How is Eid prayer performed, and what makes it different from daily prayers?

Eid prayer is offered on the mornings of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and differs from the daily prayers in several ways. There is no adhan or iqamah beforehand — worshippers simply gather once the sun has risen to a suitable height. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs with extra takbirs: most schools count seven additional takbirs before recitation in the first rak'ah (after the opening takbir) and five before recitation in the second, though the Hanafi school counts three extra takbirs in each rak'ah at slightly different points. Unlike Friday prayer, the khutbah (sermon) is delivered after the prayer rather than before, as the Companions confirmed was the consistent practice of the Prophet and the early caliphs (Sahih al-Bukhari 962). Scholars differ on whether Eid prayer is individually obligatory, a communal obligation, or a strongly emphasized sunnah, but there is wide agreement that it should be attended by the whole community, including women, children, and even those observing their menstrual cycle who can be present without praying. It is customarily held outdoors or in a large hall to accommodate the whole community together.

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