The Prophet (ﷺ) went out for the `Id prayer on the `Id day and offered a two rak`at prayer; and he neither offered a prayer before it or after it. Then he went towards the women along with Bilal. He preached them and ordered them to give in charity. And some (amongst the women) started giving their forearm bangles and earrings.
Hadith Text and Context
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) went out for the `Id prayer on the `Id day and offered a two rak`at prayer; and he neither offered a prayer before it or after it. Then he went towards the women along with Bilal. He preached them and ordered them to give in charity. And some (amongst the women) started giving their forearm bangles and earrings.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1431
Legal Rulings of Eid Prayer
The Eid prayer consists of two rak'at without any voluntary prayers before or after it, establishing the sunnah of performing only the obligatory Eid prayer at the prayer ground.
This demonstrates that Eid prayer is performed in open spaces (musalla) rather than mosques, and that no sunnah prayers are prescribed for it, unlike regular prayers.
Addressing Women Separately
The Prophet's movement toward the women with Bilal indicates the permissibility and wisdom of addressing women separately to ensure they receive proper religious instruction.
This shows the importance of women's religious education and their inclusion in communal worship while maintaining proper Islamic etiquette.
Charity on Eid Day
The command to give charity on Eid demonstrates the importance of sharing blessings and purifying wealth, even on days of celebration.
The women's immediate response by donating their jewelry shows the companions' exemplary enthusiasm in obeying Allah's commands and supporting the needy.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith teaches that Islamic celebrations combine worship, community gathering, and charity - balancing spiritual and social obligations.
The absence of additional prayers emphasizes that the essence of Eid lies in gratitude to Allah, communal unity, and concern for the less fortunate.