The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), Abu Bakr, 'Umar, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with them, used to offer the 'Eid prayer before the Khutbah.
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids
Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 1564
Textual Analysis
This narration establishes the Sunnah practice that the Eid prayer precedes the Khutbah (sermon), contrary to the Friday prayer where the Khutbah comes first. This sequence was consistently maintained by the Prophet (ﷺ) and his two rightly-guided successors.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The consensus of scholars holds that performing the Eid prayer before the Khutbah is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah). This order is integral to the validity of the Eid prayer ritual. The Khutbah follows as a completion of the worship, providing religious instruction to the congregation.
Wisdom Behind the Sequence
Scholars note that prioritizing the prayer emphasizes its fundamental importance as an act of worship directed solely to Allah. The Khutbah serves as secondary guidance. This arrangement also distinguishes Eid prayers from Jumu'ah, preventing confusion between the two distinct congregational obligations.
Practical Implementation
The Imam should lead the two rak'ahs of Eid prayer without any adhan or iqamah. Upon completion, he delivers two Khutbahs with a brief sitting between them, following the Prophetic example. The congregation must remain attentive during both prayer and sermon to attain the complete reward.