The Ruling on Eid Prayer
The opinions of scholars regarding the ruling on Eid prayer are varied as follows:
The View of the Malikis and Shafi’is
They assert that Eid prayer is a confirmed Sunnah based on the Hadith of the Bedouin who inquired about prayer. The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- responded, saying: “There are five prayers in the day and night.” When asked if there were any other obligations, he replied: “No, unless you choose to volunteer.”
The View of the Hanafis
The Hanafis believe that Eid prayer is obligatory. This is due to the fact that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- consistently performed it and never omitted it, and because it is conducted in congregation among the Muslims.
The View of the Hanbalis
According to the Hanbalis, Eid prayer is considered a communal obligation (Fard Kifaya), supported by the verse of Allah -exalted be He- that states: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.” Additionally, they refer to the Prophet’s regular observance of this prayer.
Rules Related to Eid Prayer
Eid prayer has specific rulings that distinguish it from other voluntary prayers. These rulings include:
- The opening takbir for Eid prayer occurs after the seven takbirs, ensuring that there is a brief pause between each takbir.
- There is no call to prayer (Adhan) or Iqamah for Eid prayer
This is because it is not one of the obligatory prayers. Some scholars suggest calling people to perform the Eid prayer with the phrase “Prayer is congregational,” similar to how they gather for the solar eclipse prayer, noting, however, that the time of an eclipse is uncertain, unlike Eid.
- It is discouraged for a Muslim to perform any voluntary prayer before or after the Eid prayer at the location where it is performed.
This ruling is based on the narration by Abdullah ibn Abbas -may Allah be pleased with him- who reported that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- came out on the Day of Sacrifice (or the Day of Breaking the Fast); he noted that the Prophet prayed two raka’at without praying before or after them.
- It is recommended to perform ablution before heading to the prayer.
Some early generations adhered to this practice, and it is encouraged similarly to the Friday prayer ablution, as it emphasizes the gathering of Muslims.
- If Eid coincides with a Friday, both prayers are performed.
However, those who attend the Eid prayer can either join the Imam for the Friday prayer and perform it as two rak’ahs or choose to pray Dhuhr as four rak’ahs.
- Allah has mandated Zakat al-Fitr for Eid al-Fitr.
This is supported by the narration of Abdullah ibn Abbas -may Allah be pleased with him- who said: “The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- prescribed Zakat al-Fitr as a purifier for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity, and as food for the needy. Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is an accepted Zakat; and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is simply a charity among charities.”
- It is recommended for those who miss the complete Eid prayer with the Imam to make it up.
The makeup prayer should be performed as two rak’ahs with additional takbirs beyond the regular prayer, as stated by Abu Huraira -may Allah be pleased with him- who reported that the Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: “What you catch, pray it, and what you miss, make it up.” This narration is inclusive of all congregational prayers, including Eid prayer.