The Book on Sacrifices - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1509

Hadith Text

That the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "None of you should eat from the meat of his sacrificial animal beyond three days."

Scholarly Commentary

This prohibition was initially established during the early period of Islam to encourage sharing with the poor and preventing hoarding of meat. The scholars differ regarding whether this ruling remains absolute or was later abrogated.

Imam Abu Hanifah and his school maintained the original prohibition, considering it a recommended act of worship to distribute most of the sacrifice within three days.

Other jurists, including Imam Shafi'i and Imam Ahmad, held that this restriction was later lifted based on the Prophet's subsequent statement: "I had forbidden you from storing the meat of sacrifices beyond three days so that the needy could be provided for. Now Allah has bestowed plenty, so eat, store, and give charity."

The wisdom behind the initial prohibition was to ensure widespread distribution of meat among the poor and to prevent waste in a society where refrigeration was unavailable.

Practical Application

The majority opinion permits storing sacrificial meat beyond three days while emphasizing the importance of generous distribution to the needy.

It is recommended to divide the meat into three portions: one for family consumption, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.

This hadith teaches us the importance of charity, community welfare, and avoiding wastefulness in our religious practices.