Distributing dates before the 'Id al-Fitr prayer

Question:
This questioner asks: Is there a difference between the one who distributes dates in the mosque before the 'Id al-Fitr prayer and the one who distributes dates to the worshippers?

Answer:
By Allah, this matter has not been reported, my brothers. There is no report of a command to distribute [dates] in the 'Id prayer area. What was reported is that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to eat dates before going out. This is what was reported. It was not reported that it is a sunnah (recommended practice) to distribute dates in the mosques or in the 'Id prayer areas. Yes. And we do not go beyond what was reported from the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes. So, whoever wants to perform the sunnah (recommended practice) on the day of 'Id al-Fitr, he eats an odd number of dates before leaving his house, following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Yes.