Living the Spirit of Eid: Eid al-Adha Prayer
Holidays are not just special days on the calendar. They are exceptional periods of time where coming together, sharing and spirituality are experienced in their deepest form. In this respect, Eid al-Adha offers us the opportunity to get closer to Allah and to reinforce our brotherhood.
On the morning of Eid, when the sun is just rising, there is an excitement that spills out onto the streets. The same intention, the same joy in the hearts of everyone, big and small: The Eid al-Adha prayer... This prayer is not only an act of worship, but also a posture. As one bows before his Lord, he purifies his inner world and renews his intentions.
Holidays are not just special days on the calendar. They are exceptional periods of time where coming together, sharing and spirituality are experienced in their deepest form. In this respect, Eid al-Adha offers us the opportunity to get closer to Allah and to reinforce our brotherhood.
On the morning of Eid, when the sun is just rising, there is an excitement that spills out onto the streets. The same intention, the same joy in the hearts of everyone, big and small: The Eid al-Adha prayer... This prayer is not only an act of worship, but also a posture. As one bows before his Lord, he purifies his inner world and renews his intentions.
How to pray Eid al-Adha?
The Eid al-Adha prayer is a two rak'ah prayer that differs from the other prayers of the day in some respects. It is performed in congregation and completed with a sermon. Here is the answer to the question of how to perform the Eid al-Adha prayer step by step:
Intention is made: "I intend to pray the Eid al-Adha prayer for the sake of Allah, and I follow the imam."
Stand for prayer with the Imam.
In the first rak'ah:
The Imam takes takbir by saying "Allahu Akbar" and the congregation takes takbir by raising their hands.
This first takbir is the iftitah takbir as in other prayers.
Then the imam and the congregation join hands.
The imam then says three additional takbirs. At each takbir the congregation raises their hands and spreads them to the side. After the third takbir, the hands are tied.
Then the imam recites Fatiha and a surah and the congregation listens in silence.
Do the ruku' and sajdah and stand up for the second rak'ah.
In the second rak'ah:
The Imam recites Fatiha and a surah again.
Then he does three additional takbirs, this time after the recitation. The congregation does the same, raising their hands and waving them to the side.
In the fourth takbir, one goes directly to ruku' without raising the hands.
Then the sajdah is performed and the tahiyyat sitting is started.
Ettehiyyatü, Salli-Barik and Rabbena prayers are recited.
The prayer is completed with salaam.
A sermon is read after the prayer. It is sunnah to listen attentively to this sermon. In his sermon, the imam explains the meaning of the sacrifice, the importance of sharing and the spirit of Eid.
The Wisdom of Keeping Pure Together
The Eid al-Adha prayer is the embodiment of being an ummah. It is a tremendous picture of hearts coming together in the same line, with the same orientation, with the same takbirs... It is a time when we hear the voice of the neighbor, shake the hand of distant relatives, and perhaps see eye to eye with friends we have not seen for a long time.
The sermon following this prayer reminds us of the meaning of Eid and the wisdom of sacrifice. Sacrifice is not just the slaughter of an animal; it is the slaughter of the ego, stinginess, selfishness. Eid is giving; it is sharing; it is giving from the heart.
Preparation for Eid Morning
Preparation for the Eid al-Adha prayer is also part of worship. Performing ghusl ablution, wearing Eid clothes, putting on a nice fragrance, eating dates or something similar, leaving the house, greeting people with a smile... All these reinforce the spiritual atmosphere of Eid.
After the prayers, the prayers offered to each other, the breakfasts shared, the sacrificial meat distributed, the Eid is complete. Every morning is a beginning, but the morning of Eid is the beginning of a different intention and a deep gratitude. The Eid al-Adha prayer is the heart of that morning.
Congratulations on Eid al-Adha!
