Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that when it was the day of ‘Eid, Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would attend and return from the ‘Eid salah using different routes.
(Sahih Bukhariy, Hadith: 943)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) –the famous commentator of Sahih Bukhariy- has written twenty reasons as to why Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would have done so:

  1. So that either both pathways, or the Angels, inhabitants, and creatures along both pathways testify on his behalf before Allah Ta’ala on the day of Judgment.
  2. So that multiple people could benefit from his Mubarak self (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
  3. So that his body aroma of musk could diffuse through both pathways as he (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) was known to emit the most splendid of scents.
  4. To expose the salient features of Islam on both pathways.
  5. To publicise the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala.
  6. To instill awe into the disbeliever’s hearts by the vast number of Muslim followers.
  7. To protect himself from any plots the disbelievers could’ve planned against him on his return, had he returned using the same route.
  8. So that more happiness would be spread by passing through more places and being seen by other muslims.
  9. To help fulfill the needs of more people by passing through more areas.
  10. To answer more questions that people on each route would have.
  11. So that more people could take the opportunity to learn from him.
  12. So that more people could observe him and inculcate his beloved Sunnah.
  13. So that more people could seek his guidance or council.
  14. So that he could offer sadaqah (charity) to more people.
  15. To be able to greet more people.
  16. So that he could visit more of his relatives, both those alive and deceased.
  17. To join and maintain family ties.
  18. To take a good omen that by changing roads and paths Allah Ta’ala will also change our sins and conditions by forgiving us and becoming pleased with us.
  19. To lessen huge crowds and prevent “traffic jams” on the way back.
  20. To protect himself from any possible evil eye.
    Refer: Fathul Bari, Hadith: 943.

Lets implement this noble Sunnah this very Eid and every other Eid thereafter.
May Allah Ta’ala change the global condition of the Muslims for the better, soon, very soon.
Amin.