"The Messenger of Allah said on the Day of Sacrifice:' Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before the prayer, let him repeat it.' A man stood up and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, this is a day when people want to eat meat.' He mentioned that his neighbors were poor and it was as if the Messenger of Allah believed him. He said: 'I have a Jadh'ah that is dearer to me than tow sheep for meat.; So he granted him a concession (allowing him to sacrifice it) but I do not know whether it applied to anyone else or not. Then he went toward two rams and sacrificed them." (Sahih )
The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices) - Sunan an-Nasa'i
A commentary on the hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i regarding the proper timing of sacrificial slaughter during Eid al-Adha.
Timing of the Sacrifice
The Prophet's instruction "whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before the prayer, let him repeat it" establishes that the sacrificial slaughter must occur after the Eid prayer. This timing is essential for the validity of the udhiyah (sacrifice).
The wisdom behind this ruling ensures the sacrifice follows the prescribed order of worship: prayer first, then sacrifice, emphasizing spiritual obedience over mere ritual.
The Concession Granted
When the companion explained his neighbors' poverty and need for meat, the Prophet recognized the valid concern for community welfare. The concession allowed sacrificing a jadh'ah (a sheep in its second year) despite it being less than ideal.
This demonstrates Islam's flexibility in addressing genuine human needs while maintaining religious principles. The Prophet's personal sacrifice of two rams afterward shows his preference for the optimal practice.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars differ on whether this concession applies generally or was specific to that individual. The narrator's uncertainty ("I do not know whether it applied to anyone else") indicates the need for careful juristic analysis.
Most scholars hold that the basic ruling remains - sacrifice after prayer - while allowing concessions in cases of genuine necessity, reflecting Islam's balance between ideal practice and practical accommodation.