◈ 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 ✿
✔ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
✿ 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.
