The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices)

Sunan an-Nasa'i 4395

Hadith Text

"The Messenger of Allah addressed us on the Day of Sacrifice and said: 'Whoever prays as we pray and offers the sacrifice as we do, has done the rituals properly. Whoever offered the sacrifice before the prayer, that is just a sheep for meat.' Abu Burdah said: 'O Messenger of Allah, by Allah, I offered my sacrifice before I went out to pray. I knew that this day is a day of eating and drinking, so I hastened to eat and to feed my family and my neighbors.' The Messenger of Allah said: 'That was just a sheep for meat.' He said: 'I have a Jadh'ah she-goat that is better than two sheep for meat; will it suffice for me (as a sacrifice)?' He said: 'Yes, but it will never suffice for anyone after you.'"

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the fundamental ruling that the Udhiyah sacrifice must be performed after the Eid prayer on Yawm al-Nahr (Day of Sacrifice). The Prophet ﷺ explicitly states that slaughtering before the prayer renders the animal mere regular meat, not counting as the prescribed sacrifice.

The wisdom behind this timing is to distinguish the act of worship from mere slaughter for consumption. The Eid prayer marks the official commencement of the sacrificial rite. Abu Burdah's excuse of hastening to feed people demonstrates good intention but does not override the prescribed ritual order.

Regarding the Jadh'ah (a goat between one and two years old), the Prophet's concession to Abu Burdah was a specific dispensation (rukhas) that doesn't extend to others. The general ruling requires animals to have reached the proper age: sheep at six months, goats at one year, cattle at two years, and camels at five years.

This hadith teaches us that while intentions matter, they must align with the prescribed forms of worship. The Shari'ah has designated specific times and conditions for acts of devotion that must be observed for their validity.