Chapter: The Prayer of the Two ʿEids
The ʿEid prayer is a sunnah, although some classify it as a communal obligation. It is prescribed in congregation even for one who usually prays alone, as well as for a slave, a woman, and a traveller. Its time spans from sunrise until the sun reaches its zenith, and it is recommended to delay it until the sun has risen to the height of a spear.
The prayer consists of two rakʿahs. One enters it with the opening takbīr, then recites the opening supplication, followed by seven additional takbīrs, pausing between every two for the length of a moderate verse. During these pauses he may say: “Subḥān Allah, al-ḥamdu lillāh, lā ilāha illā Allah, Allahu akbar,” glorifying, praising, and declaring Allah’s oneness. He then seeks refuge with Allah and recites. In the second rakʿah he utters five takbīrs before the recitation, raising his hands with each one. These extra takbīrs are not obligatory, neither wholly nor in part; if he forgets them and has already begun to recite, they are forfeited. According to the earlier view, he may still pronounce them so long as he has not yet risen from bowing.
After al-Fātiḥah he recites Sūrah Qāf in the first rakʿah and Sūrah al-Qamar (“The Hour has drawn near”) in full in the second, reciting aloud.
Two sermons are recommended afterward; their essential elements mirror those of the Friday sermon. In the sermon of ʿEid al-Fiṭr he instructs the people regarding zakāt al-fiṭr, and in the sermon of ʿEid al-Aḍḥā he addresses the sacrificial offering. He opens the first sermon with nine consecutive takbīrs and the second with seven.
It is recommended to perform the ritual bath (ghusl)—its time begins at midnight, though another opinion sets it at dawn—to perfume oneself and dress well, just as on Friday. Performing the prayer in the mosque is preferable, though another view favors the open field unless there is an excuse. He appoints someone to lead the weak, goes to the prayer by one route and returns by another. The people should arrive early, while the imam comes at the time of the prayer, and he conducts the ʿEid al-Aḍḥā prayer without delay.