- Because by going early, he will be able to draw near to the imam.
All these underlying reasons are intended by the Sacred Law.
His statement, “on foot,” means that it is sunnah to set out on foot, not by car, donkey, horse, or camel, as has been reported from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him: “The sunnah is to go out to Eid on foot” (1). But if there is an excuse, such as the prayer-ground being far away, illness, or the like, then there is nothing wrong with going there mounted.
His statement, “after dawn,” means after the Fajr prayer. Thus, he should not set out immediately after the break of dawn, because if he were to leave after dawn had broken, he would not pray in congregation with the people, and this is forbidden.
The Imam’s Delaying Until the Time of Prayer
His statement, “and the imam’s delaying until the time of prayer,” means that it is sunnah for the imam to delay until the time of the prayer.
The evidence for this is that when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, went out for Eid, “the first thing he began with was the prayer” (2). This indicates that he would not arrive and then sit down; rather, he would arrive and begin the prayer.
The same applies to Friday prayer: it is sunnah for the imam to delay. As for what some Friday imams do—those who seek good by arriving early in order to attain the reward for going early mentioned in the Prophet’s statement, peace and blessings be upon him, “Whoever goes in the first hour, it is as though he has offered a camel in sacrifice” (3)—such people are rewarded for their intention, but not for their action, because it is contrary to the Prophet’s guidance. For the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, regarding the Friday prayer—