Eid al-Adha Prayer Times 2026
Find Eid al-Adha prayer times and locations at mosques, musallah, and outdoor venues across Australia. View prayer session times, khutbah language, and venue facilities.
How to Pray Eid al-Adha Salah
A complete step-by-step guide to performing the Eid prayer in congregation, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
When
Eid Salah is performed shortly after sunrise (around 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise) and must be completed before zawal (when the sun reaches its zenith at midday).
Where
At a mosque, an open prayer ground (musallah), or a community hall. Praying in congregation is strongly encouraged, and many scholars prefer an outdoor prayer ground when possible.
No Adhan or Iqamah
Unlike the five daily prayers, there is no adhan (call to prayer) or iqamah before the Eid prayer. The congregation simply gathers and the Imam begins when it is time.
Structure at a Glance
- 2 rakats prayed in congregation behind the Imam
- Rakat 1: 7 takbirs (including the opening takbir), then Surah al-Fatiha and another surah
- Rakat 2: 5 extra takbirs (after the standing takbir), then Surah al-Fatiha and another surah
- Khutbah (sermon) follows the 2 rakats
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Intend in your heart to pray 2 rakats of Eid prayer behind the Imam. The intention is made silently, not spoken aloud.
Opening Takbir (Takbiratul Ihram)
The Imam begins with "Allahu Akbar", raising his hands. You follow, raising your hands and saying "Allahu Akbar" silently, then fold your hands below the chest (or at the sides, depending on your school).
First Rakat: Extra Takbirs
The Imam will say 6 or 7 additional takbirs (depending on the school of thought). Raise your hands with each takbir and let them drop to your sides. Between each takbir, it is recommended to silently say: "SubhanAllah, wal-hamdu lillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar".
Recitation and Ruku
After the extra takbirs, the Imam silently recites Surah al-Fatiha followed by another surah (often Surah al-Ala or Surah al-Ghashiyah) out loud. Then bow (ruku) and prostrate (sujud) as in any normal prayer.
Second Rakat: Stand Up
After the second prostration of the first rakat, stand up for the second rakat. The Imam will lead the standing takbir and then recite additional takbirs before Surah al-Fatiha.
Second Rakat: Extra Takbirs
The Imam will say 5 additional takbirs (Hanafi: 3 takbirs). Follow the same procedure: raise hands, say "Allahu Akbar", let them drop. Then the Imam recites Surah al-Fatiha and another surah aloud.
Complete the Prayer
Complete the second rakat with ruku, sujud, tashahhud, and tasleem (turning the face right and left saying "Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah") as in any normal prayer.
Listen to the Khutbah
After the 2 rakats, the Imam delivers the Eid khutbah (sermon). Unlike Jumu'ah, the khutbah comes AFTER the prayer. It is strongly recommended to stay and listen to the entire khutbah.
Sunnah Acts Before Eid al-Adha Prayer
Do Not Eat Before the Prayer
On Eid al-Adha, it is Sunnah to delay eating until after the Eid prayer, ideally eating from the meat of the Qurbani (sacrificial animal) as the first meal of the day.
Perform Ghusl
Take a full ritual bath (ghusl) before heading to the Eid prayer. This is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Wear Your Best Clothes
Dress in your finest, cleanest clothing. New clothes are encouraged, and men may apply perfume.
Walk to the Prayer (if possible)
Walking to the Eid prayer ground is a Sunnah. Many take one route there and a different route back, following the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
Recite the Takbir on the Way
Say "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd" aloud on the way to prayer.
After the Eid al-Adha Prayer
Eid is a day of joy, gratitude, and community. After completing the prayer and listening to the khutbah, Muslims traditionally:
- Greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" or "Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum" (May Allah accept from us and from you).
- Visit family and friends, strengthening ties of kinship.
- Share meals together and give gifts, especially to children.
- Perform the Qurbani (sacrificial animal) if able, and distribute the meat to family, friends, and those in need.
- Remember those in need through charity and kind words.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eid al-Adha
What is Eid al-Adha prayer?
Eid al-Adha prayer is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of 10 Dhul Hijjah, during the Hajj season. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It consists of 2 rakats with additional takbirs, followed by a khutbah (sermon). Muslims who can afford it then perform the Qurbani (sacrificial animal) and distribute the meat.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026 in Australia?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 in Australia, corresponding to 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. The exact date depends on the moon sighting confirmed by ANIC, Moonsighting Australia, or your local mosque. Some Australian sighting bodies may confirm Thursday, 28 May. Confirm with your mosque closer to the date.
How many rakats are in Eid al-Adha prayer?
Eid al-Adha prayer consists of 2 rakats. The first rakat has 7 takbirs (including the opening takbir) and the second has 5 extra takbirs (after the standing takbir), according to the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools. The Hanafi school performs 3 extra takbirs in each rakat. Both practices are valid.
What is Qurbani and when should it be done?
Qurbani (also called Udhiyah) is the sacrifice of an eligible animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer. It is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (strongly confirmed Sunnah) for every Muslim who can afford it. The sacrifice can be performed from after the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijjah until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The meat is traditionally divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
Should I eat before Eid al-Adha prayer?
No. Unlike Eid al-Fitr where it is Sunnah to eat before the prayer, on Eid al-Adha it is Sunnah to delay eating until after the prayer. Ideally, the first meal of the day should be from the meat of your Qurbani sacrifice.
Can women attend Eid al-Adha prayer?
Yes. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged women, including menstruating women, to attend the Eid prayer gathering. Menstruating women should stay back from the prayer area but participate in the takbirat and dua. Many venues in Australia have dedicated women's sections.
What are the Takbirat al-Tashreeq?
The Takbirat al-Tashreeq are the takbirs recited after every obligatory prayer from Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Arafah) until Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The wording is: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd". Reciting them during Eid al-Adha and the days of Tashreeq is a confirmed Sunnah.