The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) stood up on the day of 'Id al-Fitr and observed prayer. And he commenced the prayer before the sermon. He then delivered the sermon. When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had finished (the sermon) he came down from (the pulpit), and made his way to the women and exhorted them (to do good acts), and he was leaning on the hand of Bilal. Bilal had stretched his cloth in which women were throwing alms. I (one of the narrators) said to 'Ata' (the other narrator): It must be Zakat on the day of Fitr. He ('Ata') said: No. It was alms (which) they were giving on that occasion, and a woman gave her ring, and then others gave, and then others gave. I said to 'Ata': Is It right now for the Imam to come to the women when he has finished (his address to the men) that he should exhort them (to good deeds)? He said: (Why not) by my life, it is right for them (to do so). What is the matter with them that they do not do it now?
The Book of Prayer - Two Eids
Sahih Muslim 885 a
Hadith Commentary
This narration establishes the proper sequence for Eid prayer: the prayer precedes the sermon, contrary to the Friday prayer where the sermon comes first. This demonstrates the unique nature of Eid celebrations in Islamic jurisprudence.
The Prophet's action of addressing women separately after the general sermon shows his concern for all community members' spiritual education. His physical support on Bilal's hand indicates the importance of dignified leadership while maintaining approachability.
The spontaneous charity collection during the Eid celebration highlights how religious occasions should combine worship with practical compassion. The women's immediate response with jewelry demonstrates the Islamic encouragement of voluntary charity beyond obligatory zakat.
The narrator's question to 'Ata' about contemporary practice reveals early Muslims' commitment to preserving Prophetic traditions. 'Ata's lament about the discontinuation of this practice serves as a reminder to maintain all authentic Sunnah aspects in our religious observances.