How Should a Shafi’i Perform Eid Prayer Behind a Hanafi Imam? (Shafi’i)


Shafi'i Fiqh

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Assalam alaykum,

How would a Shafi`i follower perform the Eid prayer behind a Hanafi Imam?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

How many Tabkirat Should be Declared?

In the Shafi’i school, declaring the takbirat (“Allahu Akbar”) in the Eid prayer is a recommended action, along with raising the hands for every takbir.

It is declared seven times in the first unit of prayer, not including the takbir to start the prayer.
It is then declared five times in the second unit of prayer, not including the takbir recited to return to the standing position.

When Should It be Declared?

Its time is just prior to seeking refuge in Allah, and the recitation of the Fatiha. If one starts the Fatiha, one has missed the takbirat and should not return to it.

What Should one do if Following an Imam of Another School?

A person following an Imam in the Eid prayer should follow him in the number of his takbirat. The follower should not increase or decrease the number of takbirat. This is because the Imam is meant to be followed as much as possible.

This is irrespective of whether the Imam declares the takbirat three or six times, and whether he declares them prior or subsequent to the recitation.

If the Imam leaves out the takbirat altogether, the follower should not declare them, as it is a recommended action, and the obligation of following the Imam is given precedence over it.

Source: al-Hawashi al-Madaniyyah

Shuaib Ally