Is it allowed to repeat salat al-Eid in the same place according to Islamic law?

In a Nutshell: Whether repeating Eid prayer in the same place is allowed depends on the Islamic school of thought (madhhab) followed. The majority opinion permits praying Eid prayer in congregation in any mosque or open area, while the Shafi'i madhhab emphasizes attending the main Eid prayer but allows praying elsewhere with a valid excuse. Table of Contents Introduction Background and Context Evidences from Sharia Analysis of the Question Misconceptions FAQs (Eid Prayer Repetition) Conclusion Introduction Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two joyous occasions in Islam celebrated by Muslims worldwide. These celebrations culminate in special Eid prayers performed in congregation (jama'ah). Evidences from Sharia The Quran does not explicitly address the location of Eid prayers. However, hadiths provide guidance on this aspect. Here are some relevant narrations: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (ra): The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to offer the prayer of 'Id al-Fitr at the Musalla (prayer ground) and whoever wished to offer the prayer (Eid prayer) offered it with him. [Sahih Bukhari] This hadith indicates that the Prophet (pbuh) led Eid prayers in a designated open area (musalla), suggesting the permissibility of performing Eid prayers outside mosques. Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (ra): The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to offer the prayer of 'Id al-Fitr and 'Id al-Adha at the place where he used to offer his prayers (Musalla). [Sahih Bukhari] This hadith reinforces the concept of a designated location for Eid prayers but doesn't restrict them to a specific mosque. Permissibility of Repeating Eid Prayer The permissibility of repeating Eid prayer in the same place hinges on the juristic school of thought (madhhab) one follows: Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali Schools:These madhhabs permit holding multiple Eid prayer congregations in different mosques or open areas. They emphasize the importance of facilitating participation for all community members, especially those residing far from the main mosque or facing mobility limitations. Imam Ibn Abidin (d. 1624 CE), a prominent Hanafi scholar, states in his commentary on Hadith: It is permissible to hold more than one Eid prayer in a locality and it is not disliked (makruh) to do so. [Radd al-Muhtar] Shafi'i School:The Shafi'i madhhab emphasizes attending the main Eid prayer with the Imam to maximize communal unity and display the strength of the Muslim community. However, they acknowledge the validity of performing Eid prayer elsewhere with a valid excuse, such as extreme distance, inclement weather, or lack of space in the main mosque. Imam An-Nawawi (d. 1277 CE), a renowned Shafi'i scholar, mentions in his commentary on Muslim: The preferred action (mustahab) is for the people of a locality to gather for the Eid prayer in one place... If there is an excuse, such as rain or distance, then it is permissible to pray in another place. [Sharh Muslim] Misconceptions Here are a few common misconceptions related to the repetition of Eid prayers: Eid prayer can only be performed in the main mosque. Many mistakenly believe that Eid prayers are restricted to the main city mosque. However, as per Islamic rulings, there is flexibility in location to accommodate all worshippers. Repeating Eid prayer is disliked (makruh). The majority of madhhabs consider conducting multiple Eid prayers within a region as permissible. Scholars recognize the benefits of providing accessible locations for worship. Location of Eid prayer affects its validity. Eid prayer's validity rests primarily on fulfilling the conditions set forth in Islamic law and the location does not intrinsically undermine prayer. Doesn't repeating Eid prayer create confusion or division? While unity is a cornerstone of Islam, multiple Eid prayers do not necessarily undermine communal spirit. Decentralized prayers can ensure greater inclusivity and participation. Everyone should attend the main Eid prayer for unity The concept of unity in Islam encompasses facilitating access to worship for all. Holding prayers in various locations promotes wider participation and embodies community spirit. What if there's not enough space in the main mosque? The scholars recognize this practical limitation and support holding multiple prayers to ensure everyone can participate in this important act of worship comfortably. FAQs: Eid Prayer Repetition Can I pray Eid prayer at home if there's no mosque nearby? Generally, Eid prayers are a communal obligation and should be performed in congregation. However, exceptional circumstances like severe illness or residing far from a mosque may warrant praying at home. It is best to consult an Islamic scholar in such cases. What if the main Eid prayer is far away, can I pray in a closer mosque? Scholars generally agree that convenience is a valid reason for praying Eid in a closer mosque provided there is a legitimate difficulty in reaching the main prayer location. Is there a difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers regarding location? Both Eid prayers follow the same rulings based on the madhhab one follows with rulings emphasizing flexibility and accessibility. Conclusion The permissibility of repeating Eid prayers in the same place depends on the Islamic legal school (madhhab) followed. For the Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools, decentralizing Eid prayers is valid, ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for all Muslims. The Shafi'i school emphasizes unity but offers flexibility with legitimate excuses. References An-Nawawi, Sharh Muslim Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar