Living the Spirit of the Eid: The Eid al-Adha Prayer
Eids are not merely special days on the calendar. They are exceptional periods of time in which coming together, sharing, and spirituality are experienced in their deepest form. In this respect, Eid al-Adha offers us the opportunity both to draw closer to Allah and to strengthen our brotherhood.
On the morning of Eid, as the sun has only just risen, an excitement spills into the streets. In the hearts of everyone, young and old, the same intention, the same joy: the Eid al-Adha prayer… This prayer is not merely an act of worship but also a stance. As one folds one’s hands in the presence of the Lord, one purifies one’s inner world and renews one’s intention.
Eids are not merely special days on the calendar. They are exceptional periods of time in which coming together, sharing, and spirituality are experienced in their deepest form. In this respect, Eid al-Adha offers us the opportunity both to draw closer to Allah and to strengthen our brotherhood.
On the morning of Eid, as the sun has only just risen, an excitement spills into the streets. In the hearts of everyone, young and old, the same intention, the same joy: the Eid al-Adha prayer… This prayer is not merely an act of worship but also a stance. As one folds one’s hands in the presence of the Lord, one purifies one’s inner world and renews one’s intention.
How Is the Eid al-Adha Prayer Performed?
The Eid al-Adha prayer is a two-rak’ah prayer that differs in certain respects from the regular daily prayers. It is performed in congregation and completed with a sermon (khutbah). Here, step by step, is the answer to the question of how the Eid al-Adha prayer is performed:
The intention is made: One begins with a sincere intention such as, “I intend to perform the Eid al-Adha prayer for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, following the imam.”
One stands for the prayer together with the imam.
In the first rak’ah:
The imam says “Allahu Akbar,” pronouncing the takbir, and the congregation also raises their hands and pronounces the takbir.
This first takbir is the opening takbir (takbirat al-ihram), as in the other prayers.
Then the imam and the congregation fold their hands.
Afterward the imam pronounces three additional takbirs. At each takbir the congregation raises their hands and lets them drop to their sides. After the third takbir, the hands are folded.
Then the imam recites al-Fatihah and a surah, while the congregation listens silently.
The ruku’ and prostrations are performed, and one rises for the second rak’ah.
In the second rak’ah:
The imam again recites al-Fatihah and a surah.
Then this time, after the recitation he pronounces three additional takbirs. The congregation likewise raises their hands and lets them drop to their sides.
At the fourth takbir, one goes directly into ruku’ without raising the hands.
Then the prostrations are performed and one moves to the sitting for tahiyyat.
At-Tahiyyat, the Salli-Barik, and the Rabbana supplications are recited.
The prayer is completed by giving the salam.
After the prayer, the sermon is delivered. Listening to this sermon attentively is a sunnah. In the sermon, the imam explains the meaning of the act of sacrifice, the importance of sharing, and the spirit of the Eid.
The Wisdom of Standing in Rows Together
The Eid al-Adha prayer is the tangible embodiment of being one ummah. A magnificent scene formed by hearts coming together in the same row, with the same orientation, with the same takbirs… It is a time when we hear our neighbor’s voice, shake the hand of a distant relative, and perhaps meet eyes with friends we have not seen for a long time.
The sermon delivered after this prayer reminds us of the meaning of the Eid and the wisdom of the sacrifice. The qurban is not merely the slaughter of an animal; it is the slaughtering of the ego, of stinginess, of selfishness. The Eid is giving in charity (infaq); it is sharing; it is giving from the heart.
Preparing for the Morning of Eid
The preparation made for the Eid al-Adha prayer is itself a part of the worship. Performing the ghusl ablution, putting on one’s festive clothing, applying a pleasant fragrance, leaving the house after eating a date or something similar, greeting people with a smile… All of these reinforce the spiritual atmosphere of the Eid.
The Eid is made complete with the supplications offered for one another after the prayer, the breakfasts shared, and the sacrificial meat distributed. Every morning is a beginning, but the morning of the Eid is the beginning of a wholly distinct intention and a profound gratitude. The Eid al-Adha prayer is the heart of that morning.
We wish you a blessed Eid al-Adha!
