A step-by-step guide on how to pray Eid prayer at home
While Eid celebrations in the UAE are known for family feasts, receiving gifts and going to the mosque to pray in congregation, those who can’t attend these large gatherings can still celebrate by performing Eid prayers at home. This guide will walk you through how to pray Eid prayer at home during either Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha.
HOW TO PRAY EID NAMAZ AT HOME
Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha hold deep meaning for Muslims. Naturally, Eid prayers become a crucial part of these joyous celebrations. However, some expats living in the UAE can find themselves alone during these festive holidays. Those who cannot make it to the mosque to attend Eid prayers in a congregation can offer their Eid prayer at home.
As Eid emphasises togetherness, invite your family to participate in the prayer. Choose an adult male family member to lead the prayer as the Imam. Once you’ve established your family congregation, you can proceed with this step-by-step guide for Eid Salah at home.
Preparing for Salat al-Eid
You can follow the sunnah of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) to prepare for Salat Al-Eid:
- Perform a ghusl (bath) before prayers.
- Eat an odd number of dates.
- Dress up and wear your festive clothes.
- Exchange well-wishes with family members and friends by saying Taqabbalallahu Minna wa Minkum – May Allah accept (the worship) from you and us.
Praying Eid Prayer at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the core structure of the Eid prayer remains the same whether performed at home or the mosque, there’s one key difference: there won’t be a sermon (khutbah) delivered at home.
The prayer window for Eid Salah at home opens 15 minutes after sunrise and closes 10 to 15 minutes before Dhuhr (midday prayer). If you’re leading the prayer as the Imam, you’ll recite the Quranic Surahs aloud and call out the takbeers for everyone to follow.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pray Eid prayer at home alone.
- Eid prayer has two rak’ahs (parts) with extra takbeers. You start with a nonverbal niyah—this isn’t said out loud. It begins with a silent intention (niyah) in your heart, followed by the first takbeer, called takbeerat-ul-ihram (Allahu Akbar), spoken aloud. Six more takbeers are recited within the first rak’ah, while the opening supplication is optional.
- For each takbeer from the Imam, you have to raise your hands and quietly recite ‘subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wala ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar’. This will be followed by the imam reciting Surah Al Fatihah and another surah out loud. During this phase, the rest of the group should quietly listen to the Imam with their arms folded across their bodies.
- At the ‘Allahu Akbar’ call, you will go into a bowing position known as ruku. Next, at the ‘Sami Allahu liman Hamidah’ call, you will stand tall again and quietly say ‘Rabbana lakal Hamd’. Next, the Imam will say ‘Allahu Akbar’, an intimation to go in sujud (prostration). After two sujuds, your first rak’ah of Eid prayer will be complete. Rise at the call of Allahu Akbar.
- Five takbeers will be called during the second rak’ah, and you will repeat the Imam’s call and action. In between the takbeers, you have to say ‘Subhanallah, walhamdulillah, wala ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar’.
- Listen to the imam reciting Surah Al Fatihah and an additional surah. Then follow the same procedure for ruku and sujoods as you did in the first rak’ah. After the two sujoods, you will sit for Tashshahud. Once completed, the Imam will call ‘Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah’ and turn his head towards the right shoulder and then to the left. Simply follow the Imam, and your Eid prayer at home will be completed.
Also, another Eid al-Fitr prayer at home instruction is to remember that you will be your own Imam when offering prayer alone.
FAQs About How to Pray Eid Prayer at Home
Can I pray the Eid prayer at home individually?
Yes, Eid prayers can be offered at home, even if you are alone.
What are the Eid prayer timings?
Eid Al Fitr prayer timings in the UAE can be performed 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise. You can pray until ‘zawal’ time, i.e. 10 to 15 minutes before the Dhuhr prayer.
Can I eat something before the Eid prayer?
While not mandatory, many Muslims follow the Islamic tradition (sunnah) of consuming an odd number of dates before the Eid prayer. This sweet treat symbolises the breaking of the Ramadan fast for Eid Al-Fitr and signifies the start of Eid festivities.
What is the appropriate dress for praying Eid Namaz at home?
It is the same as it would be for prayers in a mosque. If you have been able to order new clothes, that would be ideal. If not, you should always wear clean clothes that fit Islamic requirements.
Can ladies pray Eid Namaz at home?
Performing Eid prayers is not obligatory for women. However, it is a recommended sunnah. So yes, ladies can pray Eid Namaz at home.
If you want to learn how a woman can pray Eid prayer at home, please note that the procedure for Eid prayer for ladies at home is the same as stated above.
Eid Al Fitr in the UAE is celebrated with grand events and family traditions. There are plenty of options whether you prefer public festivities or a cosy home celebration. Explore our guide on Eid Al Fitr in the UAE for citywide events, or check ideas to celebrate Eid Al Fitr at home in Dubai for fun at-home activities.
Are you looking to unwind during your Eid break? Check out all the staycation deals in Dubai for Eid! Alternatively, if you plan to bring the festive spirit to your home, find some interesting and creative ways of decorating your home for Eid.
No celebration is complete without food. Try some traditional Eid food from around the world to make your taste buds happy.
Discover more ways to enjoy Eid Al Fitr in the UAE this year on MyBayut!
