The Book of ad-Dahaya (Sacrifices)

Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4425

Hadith Text

"The Messenger of Allah has forbidden you from eating the meat of your sacrificial animals for more than three days."

Commentary

This prohibition was initially established during the early period of Islam, particularly during the Battle of Khaybar, to ensure the distribution of meat to the poor and needy. The scholars explain that this restriction was meant to prevent hoarding and encourage charity during times of scarcity.

However, the majority of scholars hold that this ruling was later abrogated, as evidenced by the Prophet's subsequent permission to eat from sacrifices beyond three days. Imam an-Nawawi states that the final ruling permits storing and consuming sacrificial meat without time limitation.

The wisdom behind the initial prohibition teaches Muslims the importance of generosity and sharing blessings with the less fortunate, while the subsequent abrogation demonstrates the ease and flexibility in Islamic law according to changing circumstances.

Legal Ruling

According to the consensus of scholars, it is permissible to eat from sacrificial meat beyond three days. The Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools all agree that the prohibition was temporary and no longer applies.