The Prophet (ﷺ) went out and offered a two rak`at prayer on the Day of `Id ul Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal was accompanying him.
The Two Festivals (Eids)
Sahih al-Bukhari 989
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) went out and offered a two rak`at prayer on the Day of `Id ul Fitr and did not offer any other prayer before or after it and at that time Bilal was accompanying him.
Scholarly Commentary
This narration establishes that the Eid prayer consists of two rak'at, following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The absence of any additional prayers before or after the Eid prayer indicates that there are no Sunnah prayers associated with Eid prayers, unlike the five daily prayers.
The mention of Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) accompanying the Prophet serves to authenticate the transmission and emphasizes that this was a public act witnessed by companions.
This practice demonstrates the simplicity of Islamic worship and prevents any innovation in religious matters. The Eid prayer is a distinct act of worship with its own rulings, separate from regular prayers.
Scholars have derived from this that one should not pray voluntary prayers before or after the Eid prayer at the prayer ground, though one may pray at home if desired.