Offering Tahiyyat Al-Masjid in the Eid praying place

(Part No: 8, Page No: 304) Offering Tahiyyat Al-Masjid in the Eid praying place
[Fatwa No. 12515]

Question: As the places where Salat-ul-‘Eid (the Festival Prayer) and Salat-ul-Istisqa’ (Prayer for rain) are offered become known Masjids (mosques), are fenced, and a part of Muslims’ inviolable endowments.

There is a big dispute regarding Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid whether it is desirable or forbidden, due to the authentic Hadith related by Al-Bukhari: The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not offer supererogatory Salah before or after the ‘Eid.

We wish to refer this issue to his highness Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz ibn Baz to clarify the matter and explain the soundest opinion of scholars.

Should we offer Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid on entering these Masjids (mosques)? What is the ruling if Salat-ul-‘Eid was performed in a Masjid where Jumu’ah (Friday) Salah is performed?

We wish you would clarify this and the ruling on offering a supererogatory Salah in the ‘Eid Masjid before or after the Salah.

If it is prohibited, is it prohibited for both the Imam and the follower or only for the Imam? May Allah preserve you.

Answer: When Muslims offer Salat-ul-‘Eid or Salat-ul-Istisqa’ outside their residence; it is not permissible for the people who come to the praying place to offer supererogatory Salah; whether Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid or any other Salah. This is confirmed by the Hadith related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them): (The Prophet (peace be upon him) came out on the Day of ‘Eid Al-Fitr and prayed two Raka’ahs without performing any prayer before or after them. )
(Part No: 8, Page No: 305)

If the ‘Eid Salah or Salat-ul-Istisqa’ is observed in one of the usual Masjids, there is no harm in offering Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid upon entering the Masjid and no other supererogatory Salah is required therein.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Member: Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan
Committee Deputy Chairman: Abdul-Razzaq ‘Afify
The Chairman: Abdul-‘Aziz ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Baz
The General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta’. All Rights Reserved.

(Transcribed from the official website. Also available here.)