Women Attending Eid Prayer in the Eidgah

Written by: Sheikh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)

Question:​

Is it necessary for women to go to the Eidgah (open prayer ground) for the Eid prayer?

Answer:​

Yes, it is obligatory for women to attend the Eid prayer. Even those experiencing menstruation should go to the Eidgah, although they will not perform the prayer, but they will participate in the supplications and gatherings of the Muslims.

Um ‘Atiyyah (رضي الله عنها) narrates:
"We were commanded to bring out the young girls, the veiled women, and even the menstruating women on the day of Eid so that they could witness the gathering of Muslims and their supplications. However, menstruating women should stay away from the prayer area."

A woman asked: "O Messenger of Allah! What if one of us does not have a large outer garment?"
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "She should borrow a garment from her sister."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Prayer, Chapter: Obligation of Prayer in Clothes (Hadith 351); Sahih Muslim, Book of Eid Prayers, Chapter: Permission for Women to Attend the Eid Prayer (Hadith 890)]

Women Attending Eid Prayer Is a Sunnah​

This authentic hadith proves that women should go to the Eidgah for the Eid prayer. Even if a woman is menstruating, she should still attend to participate in the supplications and gatherings of the Muslims.

Imam Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (رحمه الله) mentioned this hadith in his book Al-Mughni and then referenced those who disliked women attending the Eid prayer. However, he provided a comprehensive and impactful response:
"The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) deserves to be followed above all else."
[Al-Mughni, 4/265]

Thus, during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), women used to attend the Eid prayer.

Jabir (رضي الله عنه) narrates:
"On the day of Eid al-Fitr, the Prophet (ﷺ) stood up, performed the prayer first, then delivered the sermon. When he completed the sermon, he went to the women, advised them, and admonished them while leaning on Bilal’s (رضي الله عنه) hand."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Eid Prayers, Chapter: Walking and Riding to the Eid Prayer (Hadith 961)]

Conclusion​

There are multiple authentic narrations proving that women should attend the Eid prayer in the Eidgah. This is a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), and even menstruating women should go to participate in the supplications. Thus, following this practice is recommended, as it was the tradition during the time of the Prophet (ﷺ).