Q: There are some people in our country who offer Salat-ul-`Eid twice. This is clear in which they first pray Salat-ul-`Eid in the Masjid (mosque) then they gather in a spacious place to pray it again (in congregation). Is this act legally permitted?

A: What is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) is that he used to pray Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer) once only, not twice. Praying it twice does not fall under the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet of acts, sayings or approvals). Moreover, this is clear when `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) went to pray Salat-ul-`Eid in the Musalla (place for Prayer), and appointed Abu Mas`ud Al-Badry (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead Salat-ul-`Eid in the Masjid as an Imam for those who are old, or unable to pray in the Musalla. Yet, `Aly (may Allah be pleased with him) did not pray it again with those people. (Part No. 7; Page No. 154) In addition, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) which is not a part of it, will have it rejected. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her)). In a narration by Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam), will have it rejected. So, it is not permissible for them to pray Salat-ul-`Eid before praying it in the public Musalla in which people will pray. They should join the people in the Musalla in order to follow the Prophet's Sunnah, and to keep away from Bid`ah (innovation in religion).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.