How to Perform Eid Prayer According to the Shafi’i School: A Detailed Guide
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two of the most significant religious holidays in Islam. For Muslims, the prayer offered on these days is an essential act of worship, marking the completion of Ramadan or the commemoration of Ibrahim’s (Abrahamβs) willingness to sacrifice his son. Among the different schools of Islamic jurisprudence, the Shafi’i school of thought offers a distinct approach to performing the Eid prayer. This article will explore the method of offering Eid prayer in detail according to the Shafi’i school.
1. Significance of Eid Prayer in Islam
Eid prayers hold great importance in Islam. They are an act of gratitude, devotion, and celebration. It is a communal prayer, ideally performed in congregation, either in an open field or in a mosque. The Eid prayer is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended and emphasized), and though it is not obligatory (Fard), its performance is encouraged for every able Muslim. The prayer consists of two rak’ahs (units), unlike the regular five daily prayers, which have more rak’ahs. It is distinct from regular prayers in its structure, recitations, and the added Takbirs.
2. Conditions for Eid Prayer
Before delving into the specifics of the prayer, it is essential to outline the conditions that must be met for the Eid prayer to be valid:
-
Time: The prayer must be performed after the sun has fully risen (approximately 15-20 minutes after dawn) until just before the time for Dhuhr (midday) enters.
-
Place: Eid prayers are preferably performed in open fields or large congregational areas. It can also be held in mosques, but it is considered superior to pray outdoors to accommodate a larger gathering.
-
Congregation: The Eid prayer is ideally performed in congregation. However, it can also be prayed individually if attending the congregation is not possible, though the reward of praying in a congregation is far greater.
-
The Intention (Niyyah): As with all acts of worship, one must have the intention of performing the Eid prayer, as this sets the act apart from other prayers. The intention is made in the heart and does not require verbalization.
3. Pre-Prayer Actions
Taking a Bath (Ghusl)
It is highly recommended in the Shafi’i school to perform ghusl (ritual purification) before heading to the Eid prayer. This practice aligns with the general Islamic tradition of cleanliness and sanctity, preparing oneself physically and spiritually for the special prayer. The ghusl should be done before leaving the house for the prayer, although it is not mandatory.
Wearing Best Clothes
Eid is a celebration, and it is recommended to wear new or best available clothing as a mark of respect for the occasion. The Shafi’i school does not stipulate a specific dress code but encourages wearing clean and presentable clothes.
Eating Before the Eid al-Fitr Prayer
For those celebrating Eid al-Fitr, it is a Sunnah to eat a few dates before leaving for the prayer. This tradition stems from the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is reported to have eaten an odd number of dates before performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer. On Eid al-Adha, it is not recommended to eat before the prayer, as this Eid is associated with sacrifice.
4. The Procedure for Performing Eid Prayer
Starting the Prayer
The Eid prayer begins with the Imam (prayer leader) standing in front of the congregation. The congregation follows by standing behind him. The Imam will raise his hands and say “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest), which marks the beginning of the prayer. This is done in unison with the congregation.
The Takbir al-Ihram (Opening Takbir)
The first “Allahu Akbar” is the Takbir al-Ihram, the opening Takbir of the prayer, after which the hands are lowered and the prayer is initiated. In the Shafi’i school, no specific supplication is recited after the opening Takbir, and the hands are lowered immediately following the Takbir.
The First Rak’ah: Takbirs and Recitation
In the first rak’ah, after the initial Takbir, the Imam will recite the opening supplication known as Dua al-Istiftah. Following this, the Imam will recite the opening Surah, which is commonly Surah Al-Fatiha, followed by another Surah (often Surah Al-Ikhlas or any other short Surah from the Quran).
After the recitation of the Surah, the Imam and the congregation will perform the first of the additional Takbirs, known as the Takbirat al-Ziyadah (additional Takbirs). In the Shafi’i school, it is customary to raise the hands and say “Allahu Akbar” a total of seven times during the first rak’ah, with the first being the opening Takbir and six more added in succession. These six additional Takbirs are recited before the bowing (Ruku) of the rak’ah.
- Takbir al-Ihram (initial Takbir)
- Six Takbirs during the standing position (Qiyam), before going into the bowing position.
After the sixth Takbir, the Imam and congregation proceed to the bowing position (Ruku). The recitation of “Subhana Rabbiyal Azim” is performed in the usual manner.
The Second Rak’ah: Takbirs and Recitation
In the second rak’ah, the Imam rises from Ruku, and the hands are raised again as the congregation says “Allahu Akbar” to start the second rak’ah. The Imam will then recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah, just as in the first rak’ah.
Similar to the first rak’ah, the Shafi’i school recommends reciting five additional Takbirs in the second rak’ah before the bowing. This makes a total of 12 Takbirs during the entire Eid prayer β seven in the first rak’ah and five in the second.
Once the Takbirs are completed, the Imam leads the congregation in Ruku, and the prayer continues as usual. After Ruku, the Imam stands for the final portion of the prayer, saying “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (God hears the one who praises Him), followed by “Rabbana lakal hamd” (Our Lord, to You belongs all praise).
Tashahhud and Salams
After completing the second rak’ah, the Imam sits for the Tashahhud (testification) and concludes the prayer with the tasleem (salutation) to both sides, saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to the right and left. The congregation follows the Imam in these movements.
5. Post-Prayer Actions
After completing the prayer, the Imam and congregation are encouraged to engage in dua (supplication). The Shafi’i school emphasizes that Muslims should pray for their well-being, forgiveness, and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah (community). It is also common for Muslims to engage in giving zakat al-fitr (charity) before the Eid prayer, ensuring that those in need can partake in the Eid celebrations.
6. Important Notes on Eid Prayer According to the Shafi’i School
-
Congregational Prayer: The Shafi’i school highly recommends performing the Eid prayer in a congregation, preferably in an open field. While praying alone is allowed, it is not the preferred practice.
-
Women and Eid Prayer: Women are encouraged to attend the Eid prayer, though they are not required. The prayer is not compulsory for them, but they may join the congregation if they wish, as long as they observe the appropriate dress code and behave modestly.
-
No Adhan or Iqama: Unlike the regular five daily prayers, the Eid prayer does not have the Adhan (call to prayer) or Iqama (the second call to prayer). It is also recommended to avoid the usual Sunnah prayers before or after the Eid prayer.
7. Conclusion
The Eid prayer in the Shafi’i school of thought is a beautiful and spiritually enriching act of worship, designed to mark the joyous occasion of Eid. The prayer’s unique structure, with its additional Takbirs, offers a distinctive form of worship that enhances the sense of communal unity and spiritual devotion. By understanding the detailed steps of the Eid prayer, Muslims can ensure that they fulfill this important religious duty in the proper manner, embracing the beauty of this special day of celebration and thanksgiving.