The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1964

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) led us in the 'Id prayer in Medina on the Day of Sacrifice. Some persons slaughtered their animals ahead of him under the impression that Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) had-already offered sacrifice. Thereupon Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: Those who had slaughtered their animals ahead of him should slaughter the other ones in their stead. And they should not sacrifice the animal before Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had sacrificed (his animal)

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the sunnah sequence for Eid al-Adha: prayer precedes sacrifice. The Companions' premature sacrifice demonstrates their eagerness for obedience, yet the Prophet corrected their timing.

Scholars derive that the Imam's sacrifice serves as a public manifestation of the ritual. The command to re-sacrifice indicates the importance of proper sequence, though the initial sacrifice remains valid as it fulfilled the basic obligation.

The prohibition against sacrificing before the Imam emphasizes communal unity in observing rituals. This applies particularly when praying in congregation; those praying individually may sacrifice after the Eid prayer time begins.

The ruling embodies the principle of following the Prophet's example in both timing and manner of worship, ensuring the Ummah's acts of devotion remain united and properly ordered.