Performing Salat-ul-`Eid in the Masjid

Q: It rains very heavily in India, which sometimes makes it too difficult for Muslims to perform Salat-ul-`Eid (the Festival Prayer) in the place designated for performing it. Thus, they perform it at Masjids (mosques). Once it occurred that some Muslims performed Salat-ul-`Eid in a Masjid that was not spacious enough to accommodate everyone who came to perform it. Therefore, the Imam (the one who leads congregational Prayer) led a small group and then the others asked the same Imam to lead them, which means that he performed Salat-ul-`Eid twice. This often happens . Is this permissible, Your Eminence Shaykh? Please answer me, may Allah benefit us and you!

A: The basic ruling regarding Salat-ul-`Eid is that it should be performed in open areas outdoors . However, there is nothing wrong in performing it inside the Masjids when there is an excuse which calls for this. Whoever misses performing it behind an Imam should make up for it either in congregational Salah (Prayer), or individually without a Khutbah (sermon) being delivered. It should not be repeated by the same Imam. (Part No. 7; Page No. 145) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.