The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices) - Sunan an-Nasa'i

Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4424

Textual Analysis

This narration from the Commander of the Faithful, 'Ali ibn Abi Talib - may Allah be pleased with him - contains two distinct legal rulings. First, it establishes the proper sequence for the 'Id prayer: beginning with the prayer itself before delivering the sermon (khutbah), and performing it without the formal call to prayer (adhan) or the second call (iqamah).

Second, and more central to the chapter on sacrifices, it transmits the Prophetic prohibition against preserving the meat of sacrificial animals beyond three days, indicating this was the original ruling before its subsequent abrogation.

Legal Commentary on Sacrificial Meat

The prohibition mentioned here represents the initial ruling in Islam regarding sacrificial meat preservation. Scholars of hadith explain that this restriction was specific to the early period of Islam, particularly during times of hardship and scarcity, to ensure wider distribution of meat among the poor and needy.

This ruling was later abrogated by the Prophet's subsequent statement: "I had forbidden you from storing the sacrificial meat beyond three days, but now eat, store, and give charity as you see fit." This abrogation occurred after the community's circumstances improved and provisions became more plentiful.

Scholarly Consensus

The majority of jurists hold that the abrogated ruling applies only to the specific historical context, while the permanent ruling permits storing sacrificial meat without time limitation. However, the wisdom behind the initial prohibition reminds Muslims of the importance of charity and sharing blessings with those in need.

Imam an-Nawawi comments that this narration demonstrates how Islamic rulings sometimes change according to circumstances and times, while maintaining the underlying principles of compassion and social welfare.