41/2. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4228 — Sacrifice for Allah and Feed the Poor
The Explanation Of 'Atirah
Sacrifice for Allah and Feed the Poor in Any Month
Sunan an-Nasai : 4228
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4228
أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي عَدِيٍّ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَوْنٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا جَمِيلٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الْمَلِيحِ، عَنْ نُبَيْشَةَ، قَالَ ذُكِرَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ كُنَّا نَعْتِرُ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ . قَالَ " اذْبَحُوا لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي أَىِّ شَهْرٍ مَا كَانَ وَبَرُّوا اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَأَطْعِمُوا " .
Nubaishah Narrated from:
It was said to the prophet: 'During the Jahiliyyah we used to offer the 'Atirah.' He said: 'Slaughter for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and sublime, no matter what month it is; do good for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and sublime, and feed the poor.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4228In-book reference : Book 41, Hadith 7English translation : Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 4233
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4228
This hadith records a question about the Atirah that people used to offer during the time of Jahiliyyah. The Prophet directed them to slaughter for the sake of Allah, regardless of the month. He also told them to do good for Allah's sake and to feed others. The wording moves attention away from attaching the act to one special month and places the focus on devotion to Allah, good conduct, and feeding people. The narration does not specify the number or type of animals, the amount of food, or a required date. Its message is therefore best expressed through the actions it clearly names: sacrifice for Allah, do good, and provide food. These are the main teachings of this report about Atirah.
What we learn from this hadith
- Any slaughter mentioned in the report is to be done for Allah.
- The act is not limited in this narration to one particular month.
- The Prophet instructed the people to do good for Allah's sake.
- Feeding others is directly connected with the sacrifice.
