Is the sacrifice known as Al-Far'ah prescribed?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Sacrifices (Uḍḥiyah)

Book 57 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The established position among our scholars is that Al-Far'ah is not legislatively recommended (Sunnah). Al-Far'ah refers to the firstborn of a she-camel, which was sacrificed to idols in the pre-Islamic era. The Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade this practice. The ruling is based on the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him, "There is no Far'ah and no 'Atirah," which is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'Alayh). This narration is considered later than any previous command regarding it, thus acting as an abrogation. Evidence for its later timing is that its narrator, Abu Hurayrah, embraced Islam late, in the seventh year after Hijra.

Supporting text

A narration from Aisha, may God be pleased with her, states that the Messenger of God commanded the sacrifice of Al-Far'ah, one for every five young camels, and Ibn al-Mundhir deemed this hadith sound (thabit).