How to Pray Eid al-Fitr Salah
Eid Al-Fitr, which translates to ‘the celebration of breaking the fast’ in Arabic, is anticipated to fall on either Sunday, March 30 or Monday, March 31, 2025. The festivity begins upon the sighting of the crescent moon, indicating the beginning of the month of Shawwal in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
What is Eid al-Fitr Salah?
On Eid al-Fitr, Muslims perform a special prayer to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. These prayers are held in congregation on the morning of Eid al-Fitr. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units of prayer), and is accompanied by additional Takbeers (saying "Allahu Akbar" – God is the Greatest). It is different from regular prayers because it includes extra Takbeers at the beginning of the prayer and during the prayer itself. This prayer is typically followed by a sermon, after which Muslims spend their day celebrating with feasts and gift-giving with friends and family.
To learn more about Eid al Fitr, please read the following article: Eid al-Fitr 2025: A Time for Unity, Joy and Generosity
How is Eid al-Fitr Salah Performed?
- At the start of the prayer, niyyah (intention) should be made. This intention must be present in the heart. However, if you wish to verbalize it too, you can do as follows, ‘I am performing two raka’ah Eid al-Fitr salah.’
- In the first raka’ah the Imam will say the Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) to start the prayer, after which he will say multiple more Takbeers. The number of Takbeers can vary depending on which Imam you are following. Typically, your Imam will run through the amount of Takbeers prior to the start of the prayer. After this, al-Faatihah will be recited followed by another surah.
- During the second raka’ah you should stand up after the Imam has said the first Takbeer, after which the Takbeer will be repeated several times. Surah al-Faatihah will then be recited, followed by another surah.
- After the prayer, the Imam will give a sermon - this can last anywhere from ten to thirty minutes.
What is Zakat-al Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr provides those who fast with the means of making up for their mistakes during the month of Ramadan. It ensures the poor can celebrate Eid al-Fitr with the rest of the Ummah. Ensure that you contribute your mandatory Zakat al-Fitr before the start of Eid prayers.
To learn more about Zakat-al Fitr, see our Zakat al-Fitr: A Small Act with a Big Impact blog.
We hope you find this guide helpful.
