The concept of Eid al-Eidgah, where the entire Muslim community gathers in a single, open space for Salah, is deeply rooted in the Sunnah. It is not just a logistical arrangement; it is a spiritual vision, one that reflects the very essence of Islam: unity, brotherhood, and equality before Allah.
Yet today, in many cities, this powerful tradition has been fragmented. Instead of one grand congregation, we see multiple Eids taking place across different venues, often divided along lines of convenience, affiliation, or worse, ego and control. This fragmentation dilutes the very spirit that Eid is meant to embody.
The Quranic Call to Unity.
Allah commands the believers in the Quran:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided…” (Surah Aal Imran 3:103)
And again:
“Indeed this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:92)
Unity is not optional. It is an obligation. When we divide our Eid into multiple gatherings without necessity, we risk undermining this divine instruction.
The Sunnah of Gathering in One Place
The practice of the Prophet (saw) was clear: the Eid prayer was performed in an open space, outside the masjid, where the entire community could gather.
It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ would go out to the musalla (Eidgah) and lead the people in one congregation. This was not repeated in multiple locations, it was a single gathering, a unified assembly.
The Power of One Gathering
Imagine a single Eid in a city, one vast gathering where thousands stand shoulder to shoulder. Rich and poor, black and white, Indian and African, young and old, all distinctions fade as the Takbeer echoes across the field. This is the true image of Islam.
When we gather in one place, something profound happens. Hearts soften. Barriers dissolve. You meet people you would never have encountered in your local masjid. Eid becomes more than a prayer, it becomes a reunion of the Ummah.
In smaller, divided congregations, we tend to see the same familiar faces year after year. A unified Eidgah exposes us to the diversity within our own community, reminding us that Islam is not confined to one ethnicity, one language, one race or one school of thought.
Misunderstanding the Concept of Eidgah
Today, there is a growing misunderstanding of what Eidgah truly represents.
Some communities believe that simply performing Eid Salah outside, perhaps in a mosque parking lot or a small adjacent space, fulfils the Sunnah of Eidgah. While the outward form may resemble the practice, the deeper purpose is often lost.
Eidgah is not merely about being outdoors. It is about gathering the Ummah in one place. It is about creating a space large enough to bring together the entire community, not fragments of it. Reducing Eidgah to a small, localized outdoor setup defeats its very purpose. It becomes a symbolic gesture without the transformative impact that the Sunnah intended.
The focus has shifted from unity to convenience, and in doing so, we have lost the essence.
Including Our Sisters: A Family Eid.
Another critical aspect that must be revived is the inclusion of women.
Half of the Ummah belongs to our sisters. Eid is their celebration as much as it is for men.
The Prophet (saw) explicitly encouraged their attendance, even for those who were not praying, so they could witness the gathering and partake in the blessings.
A true Eidgah is a family Eidgah.
It is a space where fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters come together. Where children see the beauty of Islam in its collective form.
Where women are not sidelined but are present and included in the joy of the Ummah. Excluding women, or failing to accommodate them properly, is not from the spirit of the Sunnah. Inclusion strengthens the community. It builds families. It nurtures a sense of belonging across generations.
Uniting Hearts Beyond Differences.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with someone from a different background is not a small act, it is a powerful statement. It says: we are one Ummah.
In a single Eid gathering, you encounter Muslims of different races, nationalities, cultures, and perspectives. You shake hands with strangers who instantly become brothers and sisters. You exchange greetings with people you may never meet again, yet for that moment, you are united in purpose and worship.
This unity is not symbolic, it is transformative. It builds empathy, understanding, and a shared identity that transcends divisions.
The Importance of Inclusivity on the Mimbar.
Equally important in this vision of a unified Eid is the representation on the mimbar. If we are to gather as one community, then the voices that address that community must reflect its diversity.
There should not be a monopoly of one race, scholar, one group, or one school of thought. Instead, the khutbah of Eid should rotate among scholars from different backgrounds and traditions.
This ensures fairness, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging for all. It removes the perception of control and racism and reinforces the idea that Eid belongs to the entire Ummah, not to any one group.
Addressing the Objections.
There will, inevitably, be objections.
Some will argue from habit. Others from convenience. But there are also those who resist out of fear, fear of losing their congregation, their influence, or their “followers.”
This mindset is deeply problematic.
The Ummah does not belong to any individual. It belongs to Allah. Leadership is a trust, not ownership. Eid is not about preserving personal platforms, it is about fulfilling a collective obligation.
To prioritize ego over unity is short sighted. It weakens the community and contradicts the very message we claim to uphold.
A Call for Vision and Courage.
To establish one Eid in a city requires vision. It requires courage. It requires sincerity. It means choosing a venue that can accommodate the masses. It means planning for inclusivity, for men, women, and children. It means rotating leadership and sharing the platform. It means putting aside differences for a greater good.
The reward is immense: a united community, revived Sunnah, and hearts brought together in remembrance of Allah.
Conclusion.
Now more than ever, we need unity,not just in words, but in action.
Eidgah is an opportunity to embody that unity. To gather as one Ummah. To pray as one body. To celebrate as one family.
Let us return to the Quran. Let us revive the Sunnah. Let us move beyond ego and division. One Ummah. One Eid. One gathering. One heart.
Salim Mohamed Badat
Writer exploring the intersection of faith, politics and justice.
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