'Whoever among you has brought a Hadi, nothing is permissible for him that became forbidden when he entered Ihram, until he has finished his Hajj, Whoever did not find a Hadi, let him fast for three days during the Hajj, and for seven when he returns to his family, the Messenger of Allah performed Tawaf when he came to Makkah and touched the corner (where the Black Stone is) first of all, then he walked rapidly during the first three of the seven circles, and walked daring the last four. After he finished circumambulating the House he prayed two Rak'ahs at Maqam Ibrahim. Then he went to As-Safa and walked seven rounds between As-Safa and Al-Marwah. And he did not do any action that was forbidden because of Ihram until he had completed his Hajj and slaughtered his Hadi on the Day of sacrifice. Then he hastened onward (toard Makkah) and circumambulated the House. Then everything that had been forbidden because of Ihram became permissible. And those who had brought the Hadi with them did the same as the Messenger of Allah did.
The Book of Hajj - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2732
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This narration from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ establishes fundamental rulings concerning the state of Ihram and the rites of Hajj. The scholars have derived numerous legal principles from this comprehensive hadith.
Commentary on Ihram Restrictions
The prohibition mentioned refers to all matters forbidden in Ihram: hunting, sexual relations, wearing sewn garments (for men), using perfume, cutting hair or nails, and marrying. These restrictions remain binding upon the pilgrim who has brought a sacrificial animal (Hadi) until the completion of all Hajj rites.
Imam An-Nawawi explains in his commentary that this emphasizes the sanctity of Ihram and the seriousness with which one must treat its prohibitions. The Hadi symbolizes one's complete devotion to Allah and requires maintaining the sacred state until the proper time of release.
Alternative for Those Without Sacrificial Animal
For those unable to afford a Hadi, the Shari'ah provides the alternative of fasting: three days during Hajj and seven upon returning home. Scholars note these ten days equal the reward of completing the sacrifice, demonstrating Allah's mercy in facilitating worship for all economic circumstances.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that the three Hajj days should preferably be before the Day of 'Arafah, though they may be performed during the days of Tashreeq if necessary, based on other authentic narrations.
The Prophetic Example in Rituals
The Prophet's ﷺ actions demonstrate the proper sequence: beginning with Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Circumambulation), touching the Black Stone, performing Ramal (brisk walking) in the first three circuits, praying at Maqam Ibrahim, then Sa'i between Safa and Marwah.
Scholars like Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi note that Ramal demonstrates vigor and strength in worship, while the two rak'ahs at Maqam Ibrahim fulfill the Quranic injunction. The completeness of these rites before slaughtering the Hadi shows the systematic nature of Islamic worship.
Legal Implications and Conclusion
This hadith establishes that restrictions of Ihram lift only after completing Tawaf al-Ifadah and sacrificing the Hadi. The Prophet's ﷺ example serves as the ultimate guidance, making his practice normative for all pilgrims bringing sacrificial animals.
As Imam Ash-Shafi'i states in Al-Umm: "The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ is the most perfect guidance, and his practice in Hajj demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic worship, balancing between the rights of Allah and the facilitation for His servants."