Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr and 'Umar used to observe the two 'Id prayers before the sermon.
The Book of Prayer - Two Eids
Sahih Muslim 888 - Commentary by Classical Scholars
Textual Analysis
This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar establishes the prophetic practice (Sunnah) regarding the sequence of Eid prayer and sermon. The consistent action of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) along with the first two rightly-guided caliphs demonstrates the established norm.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The majority of classical scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad, hold that performing the Eid prayer before the sermon is the established Sunnah. This sequence differs from the Friday prayer where the sermon precedes the prayer.
This practice is considered emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah), and deviation from this sequence, while not invalidating the prayer, constitutes a departure from the preferred method.
Wisdom Behind the Sequence
Scholars note several wisdoms: The prayer is the primary objective, thus given precedence. Also, delivering the sermon after prayer allows the congregation to be settled and attentive. Furthermore, this sequence facilitates the timely performance of the prayer within its prescribed time.
Scholarly Consensus
The continuous practice of the Prophet and the first two caliphs establishes this as the normative practice of the early Muslim community. This chain of authority provides strong evidence for the preferred method of conducting Eid prayers in Islam.