Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer the prayer of `Id-ul-Adha and `Id-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer.
The Book of The Two Festivals (Eids)
Sahih al-Bukhari 957
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer the prayer of `Id-ul-Adha and `Id-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer.
Commentary on the Sequence
This narration establishes the Sunnah that the Eid prayer precedes the Khutba (sermon). This sequence differs from the Jumu'ah (Friday) prayer, where the Khutba comes first. The wisdom behind this is to give priority to the act of worship (prayer) on this day of celebration and to accommodate the large congregation, including women and children, who may find it difficult to remain for a lengthy sermon.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The majority of scholars hold that listening to the Eid Khutba is a recommended Sunnah (mustahabb), not an obligatory component of the Eid prayer itself. It is permissible to leave after the prayer, though staying is superior. This is derived from the Prophet's practice and his permission for women to depart.
Underlying Wisdom (Hikmah)
Beginning with the prayer fosters a collective spirit of devotion and gratitude to Allah before any admonition or reminder. It allows the community to fulfill the primary act of worship together, strengthening communal bonds and manifesting the joy and gratitude inherent in the Eid celebration as an act of pure worship first and foremost.