Nasai

1590. Commentary: The purpose of slaughtering the sacrificial animal in front of people or at the Eid ground is to encourage others towards offering sacrifice. After the verbal exhortation, this is also a practical demonstration; therefore, it is recommended (mustahabb) but not obligatory. Similarly, it is not necessary to slaughter two animals; one is sufficient. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) used to slaughter one animal on behalf of himself and his family, and another on behalf of his ummah. (Sahih Muslim, Al-Adahi, Hadith: 1967) Regarding the sacrifice on behalf of the ummah, some scholars state that this is a particular distinction (khasiyyah) of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), in which it is not permissible for the ummah to follow him. See: (Irwa’ al-Ghalil: 4/354) The obligation of sacrifice upon the imam is only if he possesses the means to do so. According to Imam Malik rahimahullah, one should not perform the Eid prayer behind an imam who cannot or does not offer the sacrifice, but the majority of scholars do not hold this view, because piety (taqwa) and knowledge are the conditions for imamate, not wealth. In any case, if the imam is one who offers the sacrifice and does so openly in front of the people, it is a good thing. And Allah knows best.