Method of offering Eid Salaah

[Heba E. Husseyn]

 


For the information of newcomers to Islam, the method of offering Eid Salaah (Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha) is a bit different from regular salaah, in that, it requires six additional takbirs (or the recitation of Allah-o-Akbar). 

If you are in a congregation, simply follow the imam.

But if you are offering Eid Salaah at home by yourself, then check the following information.

-  first say the niyyah (or make an intention)

-  Then say the takbir (that is, Allah-o-Akbar) once and recite ‘Sanaa', that is subhaanakallahumma... till the end, and then say Allah-o-Akbar thrice.  First two times when you say Allah-o-Akbar, raise your hands to your ears and then drop them by your side.  After the third takbir, fold your hands and ..

-  finish the first rakah the same way as you would offer your daily fard salaah.

-  Then start the second rakah saying Allah-o-Akbar thrice, each time raising your hand to your ears and them dropping them to the side.  After saying it the fourth time, go down for ruku and complete the second rakah the same way as regular salaah. 
 

May Allah accept our prayers, ameen.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Also let me add ......

According to the jurists, Eid prayers are said to be 'wajib.'  But I don't understand this.  Wajib means obligatory.  Similar to fard.  But how can it be obligatory since it's not mentioned in the Quran?  In my view it should be categorized as nafl but the 'scholars' have loudly asserted that Eid salaah is not nafl. 

The reason why Eid salaah is not given in the Quran is because Eid celebrations are not mentioned in the Glorious Quran.  As we know, the Quran emphasises a lot upon fasting in the month of Ramadan and gives all the necessary guidelines.  But the Quran does not tell us to mark the end of Ramadan with any such celebrations.  This is obviously a social custom and the decision of the people.  Anyhow, there's nothing wrong with it.  But people shouldn't indulge in extravagance and over-spendings on Eid day.  Eid celebrations must be kept very simple.

Regarding Eid-al-Adha, although the Glorious Quran mentions the rituals of Hajj is sufficient details, there are no specifics on celebrating Eid-al-Adha in the Quran.  The sacrifice at the end of Hajj is not really a celebration.  It marks the end of Hajj in commemoration of the incident of Prophet Abraham (on whom be peace), and the meat is largely supposed to be distributed to the poor as charity and a portion to be kept for family and friends.  But unfortunately, most Muslim societies have changed this into a glittering social event when sumptuous dinners are thrown in the homes of the rich.  In majority of the Muslim households, a very small portion of the sacrificial meat reaches the poor.  Sometimes not even that.

The concept of Eid celebrations comes from Hadith, not the Quran. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

Of course I do know the method of Eid Salaah.  But yes, it's a good idea to put if for newcomers to Islam.

The second part of your post is very intelligently perceptive.  I found it very informative.  Though few people would point this out, it's very true.

Thanks and Assalaamu Alaikum sister.

[Zainab_M]

Very insightful information, sister Cat.  Especially, the contents of the second part of your post had been in my mind since long ..

[N. Truth Seeker]

-  first say the niyyah (or make an intention)

-  Then say the takbir (that is, Allah-o-Akbar) once and recite ‘Sanaa', that is subhaanakallahumma... till the end, and then say Allah-o-Akbar thrice.  First two times when you say Allah-o-Akbar, raise your hands to your ears and then drop them by your side.  After the third takbir, fold your hands and ..

-  finish the first rakah the same way as you would offer your daily fard salaah.

-  Then start the second rakah saying Allah-o-Akbar thrice, each time raising your hand to your ears and them dropping them to the side.  After saying it the fourth time, go down for ruku and complete the second rakah the same way as regular salaah.  

May Allah accept our prayers, ameen.

The takbir for Eid prayers has variations.  Some also say it as follows.

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar       الله أكبر الله أكبر الله أكبر
laa ilaaha illAllaah                                                    لا إله إلا الله
Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar                                   الله أكبر الله أكبر
wal i-illaahil-hamd                                                      ولله الحمد


Translation:
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest,
There is no deity but God
God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest
and to God goes all praise