Lessons drawn from the ḥadīth

1. It is recommended to take different routes when going to and returning from the Eid prayer: one proceeds to the prayer-ground by one road and comes back by another. Such was the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, and the majority of scholars hold that it is prescribed for both the imam and the congregation.

2. Al-Mubdiʿ states: The evident view is that taking a different route on Eid was legislated for a specific purpose and therefore should not be extended to other occasions. They explain: this practice has only been transmitted concerning the Eid prayer, so we must abide by the text for two reasons:
   First, a condition for valid analogy (qiyās) is that the underlying rationale be known, and in this case it is unknown.
   Second, even if the rationale were understood, analogy would still be unsound, because the legal maxim states: if the cause for an act existed during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ yet no sunnah has been reported concerning it, then the sunnah is to refrain; abstention in such circumstances is a sunnah just as action is.

Scholarly views on the wisdom behind taking a different route

1. So that he may greet the people of both roads.
2. To obtain the blessing of walking along two separate routes.
3. To manifest the symbols of Islam in as many thoroughfares as possible.
4. So that both roads will testify on his behalf.
5. Some said: as a hopeful sign of moving from one state to another—toward forgiveness and divine approval.

Ibn al-Qayyim commented: The soundest view is that it was for all of these reasons and for other benefits besides, for none of his ﷺ actions are devoid of wisdom.