The Book of Prayer - Two Eids

Sahih Muslim 887

Hadith Text

"I prayed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayers on two I'ds wore than once or twice without there being Adhan and Iqama."

Scholarly Commentary

This narration establishes that the Eid prayers are performed without the customary call to prayer (Adhan) and without the second call (Iqama) that immediately precedes the obligatory prayers. This is a distinctive legal ruling specific to the Eid prayers, demonstrating their unique nature in Islamic worship.

The absence of Adhan and Iqama for Eid prayers is a confirmed Sunnah practiced consistently by the Prophet (ﷺ), as indicated by the companion's testimony of having prayed with him "more than once or twice" in this manner. This practice distinguishes Eid prayers from the five daily obligatory prayers and emphasizes their special communal character.

Scholars have derived from this that the method of gathering people for Eid prayers differs from regular congregational prayers. The community is informed through general announcement and mutual notification rather than the formal Adhan, reflecting the joyful and celebratory nature of these occasions.

Legal Implications

This hadith forms the basis for the unanimous position among all schools of Islamic jurisprudence that Eid prayers are performed without Adhan or Iqama.

The ruling applies to both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers equally, as the text mentions "two Eids" specifically.

This practice remains in effect regardless of whether the prayer is performed in an open area (musalla) or in a mosque, maintaining the distinctive character of Eid worship across all venues.