“The people of the days of ignorance used to have two days in which they celebrate every year, but when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madinah, he said: “You used to have two days in which you celebrated, but Allah has substituted these with that which is better; the days of the lesser and greater ‘Eid.”Hadith
Rulings on the Two Festive Salats
It is a Fardhu kifa’yah (a collective obligation); when enough people observe it, those not observing it are relieved of sin- even though the order given to attend the Salat is very emphatic. The Prophet ﷺ had ordered that it be observed, and indeed ordered that women, young or old, attend, such that menstruating women, even though they will not observe Salat, are mandated to attend. All these are as a result of the virtues of the Salat and due to the emphasis placed on it. The proofs for its obligation are as follows:
1- Allah’s statement: “Therefore, turn in Salat to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only).” (Al-Kawthar: 2)
2- The Prophet ﷺ ordered that it be observed by men and women alike. Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered us to bring out the following during fitr and adha (lesser and greater ‘Eids): the ‘awa’tiq[ The young woman as soon as she has reached puberty.] (adolescent females), the huyyadh (menstruating women) [ Menstruating women.] and possessors of al-khudur (virgin teenagers) [ The virgin girl.]. As for the menstruating women, they are to stay away from the Salat, but they should witness the blessings and prayers of the Muslims.” [ Source: Al-Bukhari.]
