Is performing voluntary prayer (nafl) permissible in the location designated for the Eid prayer?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
Voluntary prayer is only disliked specifically in the place where the Eid prayer is performed. If one leaves that place, or returns to it after the Eid prayer is concluded, performing voluntary prayer there is permissible. Evidence for leaving the place for voluntary prayer is found in the report from Ibn Abbas that the Prophet (PBUH) did not pray before or after the Eid prayer in that place. Abu Sa'id reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would not pray anything before Eid, but when he returned home, he prayed two rak'ahs. This is because the abandonment of prayer in the prayer location was done in emulation of the Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions, and due to being occupied with and awaiting the prayer, circumstances which do not exist elsewhere.