"The prayer of Al-Adha is two rak'ahs, the prayer of Al-Fitr is two rak'ahs, the prayer of the traveler is two rak'ahs and the jumu'ah prayer is two rak'ahs, complete and not shortened, upon the tongue of the Prophet (ﷺ).
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids - Sunan an-Nasa'i
Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1566
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith establishes the fundamental ruling that the Eid prayers, Friday prayer, and traveler's prayer all consist of two rak'ahs. The Prophet's explicit declaration "complete and not shortened" serves to remove any ambiguity regarding their prescribed form.
Legal Rulings
The Eid prayers maintain their two-rak'ah structure despite being congregational prayers of significance, distinguishing them from the four-rak'ah daily prayers. The traveler's prayer remains two rak'ahs as a concession (rukhsah), while Jumu'ah prayer is established as two rak'ahs by consensus of the scholars.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Nawawi explains that the phrase "upon the tongue of the Prophet" emphasizes the authenticity and direct transmission of this ruling. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that specifying these four prayers serves to clarify common misconceptions, particularly regarding Eid prayers which some might assume would be longer given their importance.
Practical Implications
This hadith provides clear guidance for Muslims in performing these essential prayers correctly. The ruling prevents innovation in prayer formats and ensures uniformity in practice across the Muslim community, following the precise Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah.