The Two Festivals (Eids) - Sahih al-Bukhari 962

I offered the `Id prayer with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman and all of them offered the prayer before delivering the Khutba.

Commentary on the Sequence of Eid Prayer

This narration establishes the sunnah method for Eid prayers, demonstrating that the prayer precedes the khutba (sermon). This sequence differs from the Friday prayer where the khutba comes first.

The consensus of the four rightly-guided caliphs following the Prophet's practice indicates this is an established sunnah, not merely a personal preference. This order allows the congregation to complete the obligatory worship before listening to the sermon.

Legal Ruling and Significance

Scholars unanimously agree that performing Eid prayer before the khutba is a confirmed sunnah. The imam should lead the prayer first, then deliver two khutbas with a brief sitting between them.

This tradition shows the continuity of Islamic practice through the generations of righteous leadership, maintaining the Prophetic method without alteration.