The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go out to the prayer place on the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha and lead the people in prayer. When he sat during the second rak'ah and said the taslim, he stood up and turned to face the people while the people were sitting. If he needed to mention something concerning the dispatch of an army he would tell the people, otherwise he would enjoin the people to give charity. He said: "Give charity" three times, and among those who gave the most charity were the women.
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith 1576
Hadith Text
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to go out to the prayer place on the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha and lead the people in prayer. When he sat during the second rak'ah and said the taslim, he stood up and turned to face the people while the people were sitting. If he needed to mention something concerning the dispatch of an army he would tell the people, otherwise he would enjoin the people to give charity. He said: "Give charity" three times, and among those who gave the most charity were the women.
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith establishes the Sunnah of performing the Eid prayer in an open prayer ground (musalla) rather than in the mosque, demonstrating the public nature of this congregational act of worship. The Prophet's practice of delivering the khutbah after the prayer, rather than before it as in Jumu'ah, indicates the distinct legal status of Eid prayers.
The Prophet's turning to face the congregation while they remained seated shows the proper etiquette for the Eid khutbah. The flexibility in the sermon's content - either addressing military necessities or focusing on charity - reveals the wisdom of tailoring religious guidance to contemporary needs while maintaining core spiritual principles.
The triple repetition of "Give charity" emphasizes the importance of charitable giving, particularly on Eid when Muslims are encouraged to share their blessings. The special mention of women's generosity serves as both commendation and encouragement for their continued participation in acts of piety and social welfare.
Legal Rulings Derived
• Eid prayers should preferably be performed in an open area outside the mosque
• The khutbah follows the prayer, contrary to the Friday prayer sequence
• The congregation remains seated during the Eid khutbah
• Charity (Sadaqah) is strongly emphasized, especially during Eid celebrations
• The Imam may address current community affairs in the khutbah when necessary