The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims."
Al-Adha Festival Sacrifice (Adaahi)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 5546
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims."
Commentary on the Timing
This hadith establishes the precise timing for the Udhiyah (sacrificial slaughter). The prayer referred to is the Eid al-Adha prayer. Slaughtering before this prayer renders the sacrifice invalid as an act of worship, reducing it to mere ordinary meat slaughter. The proper time begins immediately after the Eid prayer concludes and extends through the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Legal Ruling and Significance
Scholars unanimously agree that slaughtering before the Eid prayer is impermissible for the Udhiyah. The phrase "followed the tradition of the Muslims" emphasizes collective practice and unity in worship. This timing synchronization ensures the sacrifice aligns with the prophetic Sunnah and maintains the communal nature of this important Islamic ritual, distinguishing it from ordinary slaughter.
Spiritual Dimensions
The prescribed timing connects the sacrifice with the Eid prayer spiritually - first comes the communal prayer affirming submission to Allah, then the sacrifice demonstrating willingness to surrender worldly possessions. This sequence mirrors Prophet Ibrahim's tradition: first complete submission to God's command, then the sacrificial act. The delay until after prayer teaches patience and emphasizes that acts of worship must follow prescribed conditions to be accepted.