“The Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, when going out on the day of ‘Īd, would take one route and return by another.”

Narrated by Aḥmad (No. 8454), al-Tirmidhī (No. 541 — the wording is his), and Ibn Mājah (No. 1301), from the ḥadīth of Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him.
Authenticated in Sahīh al-Jāmi‘(No. 4710) and in Mishkāt al-Masābīḥ (No. 1447).

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

Going out for the ‘Īd prayer on the days of Fitr and Aḍḥā is an evident rite among the rites of Islām. Through it, Muslims manifest their joy in obedience to their Lord, the unity of their community, and the glorification of the rites of their religion. This prayer has recommended practices and etiquettes that it is desirable to uphold, among which is taking a different route when going and returning. It is narrated from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, said: “When the Prophet went out on the day of ‘Īd, he would take one route and return by another.”
Scholars have mentioned several reasons explaining the wisdom behind this practice. Some said it is to manifest the rites of Islām in multiple places and to spread the remembrance of Allah throughout the locality. Others said it is so that both routes may bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection, or that he may greet their inhabitants, or attend to their needs, or give charity to their poor. Others have offered different explanations.
In conclusion, taking a different route is an established Sunnah from the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, on both ‘Īd days, whether the wisdom behind it is known or not. This also indicates the permissibility of going out for the ‘Īd prayer and the recommendation to follow his guidance in the minutiae of actions and their forms.

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