Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Meaning, Prayer, and Sunnah Practices
Eid arrives twice a year, and both times, plenty of people know the basics — new clothes, prayer, family gatherings — without knowing why there are two Eids, what actually happens in the Eid prayer itself, or what’s specifically Sunnah to do that morning before ever leaving the house.
The Two Eids
| Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha |
|---|---|
| Marks the end of Ramadan fasting | Marks the culmination of Hajj |
| 1st of Shawwal | 10th of Dhul-Hijjah |
| Zakat al-Fitr given beforehand | Qurbani (animal sacrifice) performed |
| Often called the “smaller” Eid | Often called the “greater” Eid |
The Eid Prayer
Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid) is performed in congregation, typically in an open ground or large hall, shortly after sunrise. It consists of two rak’ahs with extra takbirs (declarations of “Allahu Akbar”) — seven additional takbirs in the first rak’ah and five in the second, beyond what’s said in an ordinary prayer, according to majority practice. It’s followed by a khutbah (sermon), which — unlike Jumu’ah — comes after the prayer rather than before it.
Sunnah Practices Before Eid Prayer
- Take a bath (ghusl) before heading out
- Wear your best clothes — new if possible, but simply your best regardless
- Use perfume/scent, for those for whom it’s permissible
- Eat something sweet before leaving on Eid al-Fitr specifically — traditionally dates — before the prayer; on Eid al-Adha, the recommendation is reversed, eating only after the prayer and sacrifice
- Recite takbirat on the way to the prayer ground
- Take a different route home than the one taken to the prayer, following the Prophet’s ﷺ reported practice
Is Eid Prayer Obligatory?
Scholars differ on the exact classification — some hold it as obligatory (wajib) on those who would also be obligated for Jumu’ah, others as a strongly emphasized Sunnah. Across all views, it’s treated as something that should not be casually skipped without genuine reason.
Zakat al-Fitr — Specific to Eid al-Fitr
Distinct from the annual Zakat covered in our Zakat article, Zakat al-Fitr is a smaller, fixed obligation given before Eid al-Fitr prayer — traditionally an amount of staple food (or its cash equivalent) per person in the household, meant to ensure that even those in need can celebrate Eid properly. It’s due before the Eid prayer, not after.
Qurbani — Specific to Eid al-Adha
Qurbani (sacrifice) commemorates Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and Allah’s substitution of a ram in his place. It’s performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer, with the meat traditionally divided into three portions — for one’s own family, for relatives and friends, and for those in need — though exact practice varies.
Common Misconceptions About Eid
- “Eid is just a cultural holiday, not really religious.” Both Eids are directly tied to specific acts of worship — the completion of Ramadan’s fast, and the culmination of Hajj — not simply cultural celebrations layered on top of Islam.
- “You should fast on Eid day to show extra devotion.” Fasting on either day of Eid is specifically prohibited according to hadith — Eid is a day of celebration, not additional fasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women attend Eid prayer?
Yes — women are explicitly encouraged to attend Eid prayer according to hadith, including those who may not regularly attend other congregational prayers.
What if I miss the Eid prayer at the mosque?
Views differ by school of thought on whether it can be made up individually afterward — worth checking with a local scholar for the specific ruling followed in your community.
Is it necessary to buy new clothes for Eid?
No — wearing your best available clothing is the actual Sunnah; buying something new is a common practice but not a requirement.
Conclusion
Both Eids carry specific, deliberate practices beyond the general festivity — the extra takbirs in prayer, Zakat al-Fitr given before Eid al-Fitr, Qurbani after Eid al-Adha — details easy to miss if Eid is approached only as a cultural holiday rather than the act of worship it actually is.
See our related pieces on Ramadan fasting and Hajj, and browse upcoming Islamic gatherings near you.