Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: The end of Ramadan is on the day when you end it, and the 'Id (festival) of sacrifice is on the day when you sacrifice. The whole of Arafah is the place of staying, and the whole of Mina is the place of sacrifice, and all the roads of Mecca are the place of sacrifice, and the whole of Muzdalifah is the place of staying.

Book: Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam)

Author: Sunan Abi Dawud

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2324

Commentary on Ramadan's Conclusion

This portion addresses the completion of Ramadan fasting. The statement "the end of Ramadan is on the day when you end it" signifies that the obligation to fast concludes when the Muslim community collectively determines the end of Ramadan through moon sighting. This emphasizes the communal nature of Islamic practices and prevents individual confusion about when to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

The Prophet's words establish that the sighting of the new moon determines the beginning and end of Islamic months, and the community's unified practice takes precedence over individual calculations or doubts.

Commentary on Eid al-Adha Timing

"The 'Id of sacrifice is on the day when you sacrifice" indicates that the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) is determined by the collective observance of the Hajj rituals. This ensures uniformity among Muslims worldwide in celebrating Eid al-Adha, following the practice of those performing Hajj in Mecca.

This teaching prevents division within the Muslim community regarding the timing of this important religious observance and maintains unity in worship.

Commentary on Hajj Locations

The Prophet's description of Arafah, Mina, Mecca, and Muzdalifah demonstrates the expansiveness and flexibility within Islamic rituals. By declaring "the whole of Arafah is the place of staying," he removed restrictions and made it easier for pilgrims to find space during the standing at Arafah.

Similarly, stating that "all the roads of Mecca are the place of sacrifice" expanded the areas where pilgrims could perform their sacrificial rites, accommodating the large numbers of worshippers. This reflects Islam's practical approach to facilitating worship while maintaining the essence of religious obligations.

Legal Implications & Scholarly Consensus

Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi and Ibn Qudamah have explained that this hadith establishes important principles in Islamic jurisprudence: the validity of communal practice in determining religious dates, the expansion of ritual boundaries to accommodate worshippers, and the removal of unnecessary restrictions in acts of worship.

The Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools all derive from this hadith the permissibility of performing sacrifices throughout Mecca's thoroughfares and the standing at any location within Arafah's boundaries.