by Harun Saleh
Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In light of the current Covid-19 shutdown people have been asking about praying the ‘Eid Prayer at home. Since we are not able to congregate in an open area to perform the prayer, we may pray at home individually or in congregation with our families. I have summarized the details on what one needs to know to pray it at home from Al Sharh al Saghir by Imam al Dardir. I have also relied on Imam al Hattab’s commentary on Mukhtasar Khalil, Al Mawahib al Jalil.
The Ruling of the Eid Prayer
The Eid Prayer is a Sunnah Mu’akada (confirmed sunnah) on those whom the Friday Prayer is obligatory. For all others it is Mandub (recommended).
How to Pray the Eid Prayer
It is 2 rakaat (units) that can be prayed after the time of Duhaa enters and cannot be prayed after the time of Dhuhr comes in.
The 2 rakaat are prayed regularly with the following modifications
The first unit is done with 6 extra takbeeraat (saying Allahu Akbar) for a total of 7
The second unit is done with 5 extra takbeerat for a total of 6
The takbeerat should be done consecutively with the Imam leaving just enough time between them for the followers to repeat
The hands are only raised in the opening takbeera
If the Imam forgets a takbeera and remembers before going into ruku’, he should go back and make it up then read Faatiha and the Surah after it again. He is then to do 2 sujud after the salam
If the imam remembers the forgotten takbeera after going into ruku’ he is to complete the prayer then do 2 sujud before the salams
The first unit should be prayed with either Surat al A’laa or al Ghaashiya recited out loud
The second unit should be prayed with Surat ash-Shams recited out loud
There is no Adhaan done nor is there any other call to prayer such as As Salat Jaami’a
There is no khutbah to be done
Allah knows best. والله أعلم
Harun Saleh