We did not eat the flesh of our sacrificial animals beyond three days in Mina. Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) permitted us saying: Eat and make it a provision (for journey). I asked 'Ata' whether Jabir had also said: Till we came to Medina. He said: Yes.
The Book of Sacrifices - Sahih Muslim 1972b
This narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah concerns the permissibility of consuming sacrificial meat beyond three days during Hajj.
Contextual Background
Initially, Muslims were prohibited from storing sacrificial meat beyond three days in Mina to distinguish Islamic practice from pre-Islamic customs where meat was preserved for extended periods as part of pagan rituals.
This restriction applied specifically during the days of Hajj to break from Jahiliyyah traditions and emphasize reliance on Allah rather than hoarding provisions.
Legal Ruling & Wisdom
The Prophet's permission to store sacrificial meat demonstrates the Islamic principle of gradual legislation and the removal of unnecessary hardship.
Scholars interpret this as abrogating the initial restriction, making it permissible to consume and preserve sacrificial meat indefinitely, provided it remains edible.
Practical Application
This hadith establishes the permanent ruling that sacrificial meat can be eaten, stored, gifted, or used as provision for journeys without time restrictions.
The permission extends to all forms of ritual sacrifices (udhiyah, hajj sacrifices) and reflects Islam's balanced approach between spiritual purification and practical needs.