Performing the Eid Salaah separately in every Locality

Q: Salaah-693: In some areas, the Eid salaah is performed separately in every locality. What is the ruling?

Answer: Performing the salaah in the Eid Gah is Suttnafr Mu'akkadah Mutawaatirah. Despite the virtues of performing salaah in the Masjidun Nabawi, Rasulullaah SAW. always performed the E'id salaah at the Eid Gah. Only once was it performed in the Masjid on account of rain. If it is difficult for the old and weak to reach an Eid Gah that is far out of town, Fuqahaa have mentioned that arrangements can be made for them to perform the Eid salaah in the Masjid. If one Masjid is insufficient, other Masaajid may be used.

However, it is in conflict with the Sunnah for the Eid salaah to be performed separately in every locality, This defeats the objective of the Shari'ah in this regard in that it does not display the strength of Islaam. In fact, it is therefore tantamount to diminishing the strength of Islaam. It is the responsibility of the elders of the community to consult with all the members and to then make every effort to arrange for them all to perform the Eid salaah in a large field on the outskirts of the town. If this is not possible, then a large hall or other premises in town may be used. If one such hall or other premises is insufficient, another may be arranged. However, there is no scope for using the local Masjid unless there is absolutely no other alternative despite exhaustive efforts. It must however be remembered that the Imaam for every two Rakaahs of Eid salaah must be different and no Imaam can lead two Eid salaahs. It is also incorrect for the Imaam to announce for people to donate. There is however no harm if people give him donations voluntarily. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2