41/3. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4232 — Sacrifice Sincerely and Feed Others
The Explanation Of Fara'
Atirah Hadith: Sacrifice for Allah and Feed People
Sunan an-Nasai : 4232
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4232
أَخْبَرَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُلَيَّةَ، عَنْ خَالِدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو قِلاَبَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْمَلِيحِ، فَلَقِيتُ أَبَا الْمَلِيحِ فَسَأَلْتُهُ فَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ نُبَيْشَةَ الْهُذَلِيِّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا كُنَّا نَعْتِرُ عَتِيرَةً فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ فَمَا تَأْمُرُنَا قَالَ " اذْبَحُوا لِلَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِي أَىِّ شَهْرٍ مَا كَانَ وَبَرُّوا اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَأَطْعِمُوا " .
Nubaishah Al-Hudhaili Narrated from:
A man 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 to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, whatever month it is, do good for the sake of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, and feed (the poor).'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4232In-book reference : Book 41, Hadith 11English translation : Vol. 5, Book 41, Hadith 4237
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4232
This hadith gives a focused answer to a question about Atirah. A man explained that people used to offer this sacrifice during Jahiliyyah, particularly in Rajab, and asked what they should do. The Prophet answered that they could slaughter for Allah in whatever month it might be. He then connected the act with doing good for Allah's sake and feeding others. The narration therefore places sincere worship and benefit to people at the center of the action. It does not set out a special Rajab requirement, a fixed number of animals, or a detailed method of distribution. The explanation should remain with the three clear instructions found in the text: sacrifice for Allah, do good, and provide food.
What we learn from this hadith
- The sacrifice mentioned is to be offered for Allah.
- The instruction is not restricted to Rajab in this report.
- Doing good for Allah's sake accompanies the sacrifice.
- The people were instructed to feed others.
