Question:
Is it permissible for a Muslim to remain absent from the Eid prayer without a valid excuse? Also, is it permissible to prevent women from attending Eid prayers along with men?
Answer:
- According to most scholars, the Eid prayer is a Fard Kifayah (communal obligation). If some people perform it, the obligation is lifted from the rest. However, attending the Eid prayer and joining fellow Muslims is a strongly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah), and it should not be abandoned without a valid excuse.
- Some scholars hold the opinion that Eid prayer is Fard ‘Ayn (an individual obligation), like Jumu‘ah prayer. According to this view, it is not permissible for an adult, free, resident Muslim male to miss it without a valid excuse. This opinion is stronger in terms of evidence.
Women Attending Eid Prayer
- It is Sunnah for women to attend the Eid prayer, provided they observe proper Hijab and avoid wearing perfume.
- This is proven by the Hadith of Umm ‘Atiyyah (رضي الله عنها) in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, where she said:
"أمرنا أن نخرج فى العيدين العواتق والحيض، ليشهدن الخير ودعوة المسلمين، وتعتزل الحيض المصلي."
"We were commanded to bring out the unmarried girls and menstruating women on both Eids so that they could witness the goodness and the supplications of the Muslims. The menstruating women, however, were to stay away from the prayer place."
(Sahih Bukhari: 324, 351, 971, 974, 980, 981; Sahih Muslim: 890)
- In another narration, one of the women asked:
"O Messenger of Allah! If one of us does not have a Jilbab, what should she do?"
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Let her sister give her some of her Jilbab to wear."(Sahih Bukhari: 324, 351, 980; Sahih Muslim: 890)
Key Rulings and Lessons:
➊ Women Attending Eid Prayer Is a Strongly Recommended Sunnah:
- This Hadith proves that it is emphasized (Mu’akkadah) for women to attend the Eid prayer, so they can participate in goodness and in the supplications of the Muslims.
- However, they should observe proper Hijab and avoid wearing perfume.
➋ Preventing Women from Attending the Eid Prayer Is Not Permissible:
- Since the Prophet ﷺ encouraged women to attend, preventing them without a valid reason would be against the Sunnah.
➌ The Only Exception:
- Menstruating women should not sit in the prayer area, but they can still join in the supplications and festivities.
➍ Eid Prayer Is a Special Occasion for the Entire Muslim Community:
- The Prophet ﷺ ensured that everyone, including women, children, and menstruating women, could participate in the Eid gathering.
Conclusion:
- Men should not miss Eid prayer without a valid excuse.
- Women should not be prevented from attending Eid prayers if they observe proper Islamic dress and etiquette.
Issued by: Sheikh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله).
