The Eid ul Adha prayer is a very important part of Eid. People have been going to the Eidgah for the prayer. The Eid prayer starts with two units of ritual washing which includes both wudhu (ablution) and ghusl (ritual bath) and ends with a sermon. The Eid prayer is offered in unison by Muslims all over the world irrespective of their ethnic, linguistic or political affiliations.

1. How to perform Eid-ul-Adha Prayer
Eid al Adha, which is otherwise known as Bakra Eid or Bakr-Id, is the second of two Islamic
festivals celebrated worldwide each year. The festival celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim (also
known as Abraham) to follow Allah's (God's) command to sacrifice his only son Ishmael. Before
Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a ram for the sacrifice instead. This incident is
commemorated during Eid al Adha.
Islam means "submission" in Arabic, and follows the teachings of Muhammad, who lived in
Arabia in the early 600s AD. It is one of the youngest monotheistic religions practiced today. There
are approximately 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide making it the second largest religion after
Christianity.
Muslims follow five fundamental aspects of their faith: the testimony of faith, prayer, giving alms
(or charity), fasting during Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage (Hajj) at least once in a lifetime.
Eid ul Adha is one of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. The festival celebrates
the willingness of Ibrahim (known as Abraham) to follow Allah's command to sacrifice his only
son Ishmael before God provided a ram for the sacrifice. This story is commemorated during Eid
ul Adha. Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, which is an annual Islamic pilgrimage by
Muslims to visit Mecca.
Eid al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar. The Eid
ul Adha prayer is performed in congregations in open areas like any plain and clean ground,
mosques or at Eid Gah.
The main part of the Eid ul Adha Prayer lasts for almost 20-30 minutes and consists of 2 Raka'ahs
(6 Takbeers included) followed by a sermon (khutbah). Here is an example of how the prayer may
be conducted:
Right before performing the prayer, there are some things you have to do:

2. Before starting to pray one should make Niyyah (intention) for Eid ul Adha prayer must be said
with all sincerity.
Niyyah simply means that one's intention should not be like that he is praying for showing off and
demonstrating to others. Once the Niyyah is made then one should go to the Imam (Leader) or
pray on his own; then one says Allahu Akbar while going into Ruku (the bowing position). One
has to make sure he does not push himself up from the ground, but instead, it should be a slow and
gentle movement. Then one recites 3 Takbeers and says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah once again
in Ruku saying this phrase which means Allah hears those who praise Him. After you come out of
your bowing position say Allahu Akbar three times followed by Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad two
times while standing straight with your hands at your side.
The prayer itself consists of two parts: a series of set positions and movements, followed by a more
free-form group of supplications spoken in the vernacular language. Each position is accompanied
by an emphasis on physical exertion to emphasize spiritual profit from the motions. Participants
stand in a single file to perform the actions together as one body. The following are the postures
and supplications that make up this portion of the prayer, translated into English from original
Arabic:
1. Takbeeratul Ihram [1] [2] [3] [4]: God is greater [4x]. I bear witness that there is no
god except Allah (God) alone with no partner or associate. I bear witness that
Muhammad is the messenger of God. Come to the prayer, come to success (by
following Prophet Muhammad). God is greater [5x]. There is no god except Allah.
2. Rukoo': Bending at the waist while standing, keeping your back straight and your
head up looking forward with hands hanging naturally at your sides or slightly
above/in front of your knees with fingers facing the Qiblah (direction of prayer).
The supplications which follow are spoken during this position:
3. Sujud: Prostrating on all seven limbs in a demonstration of submission and humility
to Allah, symbolizing that everything belongs to God alone. All earthly power and
possessions are under His authority. Supplications are said during this position,
preceded by the phrase "Rabbanaa wa lakal Hamd" ("Our Lord! All praise be to
You.").
4. Tadahhud: This is a transitional stage from Sujud to the next position. One brings
his left foot forward and toes point out while keeping one's hands where they were
placed during Sujud.

3. 5. Qawmah: Standing back up from Tadahhu with feet together, pressing toes firmly
into the ground and knees straight but not locked. Keeping hips, shoulders, and head
in alignment, look forward at eye level without dropping or raising your gaze. Both
arms are raised to shoulder height with palms facing each other and fingers close
together. Supplications said during this position include "Rabbighfirli" ("Myd:
Sitting on one's heels with hands resting on one's knees or in ones lap with fingers
facing the Qiblah. This is usually done after Sujud and before saying Salam
(greeting Muslims at the conclusion of prayer), but no strict rules are governing its
performance. The supplications that follow are spoken during this position:
6. Tashahhud: Sitting cross-legged while turning slightly to your right, finishing off
the prayer by speaking directly to God in submission and gratitude for all His
blessings. Supplications made at this stage include "Rabbighfirli and Allahumma
Rabbana wa lakal Hamd" ("Our Lord! All praise be to You.").
7. Salam: The formal greeting spoken by Muslims at the end of the prayer.
In English, it means "Peace be with you." While you are still sitting at Tashahhud, say
these words quietly to yourself while looking forward and then stand up. This completes the Eid
Prayer. You may now resume your regular activities.
Final Words:
The Eid al-Adha prayer is performed by Muslims worldwide on the holiday of Eid al Adha to
commemorate Abraham's sacrifice of his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God. The three
main aspects of Eid al-Adha are; the statement of intention, celebration, and distribution of meat.
Muslims perform Eid Prayer in the congregation to celebrate the yearly occasion (Eid). The prayer
consists of two parts: Part one is called "Fard" which means compulsory, this part consists of
standing before God giving Him praise and thanks for all His kindness towards us culminating
with an act of prostration.
Part two is called Sunnah which means to follow the path shown by Prophet Muhammad. This
part contains a short sermon then after that Muslims pray individually or in small groups taking
time to meditate over what they have heard during the sermon. The final part involves distributing
meat from an animal to family members, relatives, neighbors and friends, it is also very important

4. to pay the Zakat (charity) before distributing meat. After praying, Muslims hold a big family or
community gathering with special food dishes prepared on this day