The Two Festivals (Eids)

Sahih al-Bukhari 954

Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever slaughtered (his sacrifice) before the `Id prayer, should slaughter again." A man stood up and said, "This is the day on which one has desire for meat," and he mentioned something about his neighbors. It seemed that the Prophet (ﷺ) I believed him. Then the same man added, "I have a young she-goat which is dearer to me than the meat of two sheep." The Prophet (ﷺ) permitted him to slaughter it as a sacrifice. I do not know whether that permission was valid only for him or for others as well.

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental ruling that the Eid al-Adha sacrifice must be performed after the Eid prayer. The Prophet's initial statement makes this timing obligatory, as the sacrifice is an act of worship connected to the completion of the Eid prayer.

The man's interjection demonstrates the importance of considering people's circumstances. His mention of neighbors' desire for meat shows concern for community welfare, which the Prophet acknowledged. This indicates that while religious rulings are firm, the scholars may consider genuine needs and hardships.

Regarding the young she-goat, the Prophet's permission shows flexibility in the type of animal sacrificed, provided it meets the essential conditions of being healthy and of appropriate age. The narrator's uncertainty about whether this concession was specific to that individual reflects the careful methodology of the Companions in transmitting rulings.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. The time for Eid sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer concludes

2. Sacrificing before the prayer invalidates the ritual and requires repetition

3. Scholars may grant concessions based on genuine need and circumstance

4. A young she-goat may suffice as sacrifice if it meets quality standards

5. The narrator's caution teaches us to distinguish between general rulings and specific concessions