Is there an adhan for the Eid prayer?
No, there is no adhan or iqamah for the Eid prayer. The Prophet ﷺ led the Eid prayer without any call to prayer, so people simply gather at the prayer time, say the Eid takbir, and the imam starts the prayer.
What the hadith say
Ibn Abbas and Jabir ibn Abdullah both said that there was no adhan on the day of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha (Sahih al-Bukhari 960). Jabir ibn Samurah added that he prayed the Eid prayer with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ more than once or twice, without an adhan or an iqamah (Sahih Muslim 887). Scholars of all four schools agree on this, and adding an adhan for Eid is considered against the sunnah.
So how do people know when to start?
- The time is announced in advance. Mosques post the Eid prayer time (or several times, in big communities) on their website and social media the night before.
- People fill the time with takbir. While waiting, the congregation repeats "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah…" until the imam stands. See What is the Eid takbir and when do I say it?
- The imam simply begins. He may ask people to straighten the rows, then starts with "Allahu akbar."
What about "as-salatu jami'ah"?
Some scholars, especially in the Shafi'i school, consider it good to call out "as-salatu jami'ah" ("the prayer is gathering") before Eid, by analogy with the eclipse prayer, where this call is reported. Other scholars say nothing at all should be called because no such call is reported for Eid. Both views exist, so don't be surprised if your mosque does one or the other.
Other things that make Eid prayer different
The Eid prayer is two rak'ahs with extra takbirs, it comes before the sermon (unlike Jumu'ah), and the sunnah is to pray it in an open space where possible. It is linked to the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha:
For the full step-by-step method, see How do I pray the Eid prayer?
- The Eid prayer has no adhan and no iqamah, based on authentic hadith.
- Mosques announce the time beforehand, and people say the takbir while waiting.
- Some Shafi'i scholars allow calling "as-salatu jami'ah"; others don't.
- The Eid prayer comes before the sermon, unlike the Friday prayer.
People also ask
Do Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate the same holidays?
Mostly yes: Sunni and Shia Muslims both celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. They differ on Ashura, Eid al-Ghadir and some other dates.
Read the full answer →Why is the Eid prayer held outdoors?
The Eid prayer is held outdoors because the Prophet ﷺ led it in an open prayer ground. Why it matters, what scholars say, and Eid in the West.
Read the full answer →Can I pay zakat al-fitr online?
Yes, you can pay zakat al-fitr online through a trusted mosque or charity acting as your agent, as long as it reaches the poor before the Eid prayer.
Read the full answer →Can I give zakat al-fitr to my non-Muslim family?
Most scholars say zakat al-fitr goes to poor Muslims, so not to non-Muslim family; Hanafis differ. Help relatives with gifts and sadaqah instead.
Read the full answer →What does "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" mean?
Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum means "May Allah accept from us and from you." The Eid greeting of the Companions and how to reply.
Read the full answer →