a man brought a rabbit to the Prophet, and the prophet stretched out his hand toward it, then the one who had brought it said: "I saw some blood on it," So the Prophet drew his hand back, but he told the people to eat. Among the people there was a man who held back. The Prophet said: "What is the matter with you?" He said: "I am fasting." The Prophet said to him: "Why don't you fast on the three days of Al-Bid, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth?"
Hadith Commentary: The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2428
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents profound lessons regarding dietary permissibility, prophetic guidance, and voluntary fasting practices in Islam.
The Incident of the Rabbit
When the companion presented the rabbit to the Prophet (peace be upon him), the initial acceptance indicates its general permissibility as food. The withdrawal upon mention of blood demonstrates the Prophet's meticulous adherence to purity laws, as consuming blood is prohibited in Islamic jurisprudence.
The command to eat after withdrawal shows that the blood was not substantial enough to render the entire animal unlawful - a principle scholars derived that minor impurities don't necessarily nullify permissibility.
The Fasting Companion's Situation
The companion who abstained due to fasting exemplifies proper Islamic etiquette - maintaining one's voluntary fast even when desirable food is presented. His action demonstrates that voluntary fasts should be completed once begun, unless there is valid reason to break them.
The Three White Days (Ayyam al-Bid)
The Prophet's recommendation to fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month contains deep wisdom. These "white days" correspond with the full moon, when nights are brightest. Scholars note these days carry special spiritual significance and are among the most recommended voluntary fasts after the six days of Shawwal and Mondays and Thursdays.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah never failed to fast these three days whether at home or traveling, indicating their great merit in balancing one's spiritual account and attaining proximity to Allah.
Juridical Implications
This hadith establishes the permissibility of eating game properly slaughtered by Muslims, the importance of food purity, the validity of voluntary fasting, and the particular excellence of fasting during the three white days each month as a means of drawing closer to Allah Almighty.