Is it required to listen to the Eid sermons?

Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers

Al-Mughni

Book of Friday Prayer

Book 4 · Issue 17 · Bab 2

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The two Eid sermons are Sunnah, and attendance and listening are not obligatory. The Prophet ﷺ announced after the Eid prayer that whoever wished to sit for the sermon could sit, and whoever wished to leave could leave. This delay after the prayer, unlike Jumu'ah, is because it is not obligatory, thus allowing those who wish to skip it to do so easily.

Supporting text

Listening is preferred. There is an indication that women are not expected to sit for the sermon to avoid mixing with men, as the Prophet ﷺ addressed them separately after concluding the main address. However, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, where he addressed them after finishing, should be followed.