The ‘Eed Prayer

First: The ‘Eed Prayer consists of two Rak’ahs (units of prayer). Ibn ‘Umar  said: “The traveller's prayer consists of two Rak’ahs; the Al-Adh-haa ('Eed) prayer consists of two Rak’ahs and the Al-Fitr ('Eed) prayer consists of two Rak’ahs. They are complete prayers (in this form) and not shortened, and (we took this) from the tongue of the Prophet  .”

Second: The first Rak’ah begins with the Takbeer (saying: 'Allaahu Akbar' (Allaah is the Greatest)) as is the case with all other prayers. Then the Imaam (followed by the praying Muslims) recites seven Takbeerat (the plural of Takbeer). In the second Rak’ah, there are five Takbeerat other than the transmission Takbeer (i.e., the one recited when the Imaam and the praying Muslims stand up to perform the second Rak’ah). ‘Aa’ishah  said: “The Prophet  would recite Takbeer in (the prayers of ‘Eed) Al-Fitr and Al-Adh-haa; he would recite seven Takbeerat in the first (Rak’ah) and five in the second one, aside from the two Takbeerat that precede the Rukoo’ (bowing).”

Imaam Al-Bahawi  said: “It is the opinion of most of the well-versed scholars from among the Companions  all, as well as those who followed them, that there are seven Takbeerat in the first Rak’ah of the ‘Eed prayer other than the first Takbeer (Takbeeratul-Ihraam), and five Takbeerat in the second Rak’ah other than the transmission Takbeer, and all this precedes reciting (verses from the Noble Quran); this was narrated from Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Ali .”

Third: It is not affirmed that the Prophet  would raise his hands with every Takbeer, but Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim  said: “Though Ibn ‘Umar  was a great follower of the prophetic Sunnah, his understanding and action was to raise his hands when reciting the Takbeerat.”

Shaykh Al-Albaani  said in his book entitled Tamaam Al-Minnah: "Although it was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar  did so (i.e., raising the hands when reciting Takbeer) it does not mean it is a prophetic Sunnah, not to mention the fact that the narration about ‘Umar and his son  (doing so) is inauthentic. As for 'Umar’s narration, Al-Bayhaqi narrated it through a weak chain of narrators, and as for his son’s narration (Ibn ‘Umar), I have not yet found a chain of narrators for it.”

However, Shaykh Al-Albaani  also said in his book entitled Ahkaam Al-Janaa’iz regarding a point very close to the one under discussion: "He who believes that he (i.e., Ibn ‘Umar  ) used not to do that (i.e., raising his hands when reciting Takbeer) except with the Prophet’s  approval, then he may do it.” 

Fourth: Nothing was affirmed concerning any remembrance between the ‘Eed Takbeerat from the Prophet  but it was narrated (through a good chain of narrators) from Ibn Mas‘ood,  that he said about the ‘Eed prayer: “Between every two Takbeerat there is praising of Allaah the Almighty and celebration of His Attributes.”

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim  said: “He  would keep silent between every two Takbeerat for a short period, but nothing is affirmed of him reciting any supplication between them.”

Fifth: When the Prophet  was done with the Takbeerat, he would recite Chapter Al-Faatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran) and then recite Chapter 'Qaaf' in the first Rak’ah and Chapter Al-Qamar in the second.

Sometimes, he  would recite Chapter Al-A'alaa in the first Rak’ah, and Chapter Al-Ghaashiyah in the second one.

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim  said: “These two cases were affirmed from the Prophet  and nothing else.

Sixth: The rest of the acts of the ‘Eed prayer are as those of any other prayer; nothing is different.

Seventh: Whoever misses the ‘Eed prayer with the congregation can (optionally) offer a two Rak’ah prayer instead.

Imaam Al-Bukhaari  said: “Whoever misses the ‘Eed prayer may (optionally) offer a two Rak’ah prayer.”

Al-Haafith Ibn Hajar  said commenting on this point of Imaam Al-Bukhaari : “Regarding this point, there are two rulings:

A.     Making up the ‘Eed prayer is recommended if it was missed with the congregation, regardless of whether it was missed willingly or otherwise.

B.     It is a two Rak’ah prayer: ‘Ataa’  said: "Whoever missed the ‘Eed (prayer) could offer another two Rak’ah prayer (instead)."

Eighth: Reciting the Takbeeraat (in the ‘Eed prayer) is a Sunnah (i.e., a recommended deed) which, if missed intentionally or out of forgetfulness, does not nullify the prayer, and this issue is agreed upon by the scholars. However, the one who leaves it is, undoubtedly, contradicting the Sunnah of the Prophet .

The Sermon after the Prayer:

It is from the prophetic Sunnah that the ‘Eed sermon should follow the ‘Eed prayer. Imaam Al-Bukhaari  named one of the chapters of his Book: "The Chapter of the Sermon After the ‘Eed Prayer." Ibn ‘Abbaas  said: “I offered the ‘Eed prayer with Allaah’s Messenger  as well as Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthmaan, and all of them, may Allaah pleased with them, offered the ‘Eed prayer before delivering its Khutbah (religious sermon).”

Ibn ‘Umar  said: “The Prophet  Abu Bakr, and ‘Umar used to offer the ('Eed) prayers before delivering its khutbah.”

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Source: The rulings of the two 'Eeds, by 'Ali Hasan Al-Athary