Is the sacrifice known as Al-'Atirah prescribed?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)
Primary text
The established position among our scholars is that Al-'Atirah is not legislatively recommended (Sunnah). Al-'Atirah is also known as Al-Rajabiyyah, which the people of Jahiliyyah used to sacrifice in the month of Rajab, often when seeking fulfillment of a request, treating it as an established custom similar to the Udhiyah (sacrifice) on Eid al-Adha. The definitive ruling is that it is not prescribed, based on the Prophet's statement, "There is no Far'ah and no 'Atirah," which is agreed upon. This statement abrogates any previous practice or command establishing it as a custom.
Supporting text
Ibn Sirin used to slaughter the 'Atirah in Rajab, basing his practice on a reported narration. Some early Muslims understood the Prophet's command, "Upon every household is an Udhiyah and an 'Atirah," as establishing it without the condition of a vow (Nidhr), followed by abrogation of that establishment.