Eid is a special occasions and
one of the things which makes it so is the Eid-ul-Adha congregational prayer.
Since this prayer comes only once
a year, there is often confusion about how to perform this prayer. Here
is how to do it:
In general, when praying any Salah,
always follow the Imam in prayer. Do not make your movements (i.e. bowing,
prostrating, etc.) before he does or different from him.
Eid prayer consists of two units
(Rakat in Arabic, singular is Raka). The main difference in the way this
prayer and any other prayer of two Rakat is performed is the number of Takbirs
that are done.
Takbirs is an the Arabic word referring
to when "Allahu Akbar" is said and the hands are raised to the
ears.
Step 1:
Make an intention of doing two Rakat behind the Imam for Eid prayer along
with six additional Takbirs.
The First Raka
Step 2:
After the Imam has said "Allahu Akbar" the first time, you should
raise your hands and follow. This is the first Takbir of the prayer.
Step 3:
There will be 3 Takbirs before the Imam starts reciting Quran. Each time
the Imam says "Allahu Akbar", you should follow by raising your
hands, then putting them on your sides. After the third Takbir, the Imam
will begin reciting the Quran. At that point, you should put your hands
on your chest, with your right hand on top of the left.
Step 4:
Listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Imam will recite Surah Al
Fatiha (the first Surah of the Quran) and then another Surah.
Step 5:
When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Ruku (the bowing position).
Step 6:
Stand up straight when he says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah (Allah hears those
who praise Him), and say "Rabbana lakal Hamd" (our Lord praise
be to You) in a low voice.
Step 7:
When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud (prostration).
You will do two prostrations as in normal prayer.
The Second Raka
Step 8:
The Imam will first recite from the Holy Quran (first Surah Al Fatiha and
another Surah.
Step 9:
After the recitation, before going into Ruku, there will be 3 Takbirs. Follow
the Imam. Raise your hands after each "Allahu Akbar". After the
third Takbir, go into Ruku (the bowing position).
Step 10:
Stand up straight when the Imam says Sami Allah huliman Hamidah, and say
"Rabbana lakal Hamd" in a low voice.
Step 11:
When the Imam says "Allahu Akbar" go into Sujud. You will do two
prostrations.
Step 12:
After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud.
Step 13:
After the Imam ends the prayer by turning to his face to the right first
and saying "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah" and then to his left
and doing the same, you should follow.
Step 14:
Do not get up right away. The Imam will give a short Khutbah (speech). Please
stay still and listen. It is recommended to do so.
