Complete Guide to Eid al-Adha Prayer: Intention, Steps, and Sunah Practices

Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, observed by Muslims around the world. In addition to the Hajj pilgrimage and the ritual sacrifice of animals (qurban), performing the Eid al-Adha prayer is a highly recommended sunah practice.

To truly benefit from this act of worship, it's important to understand the proper intention and steps for performing the Eid al-Adha prayer. Here’s a complete guide to help you perform it correctly and meaningfully.

Intention (Niyyah) for Eid al-Adha Prayer

Before starting the prayer, Muslims are encouraged to make the intention (niyyah) based on their role—either as the imam (leader) or as a follower (ma’mum). The intention is typically made silently in the heart or softly spoken before beginning the prayer.

For the Imam (Prayer Leader)

اُصَلِّي سُنَّةً لِعِيْدِ الْأَضْحَى رَكْعَتَيْنِ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةِ إِمَامًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Ushalli sunnatal li‘idil adha rak‘ataini mustaqbilal qiblati imaaman lillaahi ta‘aala. Allaahu akbar.
"I intend to perform the Sunah prayer of Eid al-Adha, two raka’at, facing the qiblah as an imam, for the sake of Allah Ta'ala. Allah is the Greatest."

For the Ma’mum (Follower)

اُصَلِّي سُنَّةً لِعِيْدِ الْأَضْحَى رَكْعَتَيْنِ مُسْتَقْبِلَ الْقِبْلَةِ مَأْمُوْمًا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
Ushalli sunnatal li‘idil adha rak‘ataini mustaqbilal qiblati ma’muuman lillaahi ta‘aala. Allaahu akbar.

I intend to perform the Sunah prayer of Eid al-Adha, two raka’at, facing the qiblah as a follower, for the sake of Allah Ta'ala. Allah is the Greatest.

Step-by-Step Guide to Eid al-Adha Prayer

The Eid prayer consists of two raka’at (units of prayer) and is typically performed in congregation. Here’s the full sequence:

Make the intention (niyyah) based on your role.
Begin with Takbiratul Ihram (saying Allahu Akbar).
Recite the opening supplication (du'a iftitah).
Perform seven additional takbirs (raising hands and saying Allahu Akbar before Surah Al-Fatihah). Between each takbir, it's recommended to say:
Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, walaa ilaaha illallah, wallahu akbar.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by another surah (e.g., Surah Al-A’la).
Continue with ruku’ (bowing), i’tidal (standing after ruku’), sujud (prostration), and the sitting between two sujuds.
Rise for the second raka’ah with takbir.
Perform five additional takbirs, again saying the tasbih between each.
Recite Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah (e.g., Surah Al-Ghashiyah).
Complete the second raka’ah with ruku’, sujud, and finally tashahhud and salaam.
Remain seated to listen to the Eid khutbah (sermon) that follows.

When to Perform the Eid al-Adha Prayer

According to scholars, Eid al-Adha prayer can be performed any time after the sun has risen and is about a spear’s length above the horizon—roughly 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise—until just before the time for the Dhuhr prayer. It is recommended to perform the Eid prayer earlier in the morning to allow enough time for the qurban sacrifice afterward.

Recommended Sunah Practices on Eid al-Adha

To embrace the spirit of Eid al-Adha, consider incorporating these Sunah acts:

Reciting the Takbir
Begin after Fajr on the Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah) until Asr on the last day of Tashreeq (13 Dhu al-Hijjah). Recite the takbir after each obligatory and Sunah prayer.
Taking a Ritual Bath (Ghusl)
It is recommended to bathe before going to the Eid prayer to present oneself clean and fresh.
Arriving Early
Worshippers are encouraged to arrive early at the prayer location, while the imam should arrive closer to prayer time.
Wearing the Best Clothes
Wear clean, modest, and pleasant-smelling clothes. This may also include trimming nails and removing any unpleasant odors.
Taking a Different Route Home
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to take a different route on his way back from the Eid prayer.
Fasting Is Not Recommended Before the Prayer
Unlike Eid al-Fitr, it is Sunah not to eat anything before the Eid al-Adha prayer.
Exchanging Greetings
Spread joy by greeting fellow Muslims with Eid wishes and shaking hands warmly.
Listening to the Khutbah
After the prayer, it is Sunah to sit and listen attentively to the Eid sermon delivered by the imam.

Start Planning Your Qurban for Next Year

For those who are not able to participate in the qurban this year, it’s never too early to start planning for next year. Saving in advance can help you take part in this meaningful act of worship.

With the Dana Impian feature in the Muamalat DIN app, you can create a qurban savings goal, set the amount, choose the time frame, and save consistently. It’s a smarter way to prepare for your qurban and fulfill your noble intentions with peace of mind.