Eid Al-Fitr Prayer in Saudi Arabia
Eid Al-Fitr Prayer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a special prayer performed by Muslims in general on the first day of Shawwal of each Hijri year, following the end of Ramadan fasting. Its performance time is fifteen minutes after sunrise, according to Umm Al-Qura calendar. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, through its branches across the Kingdom's provinces, is responsible for preparing mosques and designated Eid prayer arenas.
How to perform Eid Al-Fitr prayer
The prayer consists of two Rak'at, but it differs from other prayers in the number of takbirs at the beginning of each. In the first rak'ah, six additional takbirs are recited after the opening takbir (Takbirat Al-Ihram), and in the second Rak'ah, five are added after the transitional Takbir (when rising from prostration). Following the prayer, the Eid sermon (Khutbah) is delivered.
Eid Al-Fitr prayer locations in Saudi Arabia
Eid Al-Fitr prayer is held in the Kingdom at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, the Prophet's Mosque in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and designated mosques and grand mosques across each province. It is also performed in Al-Mashhad, which is an open-air prayer area set up over a large space specifically prepared for Eid prayers by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.
The manifestations of Eid Al-Fitr prayer in Saudi Arabia
People prepare well in advance for Eid Al-Fitr prayer. Men, women, and children attend the prayer. Worshippers typically head out early, and their arrival is marked by festive expressions of celebration. Mosques are prepared to receive them, and loudspeakers broadcast the Eid takbirs.
Worshippers wear new clothes, and many bring sweets to distribute among attendees, young and old. After the Eid prayer, people congratulate one another, exchange visits, give gifts (Eidiyah), and Saudi families then gather for the Eid breakfast, which often includes traditional dishes.
Sources
Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.
Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Official website of Sheikh Ibn Baz.
Saleh Bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan website.