Eid ul Adha Prayer Time – Exact Timing, Sunnah, and Tips
Eid ul Adha prayer is offered shortly after sunrise and must be performed before the Dhuhr prayer. While the exact time varies by city and country, most congregations schedule the prayer between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Check with your local mosque or Islamic center to get the accurate time.
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What Is Eid ul Adha and Why Is the Prayer Important?
Eid ul Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, marks Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) act of obedience to Allah by his willingness to sacrifice his son. It’s celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and offering the Eid ul Adha prayer is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah—a highly recommended act for Muslims.
The prayer also signifies unity, submission, and the start of the Qurbani ritual. That’s why knowing the correct Eid ul Adha prayer time is essential.
When Is Eid ul Adha Prayer Time?
The Eid ul Adha prayer time begins around 15-20 minutes after sunrise and should be performed before the sun reaches its zenith (before Dhuhr). This gives a limited window of approximately 2–3 hours.
General Prayer Time Window:
- Starts: ~15 minutes after sunrise
- Ends: Before Dhuhr prayer (~11:30 AM to 12:00 PM in many locations)
City-Wise Examples of Eid ul Adha Prayer Time (Approximate)
| City | Estimated Prayer Time |
|---|---|
| Lahore, PK | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Karachi, PK | 6:45 AM – 8:15 AM |
| Delhi, IN | 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Riyadh, KSA | 5:45 AM – 7:30 AM |
| London, UK | 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
| New York, USA | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Toronto, CA | 6:45 AM – 9:15 AM |
| Dubai, UAE | 5:45 AM – 7:00 AM |
✅ Always confirm with your local Islamic center for the most accurate Eid ul Adha prayer time.
How to Find Eid ul Adha Prayer Time in Your City
Here are quick ways to check Eid ul Adha prayer time locally:
- 🕌 Visit your mosque’s official website or notice board
- 📱 Use Islamic apps like Muslim Pro, IslamicFinder, or Athan
- 💬 Join local Muslim WhatsApp/Facebook groups
- 📞 Call or text your mosque administration directly
- 📻 In some countries, local Islamic radio broadcasts the prayer announcements
How to Prepare for Eid ul Adha Prayer
Following the Sunnah is part of the reward. Here’s a checklist before you head for the prayer:
- Perform Ghusl (ritual bath) early in the morning
- Wear your best clean clothes (white preferred, if available)
- Do not eat before the prayer (unlike Eid ul Fitr)
- Recite Takbeer from Fajr until the start of Eid prayer
- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil Hamd
- Use miswak or brush your teeth
- Walk to the prayer ground if possible
- Take one route going and a different one returning (Sunnah)
Where Is the Eid Prayer Performed?
The best place for Eid ul Adha prayer is a large open ground (Eidgah). But if weather or logistics don’t permit, it may be performed in:
- Local mosques
- Islamic centers
- Stadiums or rented halls (in Western countries)
- At home (under exceptional situations like illness or restrictions)
How to Perform Eid ul Adha Prayer
The Eid ul Adha prayer consists of two rakats and is offered in congregation with six additional Takbeers.
Basic Structure:
- First Rakat:
- Takbeer Tahrima + 3 additional Takbeers
- Surah Al-Fatiha + another Surah
- Ruku → Sujood → Stand for second rakat
- Second Rakat:
- Surah Al-Fatiha + another Surah
- 3 additional Takbeers before Ruku
- Complete the prayer and listen to the Khutbah
Sunnah Acts of Eid ul Adha
- Avoid eating before the prayer
- Perform Ghusl and dress neatly
- Recite Takbeerat from Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah till 13th Dhul Hijjah
- Offer Qurbani only after the Eid prayer
- Attend the Khutbah (sermon) after the prayer
- Greet fellow Muslims with “Eid Mubarak” and make dua for each other
What If You Miss Eid ul Adha Prayer?
If you miss the prayer:
- You cannot perform it alone later as Qadha, according to many scholars
- However, some opinions (like from Hanafi school) allow praying at home if the congregation is missed for valid reasons
- Focus on doing Qurbani and other Eid acts
Key Differences Between Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Fitr Prayer
| Aspect | Eid ul Fitr | Eid ul Adha |
|---|---|---|
| Eating before prayer | Sunnah (eat dates) | Sunnah to fast until Qurbani |
| Takbeer starts | Maghrib on Chand Raat | Fajr on 9th Dhul Hijjah |
| Qurbani | Not performed | Done after prayer |
| Focus | End of Ramadan fasting | Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim |
FAQs About Eid ul Adha Prayer Time
Is Eid ul Adha prayer obligatory?
No, it’s Sunnah Mu’akkadah, but not Fard. However, missing it without reason is discouraged.
Can women attend the Eid prayer?
Yes. Women are encouraged to join in open Eid congregations with modest dress and separate arrangements.
Can I offer Eid ul Adha prayer at home?
Yes—if there’s a valid excuse (like sickness or no congregation nearby), you may pray at home alone or in a group.
Can the prayer be delayed?
It must be done before Dhuhr, so it cannot be delayed beyond that time window.
Do I have to fast before Eid ul Adha prayer?
No. In fact, it’s Sunnah to not eat before the prayer and eat after Qurbani.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Eid ul Adha Prayer Time
To make the most of this blessed day:
- Know your Eid ul Adha prayer time ahead of schedule
- Reach early to the prayer location
- Follow the Sunnah practices
- Celebrate with joy, sacrifice, and spirituality
Eid ul Adha isn’t just about Qurbani—it begins with the blessed prayer. Don’t miss it!
