41/2. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4229 — Raise, Sacrifice, and Give in Charity
The Explanation Of 'Atirah
Fara and Atirah: Sacrifice, Animal Care, and Charity
Sunan an-Nasai : 4229
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4229
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا بِشْرٌ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ الْمُفَضَّلِ - عَنْ خَالِدٍ، وَرُبَّمَا، قَالَ عَنْ أَبِي الْمَلِيحِ، وَرُبَّمَا، ذَكَرَ أَبَا قِلاَبَةَ عَنْ نُبَيْشَةَ، قَالَ نَادَى رَجُلٌ وَهُوَ بِمِنًى فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا كُنَّا نَعْتِرُ عَتِيرَةً فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ فِي رَجَبٍ فَمَا تَأْمُرُنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ " اذْبَحُوا فِي أَىِّ شَهْرٍ مَا كَانَ وَبَرُّوا اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَأَطْعِمُوا " . قَالَ إِنَّا كُنَّا نُفْرِعُ فَرَعًا فَمَا تَأْمُرُنَا قَالَ " فِي كُلِّ سَائِمَةٍ فَرَعٌ تَغْذُوهُ مَاشِيَتُكَ حَتَّى إِذَا اسْتَحْمَلَ ذَبَحْتَهُ وَتَصَدَّقْتَ بِلَحْمِهِ " .
Nubaishah Narrated from:
A man called out while he was in Mina and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we used to sacrifice the 'Atirah during the Jahiliyyah in Rajab; what do you command us to do?' He said: 'Sacrifice during whatever month it is, do good for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, and feed (the poor).'They said: 'O Messenger of Allah, we used to sacrifice the Fara' during the Jahiliyyah; what do you command us to do?' He said: 'For every flock of grazing animals, feed the firstborn as you feed the rest of you flock until it reaches an age where it could be used carry loads, then sacrifice it, and give its meat in charity.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4229In-book reference : Book 41, Hadith 8English translation : Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 4234
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4229
This hadith answers questions about Atirah and Fara as they were practised during Jahiliyyah. Regarding Atirah, the Prophet said to sacrifice during any month, do good for Allah's sake, and feed people. Regarding the firstborn animal called Fara, he instructed that it should be fed like the rest of the grazing herd. It was to be raised until it became old enough to carry loads. Only then was it to be slaughtered, with its meat given in charity. The report therefore joins worship with responsible care for the animal and help for other people. It does not support neglecting the firstborn or slaughtering it before it becomes useful. The stated outcome is charity from its meat.
What we learn from this hadith
- Atirah was redirected toward sacrifice for Allah, good deeds, and feeding people.
- The firstborn animal should be fed like the rest of the herd.
- It should be raised until it is old enough to carry loads.
- After slaughter, its meat is to be given in charity.
