Is it permissible to slaughter the sacrifice at night?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
Slaughtering is restricted to the daytime and not permissible at night, according to the explicit statement of Imam Ahmad in one narration and the position of Malik. This is evidenced by the command to mention Allah's name during the 'days' (Ayyam) mentioned in the Quran, and a narration prohibiting nighttime slaughter.
Supporting text
A second narration attributed to Ahmad, preferred by later Hanbalis, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, and Abu Hanifa, permits nighttime slaughter, analogizing it to the permissibility of stoning (ramy) at night, as the night resembles the day in that respect. Furthermore, meat is often difficult to distribute immediately at night, potentially failing the purpose of giving fresh meat away.