The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim

Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 1969 a

Narration Context

This tradition was narrated by 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) during an 'Id celebration, where he emphasized the Prophetic practice of performing the 'Id prayer before delivering the sermon.

Scholarly Commentary

The prohibition against consuming sacrificial meat beyond three days was initially established to distinguish Muslims from pre-Islamic practices where meat was preserved for extended periods. This ruling promoted generosity, community sharing, and prevented hoarding of blessings.

Later Islamic scholarship notes that this restriction was specific to that time period and was abrogated by the subsequent permission to eat from sacrifices for longer durations, as mentioned in other authentic narrations. This demonstrates the evolutionary nature of Islamic legislation responding to changing community needs.

Legal Implications

Classical scholars interpreted this hadith within the broader context of all relevant texts, concluding that while the three-day limit was initially obligatory, it later became recommended (mustahabb) rather than obligatory, allowing flexibility while maintaining the spirit of charity and community welfare.