Scholars have differed regarding whether someone who completely forgets the Takbirat al-Eid during the Eid prayer should perform the prostration of forgetfulness or not, despite the unanimous agreement that their prayer is valid.
The majority opinion among the Hanafi scholars and some scholars from other schools is that one should perform the prostration of forgetfulness for forgetting the Takbirat al-Eid.
The Shafi’i school and some Hanbali scholars have stated that the person has the choice between performing the prostration of forgetfulness and leaving it.
Some scholars have argued that the prostration of forgetfulness is not required because the Takbirat al-Eid is a recommended act (Sunnah), and its time has passed due to the delay, so there is no need to return to it or perform the prostration of forgetfulness.
– If someone forgets the Takbirat al-Eid and remembers it during the bowing (ruku’):
According to the consensus, they should not go back to the Takbirat al-Eid, so as not to prioritize a recommended action over an essential pillar (rukn). If they do go back knowingly, their prayer becomes invalid.
– If someone forgets the Takbirat al-Eid after they have started reciting:
Scholars have also differed on this matter:
The Hanafi and Maliki schools, as well as one opinion among the Hanbali scholars, hold that the person should go back, recite the Takbirat al-Eid, continue their prayer, and then perform the prostration of forgetfulness.
They argue that the appropriate time for the Takbir is during the standing (qiyam) and that the opportunity for it still exists, so it should not be missed, and the correction of changing should be done through the prostration of forgetfulness.
Meanwhile, the Shafi’i school and some Hanbali scholars have stated that one should not return to the Takbirat al-Eid after they have begun recitation. They also have the choice regarding the prostration of forgetfulness. They argue that the Takbirat al-Eid is prescribed before the recitation and that its opportunity has been missed by starting the recitation. Additionally, it is mentioned among the other supplications (adhkar) recited in the prayer.
The opinion that we choose is the view of the Hanafi scholars and those who align with them.
And Allah knows best.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr