Eid al-Fiṭr is a day of joy, gratitude, and unity for the Muslim ummah. It comes as a celebration for completing the month of Ramaḍān and is marked by a special prayer—Ṣalāt al-ʿĪd—which symbolizes the communal bond of worship and praise to Allah.
In the Shāfiʿī madhhab, the Eid prayer holds a special rank. It is classified as Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a highly emphasized sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ consistently observed and strongly encouraged for the community. This ruling applies equally to men and women, residents and travelers, and it remains recommended even if one is praying individually.
Imām al-Nawawī, in his authoritative commentary al-Majmūʿ, writes:
“Ṣalāt al-ʿĪdayn is Sunnah Mu’akkadah. It is not farḍ or wājib, but it is a great sunnah, and neglecting it without excuse is blameworthy. It is prescribed for every individual, male or female.”
— al-Majmūʿ Sharḥ al-Muhadhdhab, Vol. 5
Here’s a step-by-step guide for performing Eid al-Fitr Ṣalāh (Prayer) on the 30th or 31st March 2025 (depending on the sighting of the moon) according to the Shāfiʿī Madhhab, based on the attached infographic:
🌙 Shāfiʿī Method of Eid Ṣalāh (Eid al-Fitr – March 2025)
📌 Important Notes
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No Adhān or Iqāmah is required.
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Make the intention (niyyah) for performing the Sunnah of Eid Ṣalāh.
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It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly emphasized) for men and women, residents (muqīm) and travellers (musāfir).
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If you are praying at home, there is no khutbah (sermon).
🕋 First Rakʿah (Unit)
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Begin with Takbīr Taḥrīmah (opening Takbīr)
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Fold your hands and recite Duʿā al-Istiftāḥ (Tawjīh).
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Recite seven additional Takbīrs:
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Raise your hands and drop them by your sides with each Takbīr.
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It is Sunnah to recite the third Kalimah between each Takbīr.
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Proceed with the prayer:
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Recite Taʿawwudh (seeking protection from Shayṭān),
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Then Tasmiyah (Bismillah),
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Followed by Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and another Sūrah.
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Complete the rakʿah with Rukūʿ and Sujūd as normal.
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🕌 Second Rakʿah
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At the beginning, perform five additional Takbīrs, just like in the first rakʿah.
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Raise hands with each Takbīr.
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Again, it is Sunnah to recite the third Kalimah between them.
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Continue the rakʿah:
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Recite Taʿawwudh, Tasmiyah, Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and another Sūrah.
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Complete the rakʿah with Rukūʿ, Sujūd, and Tashahhud.
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End the Ṣalāh with Taslim (Salām) as normal.
📢 Post-Prayer Khutbah (for congregational prayer only)
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The Imām delivers two khutbahs after the Ṣalāh.
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Includes nine Takbīrs in the first khutbah, and seven in the second.
✅ Reminder: If you’re praying at home individually or in a small group, there is no khutbah.
🕌 Ḥanafī Method of Performing Eid Ṣalāh
The Eid prayer consists of two rakʿahs, performed like a regular prayer but with six additional Takbīrs:
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Three in the first rakʿah (after Thana’)
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Three in the second rakʿah (before Rukūʿ)
Here is a step-by-step guide:
🕋 First Rakʿah
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The Imam begins without Adhān or Iqāmah, saying Takbīr al-Taḥrīmah (Allāhu Akbar).
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Raise your hands to your ears and fold them below the navel.
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Recite Thana’: Subḥānak Allāhumma…
📿 Thana’ (Opening Supplication)
Arabic:
سُبْحَانَكَ اللّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلٰهَ غَيْرُكَ
Transliteration:
Subḥānaka Allāhumma wa bi ḥamdika,
wa tabārakasmuka,
wa taʿālā jadduka,
wa lā ilāha ghayruk.Meaning:
“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise;
Blessed is Your Name,
Exalted is Your Majesty,
and there is no deity besides You.” -
The Imam then recites three additional Takbīrs:
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With each of the first two Takbīrs, raise your hands, say Allāhu Akbar, and let your hands fall to your sides.
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On the third Takbīr, raise your hands, say Allāhu Akbar, and then fold them below your navel.
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The Imam continues with recitation of Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and another sūrah.
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Follow the rest of the rakʿah as normal (Rukūʿ, Sujūd, etc.).
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🕌 Second Rakʿah
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After standing up, the Imam recites Sūrah al-Fātiḥah and another sūrah as usual.
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Before going into Rukūʿ, the Imam says three more Takbīrs:
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For each, raise your hands, say Allāhu Akbar, and let your hands drop to your sides.
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After the three Takbīrs, the Imam says a fourth Takbīr to enter Rukūʿ:
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Do not raise your hands for this one—just follow into Rukūʿ as usual.
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Complete the remainder of the prayer normally.
🕌 Comparison: Shāfiʿī vs Ḥanafī Method of ʿĪd Ṣalāh
Aspect | Shāfiʿī Madhhab | Ḥanafī Madhhab |
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Legal Status | Sunnah Mu’akkadah for all (men, women, traveler, etc.) | Wājib (obligatory) for adult, resident men |
Adhān & Iqāmah | Not required | Not required |
Intention (Niyyah) | Intention for Sunnah of ʿĪd Ṣalāh | Intention for Wājib ʿĪd Ṣalāh |
Number of Takbīrs | 7 extra in 1st rakʿah, 5 extra in 2nd rakʿah | 3 extra in 1st rakʿah, 3 extra in 2nd rakʿah |
Placement of Extra Takbīrs | After Takbīr al-Taḥrīmah & Duʿā al-Istiftāḥ (in both rakʿahs) | After Thana’ in 1st rakʿah; before Rukūʿ in 2nd rakʿah |
Hand Position After Takbīr | Hands raised and dropped with each Takbīr; then folded after final one | Raise hands for each Takbīr; fold hands only after final Takbīr in first rakʿah |
Kalimah Recitation Between Takbīrs | Sunnah to recite third Kalimah (Tasbīḥ) between Takbīrs | No specific dhikr between Takbīrs |
Order of Recitation | After Takbīrs, recite Taʿawwudh, Tasmiyah, Sūrah al-Fātiḥah + sūrah | After Takbīrs, Imam recites al-Fātiḥah + sūrah directly |
Khutbah (Sermon) | Given after the Ṣalāh (two khutbahs) | Given after the Ṣalāh (two khutbahs) |
Khutbah for Home Prayers | Not required | Not required |