What is the ruling regarding the Prophet's (PBUH) practice of taking a different route when returning from the Eid prayer than the one used for going?
Chapter on the Two Eid Prayers
Al-Mughni
Book of Friday Prayer
Primary text
It is a Sunnah to emulate the Prophet (PBUH) in taking a different route when returning from the Eid prayer than the one taken when going to the prayer, based on the report from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would take a different route when he went out on the day of Eid. This ruling is held by Malik and Al-Shafi'i. Explanations for this practice include intentionally choosing the longer route when going to increase reward and steps, returning by the shorter route because it is easier when going home, desiring that both routes witness him, ensuring equal distribution of blessing to the poor along both routes, or that both routes become blessed by his footsteps. Emulation is established because the reason for the act may still exist, or an act can become a Sunnah even if its initial reason ceases, analogous to *raml* (brisk walking) and *idhtiba'* (uncovering the right shoulder) during the initial Tawaf, which remained Sunnah after the reason for demonstrating strength to the disbelievers ceased. Umar confirmed this principle when he questioned the necessity of *raml* after the disbelievers were banished, yet resolved not to abandon what the Prophet (PBUH) had done.
Supporting text
Some scholars suggested the motivation was seeking greater reward via a longer path when going, and ease upon returning. Others suggested it was to have both routes witness his passage, or to distribute blessings equally to the poor residing along both routes, or simply to bless both paths by his steps.