The Law of Idul Adha Prayer: Mandatory or Sunnah? Here’s the Explanation

Kapanlagi.com - The Idul Adha prayer is an important part of the celebration of the Idul Adha holiday for Muslims. However, many still wonder about the law of performing this prayer, whether it is mandatory or just sunnah? Understanding its legal status is very important so that every Muslim can perform this worship with the right understanding.

In Islam, the law of the Idul Adha prayer can be understood based on various scholars' views. Some scholars argue that the Idul Adha prayer is a sunnah muakkadah, while others consider it a fard kifayah. Each of these opinions has certain foundations, and the correct understanding can strengthen awareness in performing worship.

This prayer has the status of sunnah muakkadah, which means it is highly recommended for every Muslim who has reached adulthood and is of sound mind. Understanding this will help Muslims realize the great value of the Idul Adha prayer in completing the celebration of the holiday.

1. The Law of Idul Adha Prayer: Sunnah Muakkadah or Fard Kifayah?

The Idul Adha prayer is generally considered a sunnah muakkadah, which is a highly recommended sunnah that should not be neglected without a valid reason. This opinion is supported by the majority of scholars, including Imam Malik and Imam Shafi'i. However, there is also an opinion that states that the Idul Adha prayer is a fard kifayah, meaning that if some members of the Muslim community perform it, the obligation is considered fulfilled for the community.

Some scholars also argue that the Idul Adha prayer can be obligatory for each individual, especially for men, and those who neglect it without a valid reason are considered sinful. This opinion is more emphasized by Imam Abu Hanifah and a narration from Imam Ahmad. This view is supported by hadiths that command the community to perform the Idul Fitri and Idul Adha prayers.

By understanding these differing opinions, Muslims are expected to take steps in accordance with the teachings they believe in, while also respecting the various views present within Islamic jurisprudence.

2. The Virtues of Eid al-Adha Prayer in Islam

The Eid al-Adha prayer has many virtues that not only impact the blessings of the holiday but also bring great rewards. As narrated in a hadith, "There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days, that is, the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah." (HR. Bukhari). This indicates that every act of worship performed on Eid al-Adha, including prayer, is greatly loved by Allah SWT.

Moreover, the performance of the Eid al-Adha prayer is expected to erase past sins and bring multiplied rewards. The fasting of Arafah, which is done the day before, also functions as an expiation for the sins of the past year and the coming year. Thus, the Eid al-Adha prayer becomes part of the process of purifying oneself for Muslims ahead of the celebration of sacrifice.

Another virtue is that the Eid al-Adha prayer serves as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds among Muslims, whether they are present in the mosque or in open fields. This prayer carries a message of unity and equality in worshiping Allah SWT.

3. Time and Place of Idul Adha Prayer

The Idul Adha prayer is performed starting at sunrise on the 10th of Dzulhijjah and ends when the sun begins to decline towards the west (the time for Dzuhur begins). The best time to perform the prayer is when the sun has risen to the height of one spear, indicating the precise time to commence the worship.

The Idul Adha prayer is usually held in an open field or a large mosque courtyard, with the aim of accommodating a large congregation. This worship must be performed in congregation, as it can strengthen the sense of togetherness among Muslims. Not only is there the prayer, but there will also be a sermon delivered by the imam or khatib afterwards.

It is important to pay attention to the right time and place so that the prayer can be performed perfectly and fulfill the requirements set in the religion.

4. Procedure for Idul Adha Prayer

The Eid al-Adha prayer is a very important worship for Muslims that is performed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah every year. Below are the steps for performing the Eid al-Adha prayer that you need to follow to carry out the worship correctly:

1. Intention for Eid al-Adha Prayer

• Before starting the prayer, intend in your heart that you will perform the Sunnah prayer of Eid al-Adha.
• The recommended intention is:

"Ushalli sunnatan li'idil Adha rak'ataini (makmuman/imaman) lillahi ta'ala."

(Meaning: "I intend to perform the Sunnah prayer of Eid al-Adha two rak'ahs (as a follower/imam) for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.")

2. Takbiratul Ihram

• After the intention, the imam or muadzin will announce the takbiratul ihram to start the prayer.
• All congregants follow the takbiratul ihram by raising their hands and starting the prayer.

3. First Rak'ah

• In the first rak'ah, after the takbiratul ihram, recite the opening prayer (doa iftitah).
• Then continue by reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and another surah (for example, Surah Qaf or Al-A'la) according to the Sunnah.
• After that, recite takbir seven times besides the takbiratul ihram and the takbir for bowing (ruku').
• The takbir is: "Allahu Akbar" said after each takbir.

4. Second Rak'ah

• After completing the first rak'ah, perform ruku' and sujud as usual.
• In the second rak'ah, recite takbir five times besides the takbir when standing up from sujud and the takbir for ruku'.
• After the takbir, continue by reciting Al-Fatihah and other surahs according to the Sunnah.

5. Khutbah After the Prayer

• After completing the two rak'ahs, the imam will deliver a khutbah to the congregation.
• This khutbah contains religious messages, teachings about the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, and reminders about obedience to Allah SWT.

6. Attention to the Time of Implementation

• The Idul Adha prayer should preferably be performed after sunrise and at a height of one spear.
• Make sure the prayer is performed before the time of Dzuhur, in accordance with the prescribed time.

7. The Procedure for Praying and Remembrance

• During the prayer, it is recommended to increase remembrance and supplication, especially after each takbir.
• It is advised for the congregation to recite remembrances such as:

"Subhanallah walhamdulillah wala ilaaha illallahu wallahu akbar."

5. Questions About Idul Adha Prayer

1. Is the Idul Adha prayer obligatory?

The Idul Adha prayer is considered sunnah muakkadah according to most scholars, but some scholars argue that this prayer is fard kifayah or even fard ain for every capable Muslim.

2. How to perform the Idul Adha prayer?

The Idul Adha prayer is performed in two rakaats, where the first rakaat includes seven takbirs, and the second rakaat includes five takbirs. After the prayer, it is followed by a sermon that contains religious messages.

3. When is the best time to perform the Idul Adha prayer?

The Idul Adha prayer should be performed after the sun rises and reaches the height of one spear, and it ends when the sun begins to decline (entering the time for Dzuhur).

(kpl/frr)