1. Performing Eid Prayer the Next Day if Missed
A caravan came to the Prophet ﷺ and testified that they had seen the Eid moon the previous night. The Prophet ﷺ:
- Ordered the companions to break their fast.
- Instructed them to go to the Eid ground the next morning.
(Abu Dawud 1157 – authenticated by Ibn Hazm and al-Bayhaqi)
Benefit:
If the Eid prayer is missed due to a valid excuse, it may be performed the following day.
2. Display of Martial Skills on Eid
‘Aishah (RA) narrated:
"On Eid, some Abyssinians were playing with shields and spears. The Prophet ﷺ asked me, ‘Do you wish to watch?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He made me stand behind him, and I watched them play in the mosque."
(Bukhari 454; Muslim 892)
Note:
This shows that permissible joy and entertainment are allowed on Eid within Islamic limits.
3. Time for Eid Prayer
‘Abdullah ibn Busr (RA) attended Eid al-Fitr prayer. When the imam delayed the prayer, he said:
"In the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, we would have finished the prayer by now."
The narrator said this was during the forenoon (chast).
(Abu Dawud 1130 – authenticated by al-Hakim and al-Dhahabi)
Conclusion:
It is Sunnah to perform the Eid prayer early and not delay it unnecessarily.
4. Changing Routes When Going and Returning
Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah (RA) said:
"On Eid, the Prophet ﷺ would take a different route on his return than the one he had taken going to the Eid ground."
(Bukhari 986)
Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated similarly:
(Abu Dawud 1156; Ibn Majah 1299)
Wisdom:
One reason is to meet more people and have both routes witness the act of worship.
