Is it obligatory to listen to khatba of eid prayer?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

Attending the 'Eed sermon is a recommended act but not an obligation because 'Abdullaah Ibn Saa'ib said: "I attended 'Eed with the Prophet and when he finished the prayer he [Prophet ] said: ''I am going to give a sermon, so whoever wants to stay and listen, may do so, and whoever wishes to leave, may do so as well." [Abu Daawood and Ibn Maajah]

However, if a person stays to listen to the speech, it is forbidden for him to talk, as mentioned by some jurists among whom was Al-Buhooti from the Hanbali School of jurisprudence.

Therefore, this proves that the people who talk during the speech on the grounds that it is not an obligation to attend it are wrong, plus the fact that they disturb those who want to listen to it.

Allaah Knows best.