The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1970a

"None of you should eat the flesh of his sacrificial animal beyond three days."

Commentary on the Prohibition

This prohibition was initially established during the early period of Islam to encourage generosity and sharing with the poor and needy. The scholars explain that this ruling served to prevent hoarding and ensure the distribution of blessings among the community.

Imam An-Nawawi states in his commentary on Sahih Muslim that this restriction applied specifically to the sacrificial animals of Eid al-Adha, where the meat was meant to be distributed widely as an act of charity and communal blessing.

Abrogation and Final Ruling

This prohibition was later abrogated by the subsequent hadith: "I had prohibited you from eating the sacrificial meat beyond three days so that the rich might give to the poor. But now eat, feed others, and store as you wish." (Sahih Muslim)

The majority of scholars hold that the final ruling permits storing and consuming sacrificial meat beyond three days, though immediate distribution to the poor remains highly recommended to maximize the reward and blessings.

Scholarly Wisdom

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the initial restriction taught Muslims the importance of immediate charity and prevented attachment to worldly possessions. The subsequent permission demonstrated Islam's flexibility and consideration for changing circumstances.

The wisdom behind this progression shows how Islamic legislation gradually cultivated generosity while maintaining practicality for the believers' circumstances.