What is the ruling if the Imam fails to lead the Eid prayer in the urban center?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)

Book 57 · Issue 7 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the Imam does not pray in the urban center, the slaughter is not permissible until the sun passes its zenith (zawal al-shams), because the prayer is then considered dropped, as if it had been performed, regardless of whether the Imam missed it intentionally or unintentionally.

Supporting text

If the Imam prays in the designated prayer ground and delegates someone to pray in the mosque, slaughter is permitted once the prayer is performed in either location. If slaughter occurs after the prayer but before the sermon, it suffices, as the prohibition was explicitly tied to the act of prayer, and the sermon is not obligatory.