The Book of Prayer - Two Eids

كتاب صلاة العيدين

Chapter 4: Concession Allowing Play That Involves No Disobedience During The Days Of 'Id

'A'isha reported that some Abyssinians came and gave a demonstration of armed fight on the 'Id day in the mosque. The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) invited me (to see that fight). I placed my head on his shoulder and began to see their sport till it was I who turned away from watching them.

This hadith has been narrated by Hisham with the same chain of transmitters but (the narrators) did not make mention of the mosque.

'A'isha said that she sent a message to the players (of this armed fight) saying

I like to see them (fighting). She further said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up and I stood at the door (behind him) and saw (this fight) between his ears and his shoulders they played in the mosque. 'Ata' (one of the narra- tors) said: Were they persians or Abyssinians? Ibn 'Atiq told me they were Abyssinians.

Abu Huraira reported

While the Abyssinians were busy playing with their arms in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 'Umar b. Khattab came there. He bent down to take up pebbles to throw at them (in order to make them go off). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him: 'Umar, leave them alone.