What if I miss the Eid prayer?
It depends on your school, but don't panic: your Eid isn't ruined. Many scholars (Shafi'i, Hanbali and Maliki) say you can pray two rak'at on your own or with family later that day, while Hanafi scholars say it can only be prayed in congregation, so there's nothing to make up. Either way, try to catch a later Eid prayer nearby, and enjoy the rest of the day.
First: try to find another prayer
In many Western cities, mosques hold several Eid prayers (for example at 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30), and different mosques pray at different times. If you overslept or got stuck in traffic, check:
- Your mosque's website or social media for a second or third prayer.
- Other mosques, Islamic centers or university prayer groups nearby.
- Outdoor prayers in parks, which often start later.
The Eid prayer time lasts until just before midday, so a late-morning prayer still counts. See How do I pray the Eid prayer?
Can I make it up on my own?
Scholars differ here:
- Shafi'i and Hanbali: you may pray it alone or with whoever is with you, in the same way (two rak'at with the extra takbirs). Imam al-Bukhari titled a chapter in his Sahih to say that whoever misses the Eid prayer should pray two rak'at, and mentions that the Companion Anas gathered his family to pray it when he missed it.
- Maliki: it's recommended to pray it on your own if you missed it with the imam.
- Hanafi: the Eid prayer is only valid in congregation with an imam, so if you miss it there's no individual make-up. You simply move on, and some recommend praying four rak'at of voluntary duha prayer instead.
Follow the view of your teacher or your mosque. All of these are respected positions.
What if the whole community missed it?
This happened in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. Some riders arrived late in the day and testified they had seen the new moon the night before, so it was already Eid. The Prophet ﷺ told people to break their fast and to go out to the prayer the next morning (Sunan Abi Dawud 1157). So when a whole community learns of Eid too late, the prayer is held the following day.
Don't let guilt spoil the day
Depending on the school, missing the Eid prayer is either a missed sunnah or something you had a valid reason for. If you missed it without a good reason and you follow the Hanafi view, sincere regret and a plan for next year is the way forward. Eid is still Eid: say the takbir, eat, visit, give and call your loved ones. For next year, plan ahead with work or school. See How do I ask my employer for Eid off? and Do I have to pray the Eid prayer?
- Look for a later Eid prayer at another mosque first.
- Shafi'i, Hanbali and Maliki scholars allow praying it alone afterwards.
- Hanafi scholars say there's no individual make-up.
- Missing the prayer doesn't cancel the rest of Eid.
People also ask
Should I eat before the Eid prayer?
Yes, on Eid al-Fitr eat a few dates before the prayer. On Eid al-Adha the sunnah is to wait and eat afterward. Neither is obligatory.
Read the full answer →What sunnah acts should I do on Eid morning?
Yes, a few easy ones: bathe, wear your best clothes, eat dates before Eid al-Fitr prayer, say the takbir and go home by a different route.
Read the full answer →Can women go to the Eid prayer?
Yes, and they're strongly encouraged. The Prophet told women and girls to come out on Eid, even on their period, to join the takbir.
Read the full answer →Do I have to pray the Eid prayer?
It depends on the school: Hanafis say it's obligatory for men, others a strong sunnah or communal duty. Make a real effort to go.
Read the full answer →How many holidays do Muslims have?
It depends on what you count: Islam has two official holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, plus Friday and several special days.
Read the full answer →