`Eid is the day of happiness and unity on which Muslims get the chance to celebrate the praises of their Lord, see each other, heal any rifts between them, and show kindness to one another. Muslims are commanded to celebrate their unity and cooperation in the broadest terms because this will indirectly attract non-Muslims towards Islam and remove the stains of hatred and malice from their fellow brothers and sisters.

The prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states: The intent and purpose of holding the `Eid Prayers in open areas is to provide for the greatest number of Muslims, regardless of sex and age differences, to meet and exhibit the solidarity and unity and experience the same. So whenever and wherever we are unable to meet in the open air due to constraints of space, time, or weather conditions, we should go for the next closest thing towards implementing the ideal: meet in open halls or conference centres, exhibition places, etc. where we can accommodate such large numbers in order to provide not only for Prayers, but also for other services that impart the spirit of the `Eid celebration.

This is especially important when we take into account the fact that unless we allow our children to celebrate the `Eid as a joyous occasion, they will simply not appreciate the `Eid for what it is. They would only know Christmas and come to think that there is no room in Islam for any merrymaking or fun. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) therefore taught us, “Let everyone know that in Islam there is room for merrymaking and expression of joy.”. So come out of the constraints of mosques and celebrate the `eid as a memorable occasion for everyone.