◈ Changing the Route on Eid Day: A Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and Practice of the Companions ◈
✿ Written by: Abu al-Asqa‘ Qari Usama bin Abd al-Salam ✿
❶ Evidence from Hadith
✔ Practice of the Prophet ﷺ in Changing Routes:
🔹 Narrated by Jabir bin Abdullah رضي الله عنه:
“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ عِيدٍ خَالَفَ الطَّرِيقَ“
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 986)
Translation: “When it was the day of Eid, the Prophet ﷺ would take a different route (on returning).”
✅ This Hadith clearly shows that the Prophet ﷺ would take one route when going to the Eid prayer, and return via a different route.
✔ Another Supporting Hadith:
🔹 Narrated by Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه:
“إِذَا خَرَجْتُمْ إِلَى الْعِيدِ فَخَالِفُوا الطَّرِيقَ“
(Sunan Ibn Majah: 1297, Sunan al-Darimi: 1585)
Translation: “When you go out for Eid, take a different route.”
✅ This Hadith also reflects the Companions’ adherence to this Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by adopting different routes on Eid.
❷ Consensus of the Companions (Ijmā‘ al-Sahabah)
🔹 All the noble Companions acted upon this Sunnah, and no narration exists contradicting it.
🔹 It is authentically established from Abdullah ibn Umar, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and other Companions that they used to return via a different route after the Eid prayer.
✅ Therefore, changing the route on Eid day is not only a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ but also a unanimously accepted practice of the Companions.
❸ Wisdoms Behind Changing the Route
The scholars have explained several spiritual and social wisdoms behind this Sunnah:
① To greet more people – The Prophet ﷺ made it a point to meet and greet as many Muslims as possible.
② Angels bear witness – Angels record deeds and offer prayers of forgiveness on both routes.
③ Glorifying the signs of Allah – By traversing different paths, one spiritually illuminates more parts of the land with the remembrance of Allah.
④ Opportunity to help the poor and needy – A different route offers chances to give charity to more people.
⑤ Display of Islamic identity – This act becomes a distinct and visible symbol of Eid, serving as a mark of Muslim identity and culture.
✅ These wisdoms demonstrate the spiritual depth and practical benefits of this noble Sunnah.
❹ Is Changing the Route Obligatory or Recommended?
🔹 Majority of the Fuqaha have stated that this act is a Sunnah Mustahabbah (recommended Sunnah), meaning it is virtuous and meritorious, but not obligatory.
🔹 Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله states:
“This practice was a continuous Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, and the Companions followed it. However, if someone is unable to do so due to a valid excuse, there is no sin.”
(Zad al-Ma‘ad: 1/449)
✅ Hence, changing the route on Eid is a strongly encouraged Sunnah; one who practices it gains reward, but there is no sin upon one who misses it for a valid reason.
❺ Summary and Key Points
✅ Changing the route on Eid is a confirmed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
✅ All the Companions practiced it, with no opposing narration.
✅ It holds numerous spiritual, social, and symbolic benefits.
✅ It is a recommended Sunnah (Mustahabb) and not obligatory (Wajib).
📌 Therefore, every Muslim should make an effort to take a different route when going to and returning from the Eid prayer, in order to fulfill this Sunnah and earn increased reward.
