71/4. Chapter:
Sahih Bukhari 5474 — Avoid Fara and Atira Sacrifices
Al-‘Atira
Hadith About Fara and Atira in Islam
Sahih Bukhari : 5474
Sahih BukhariHadith Number 5474
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ الزُّهْرِيُّ حَدَّثَنَا عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " لاَ فَرَعَ وَلاَ عَتِيرَةَ ". قَالَ وَالْفَرَعَ أَوَّلُ نِتَاجٍ كَانَ يُنْتَجُ لَهُمْ، كَانُوا يَذْبَحُونَهُ لِطَوَاغِيتِهِمْ، وَالْعَتِيرَةُ فِي رَجَبٍ.
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Neither Fara' nor 'Atira) is permissible)." Al-Fara' was the first offspring (they got of camels or sheep) which they (pagans) used to offer (as a sacrifice) to their idols. 'Atira was (a sheep which used to be slaughtered) during the month of Rajab.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5474In-book reference : Book 71, Hadith 9USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 66, Hadith 383
Summary of Sahih Bukhari Hadith 5474
This hadith about Fara and Atira in Islam repeats the same meaning through Abu Huraira. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that neither Fara nor Atira is permissible. The report explains Fara as the first offspring of camels or sheep which pagans used to sacrifice for their idols. It also explains Atira as a sheep that used to be slaughtered in Rajab. The main lesson is simple: Muslims should not keep a sacrifice practice that is tied in the text to idols or to a named pre-Islamic custom. The hadith is not a general discussion of every sacrifice. It speaks about these two named acts and rejects them.
What we learn from this hadith
- The narration rejects Fara and Atira.
- Fara is connected to offerings made for idols.
- Atira is connected to slaughter in Rajab.
- The text teaches caution about carrying over false religious customs.
