayer. This has been a proved Sunnah and has been well recorded in Hadith books.

Hanafi method of Eid prayer

Intention is made: O Allah, I am reading two rakats of Eid prayer with six extra takbirs (Allahu Akbar). There will be no azan and iqamah. Then the Imam will say Allahu Akbar. A follower will also say Allahu Akbar softly, raise his hands and fold his hands. Sanaa is then read: Subhanakallahuma wa bihamdika watabarakas muka wa ta'aala jadduka wala ilaha ghayruk.

Then the Imam will say Allahu Akbar three times. First Allahu akbar: raise and drop the hands. Second Allahu Akbar: raise and drop the hands. Third Allahu Akbar: raise and fold the hands. Summary of first set of takbirs and placement of hands: fold, drop, drop, fold (Since the prayer is only read twice a year you would find people get confused on the placement of hands)

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rakat will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will start the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' drop them down and leave them facing down. After these three takbir have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Summary of second set of takbirs : drop, drop, drop and finally drop into ruku