What sunnah acts should I do on Eid morning?
Yes, there are a few simple ones: take a bath, wear your best clothes, eat a few dates (on Eid al-Fitr), say the takbir and go to the Eid prayer. None of them is hard, and you don't need to do all of them perfectly on your first Eid. Even doing two or three with the right intention brings reward.
Before you leave the house
- Take a bath (ghusl): washing for Eid is reported from Companions such as Ibn Umar, and scholars agree it's recommended. A normal shower with the intention of ghusl is enough.
- Wear your best clothes: they don't have to be new, just clean and nice. When Umar offered the Prophet ﷺ a cloak to wear "during the 'Id and when the delegations visit you," the problem was only that it was silk (Sahih al-Bukhari 948). See What should I wear on Eid as a Muslim?
- Perfume (for men): a little scent is part of looking your best. Women can wear it at home.
- Pay zakat al-fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayer if you haven't yet. See How much is zakat al-fitr and when do I pay it?
Eat first on Eid al-Fitr, wait on Eid al-Adha
The Prophet ﷺ didn't leave for the prayer on Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates, and he ate an odd number (Sahih al-Bukhari 953). On Eid al-Adha he did the opposite: he didn't eat until after the prayer (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 542).
On the way to the prayer
- Say the takbir: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa lillahil hamd." Men say it aloud, women more quietly.
- Bring everyone: Umm Atiyya said they were ordered to bring out even young women and menstruating women so they could join the takbir and the blessings of the day (Sahih al-Bukhari 971). Women on their period skip the prayer itself but can attend the gathering.
- Walk if you can, or at least park a little way off and walk the last part.
After the prayer
- Take a different route home: the Prophet ﷺ returned from the Eid prayer by a different way from the one he came (Sahih al-Bukhari 986). It's a small act with a big feel: you greet more people.
- Greet people: "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum" (may Allah accept from us and from you), a greeting reported from the Companions.
- Enjoy the day: visit family, eat, give gifts. Celebrating is part of the worship of Eid.
- Bathe, dress well and (for men) wear perfume.
- Eat dates before Eid al-Fitr prayer; wait until after on Eid al-Adha.
- Say the takbir on the way and bring the whole family.
- Go home by a different route and greet people.
People also ask
Can I fast on the day of Eid?
No, fasting on Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha isn't allowed. Start Shawwal or make-up fasts the next day, and break a fast if you learn it's Eid.
Read the full answer →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 if I miss the Eid prayer?
It depends on your school: most say pray two rak'at alone later, Hanafis say there's no make-up. First look for a later prayer nearby.
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 →