I bear testimony to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) offering prayer before Kbutba. He (after saying prayer) delivered the Kutba, and he found that the women could not hear it, so he came to them and exhorted them and preached them and commanded them to give alms, and Bilal had stretched his cloth and the women were throwing rings, earrings and other things. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Ayyub with the same chain of transmitters.
Hadith Commentary: The Book of Prayer - Two Eids
Sahih Muslim 884 b, c
Textual Analysis
This narration establishes the Sunnah sequence for Eid prayer: first the prayer, then the khutbah (sermon). This differs from Jumu'ah where khutbah precedes prayer, demonstrating the unique nature of Eid rituals.
The Prophet's movement toward the women after realizing they couldn't hear shows his comprehensive concern for all community members' religious education and spiritual benefit.
Legal Rulings
Scholars derive from this that Eid khutbah is Sunnah but not obligatory for prayer validity. Listening to it is recommended but not compulsory.
The women's separate gathering indicates permissibility of gender separation in congregational settings when it facilitates better concentration and modesty.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Prophet's immediate action upon discovering the women's predicament exemplifies practical compassion and inclusive leadership.
The spontaneous charity demonstrated teaches that Eid celebrations should include remembrance of the less fortunate, transforming joy into shared blessings.
Social Implications
Bilal's role in collecting charity shows the honor of service in Islam and the importance of organized charitable systems.
The women's donation of jewelry indicates the permissibility of women possessing and disposing of their own wealth, and their active role in community welfare.