Eid prayers


Eid prayers, also known as Salat al-Eid and Șālat al-’Īdayn, is the special prayers offered to commemorate two Islamic festivals traditionally in an open space allocated or field available for prayer. The two festivals on which these prayers are conducted in large congregations are:

Importance

Different scholars interpret the importance of this salat differently. Salat al-Eid is Wajib according to Hanafi scholars, Sunnah al-Mu'kkadah according to Maliki and Shaf'i jurisprudence, and Fard according to Hanbali scholars. Some scholars say it is fard al-ayn and some say it is fard al-kifaya.

Timing

The time for Salat al-Eid begins when the sun reaches approximately three meters above the horizon until it reaches its meridian. It starts when the sun has risen above the height of a spear, and continues until the sun is approaching its zenith. It is recommended to offer it in the forenoon in the early hours after sunrise.
Adhering to the Sunnah, the time for Eid al-Fitr prayer is delayed and Eid al-Adha prayer is hastened, so as to facilitate distribution of Fitrana before the Eid al-Fitr prayer and offer sacrifice after the Eid al-Adha prayer. This has been a proved Sunnah and has been well recorded in Hadith books.