Eid al-Fitr Prayer Times 2026
Find Eid al-Fitr 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-Fitr 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-Fitr Prayer
Eat an Odd Number of Dates
Before heading to the Eid al-Fitr prayer, it is Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates (typically three, five, or seven). This distinguishes the day from Ramadan, when eating was forbidden before sunset.
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-Fitr 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.
- Ensure Zakat al-Fitr has been paid before the prayer so that the less fortunate can also celebrate.
- Remember those in need through charity and kind words.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eid al-Fitr
What is Eid al-Fitr prayer?
Eid al-Fitr prayer is a special congregational prayer performed on the morning of the first day of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan fasting. It consists of 2 rakats with additional takbirs and is followed by a khutbah (sermon). It is typically prayed in large gatherings at mosques, outdoor prayer grounds (musallah), and community halls across Australia.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2026 in Australia?
Eid al-Fitr 2026 is expected on Friday, 20 March 2026 in Australia, based on astronomical calculations by the Australian Fatwa Council. Communities following traditional moon sighting may celebrate on Saturday, 21 March. It is best to confirm with your local mosque as the date depends on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.
How many rakats are in Eid al-Fitr prayer?
Eid al-Fitr 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 has 3 extra takbirs in each rakat. Both practices are valid.
Do I need to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer?
Yes. Zakat al-Fitr (also called Sadaqat al-Fitr) must be paid before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is obligatory on every Muslim who has food beyond their needs for the day and night of Eid. The standard amount is roughly the equivalent of one saa (approximately 2.5 to 3 kg) of staple food, or its monetary value, per person in the household.
Can women attend Eid al-Fitr 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. Check venue details for availability.
What should I do before Eid al-Fitr prayer?
It is Sunnah to perform ghusl (full ritual bath), wear your best clothes, apply perfume (for men), eat an odd number of dates (three, five, or seven), recite the takbir on the way, and walk to the prayer if possible. It is also Sunnah to take a different route on the way back home.
Is there an adhan or iqamah for Eid al-Fitr prayer?
No. Unlike the five daily prayers, there is no adhan (call to prayer) or iqamah before Eid prayer. The congregation simply gathers and the Imam begins the prayer when it is time.