Questions concerning Eid Salaah

Assalamu Alaikkum Mufthi saab…

Question related to Eid Prayer:

Some of the people told that in Eid salah must pray in Open ground not in the Masjid..It is the Sunnah of Prophet(PBUH)…
Other’s told that Prophet(PBUH) pray in Open Ground is one of the reason for Small area Masjid and also they mention the Hadeeth like Umar (rali) one’s Pray in masjid due to Rainy Season..
Other’s told Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) also prayed Jumuah Salah in masjid,(lot of People Gathered ) especially Why Prophets(PBUH) prayed Eid Salah in Open Ground Please Clarify those one….

Wa Alaikum Assalaam,

الجواب و بالله التوفيق

When one says the extra takbeers in Eid Salah, one is required to raise the hands. This is evident from the hadith which Imam Tahawi has quoted in his book Sharh Ma’ani Al Athar. The hadith states, ‘The hands shall not be lifted/raised except in seven places. In the beginning of Salaah; in the Beginning of Qunut in Witr; in both Eid Salah; at the time of making Istilaam of Hajr Aswad; Upon Safa and Marwah; At Arafah, and at the two Jamraats.’ (Sharh MA’ani Al Athar, Tahawi).

It was the continuous practice of the Prophet (S.A.S) to go out in the Musalla (open space/ground) for the Eid Salah. This is evident in many authentic traditions.

Based on this, the majority of Scholars including the Imaams of FIqh have stated that, ‘Going out to the Musalla (prayer place – open ground) for the Eid Salaah is Sunnah, even if the Jaami Mosque is large enough to accommodate the people.’ (Fatawa Hindiya).

It is also permissible to perform Eid Salaah in the Masjid when it can accommodate everyone. There is no prohibition or dislike in doing this.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

9/9/10.