As for the takbīrs, the evidence for them is found in the following reports:
Aisha reported that “in the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhā prayers, the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—would pronounce seven takbīrs in the first rak‘ah and five in the second [excluding the two takbīrs for bowing].” Reported by Abū Dāwūd. (1)
Abd Allāh ibn Amr ibn al-Ās reported that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “The takbīrs in the Eid al-Fitr prayer are seven in the first rak‘ah and five in the second, with the recitation following them in both.” Reported by Abū Dāwūd. (2)
The Fourth Issue: Recitation in the Two Eid Prayers
The Opening of the Book is recited in both rak‘ahs, for the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “There is no prayer for one who does not recite the Opening of the Book.” Reported by al-Bukhārī and Muslim. (3)
(1) A *hasan* hadith. Abū Dāwūd reported it in the *Book of Prayer*, chapter “The Takbīrs during the Two Eid Festivals,” hadith no. 1149; the wording is his. Ibn Mājah also reported it in the *Book of Establishing the Prayer and the Sunna Regarding It*, chapter “The Number of Takbīrs Pronounced by the Imam in the Eid Prayer,” hadith no. 1280. The additional wording is Ibn Mājah’s, though Abū Dāwūd also mentioned it.
The editor of *Jāmi al-Usūl* (6/127) graded the hadith *hasan li-ghayrihi* (fair due to corroborating evidence), while al-Albānī graded it authentic in *Irwā al-Ghalīl* (3/106–112).
(2) A *hasan* hadith. Abū Dāwūd reported it in the *Book of Prayer*, chapter “The Takbīrs during the Two Eid Festivals,” hadith no. 1151.
The editor of *Jāmi al-Usūl* (6/127–128) graded the hadith *hasan*, as did al-Albānī in *Sahīh Sunan Abī Dāwūd* (1/213). See also *Irwā al-Ghalīl* (3/108–109).
(3) An authentic hadith narrated from Ubāda ibn al-Sāmit. Al-Bukhārī reported it in several places, including the *Book of the Call to Prayer*, chapter “The Obligation of Recitation upon the Imam and Those Praying behind Him in All Prayers, Whether at Home or While Traveling, and Whether Recited Aloud or Silently,” hadith no. 756. Muslim also reported it in the *Book of Prayer*, chapter “The Obligation of Reciting al-Fātiha in Every Unit of Prayer, and That One Who Cannot Recite al-Fātiha and Is Unable to Learn It Should Recite Whatever Else He Can,” hadith no. 394. See *Jāmi al-Usūl* (5/326).