Ibn 'Umar reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade that the flesh of sacrificial animals be eaten beyond three (days) Salim (son of Ibn Umar) said
Ibn 'Umar did not eat the flesh of the sacrificial animals beyond three (days). Ibn Abu 'Umar said:" Beyond three days."
The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1970 c
This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) conveys a prohibition established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regarding the consumption of sacrificial meat beyond a period of three days. The chain of transmission is sound and reliable, as documented in Sahih Muslim.
Primary Prohibition & Its Context
The initial ruling, as transmitted by Ibn 'Umar, was a clear prohibition against storing and eating the meat from animals sacrificed during Eid al-Adha after three days had passed. This was the established practice during the early years in Medina.
This ruling was initially legislated during a time of hardship and scarcity, to ensure the wider distribution of meat among the poor and needy, preventing hoarding by those who were more affluent.
Scholarly Adherence & Later Abrogation
The statement from Salim, the son of Ibn 'Umar, confirms that his father strictly adhered to this initial prohibition throughout his life, reflecting the scrupulousness of the companions in following the Prophetic traditions they had learned.
It is crucial for the student of knowledge to understand that this specific time restriction was later abrogated (mansukh) by another authentic hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "I had forbidden you from storing the meat of the sacrifices beyond three days so that there would be plenty for everyone. But now Allah has bestowed plenty, so eat, store, and give charity." Therefore, the current ruling is permissibility.
Legal Wisdom & Application
The wisdom behind the initial prohibition teaches us the importance of charity and social responsibility, especially during times of communal celebration. It prevented wealthier individuals from monopolizing the blessings of the sacrifice.
The subsequent abrogation demonstrates a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence: that divine rulings can change with changing circumstances for the ease and benefit of the people, while the underlying objective of charity and gratitude remains constant.