Sunan al-Shafi'i

Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says that the statement of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding Fara’ is true; it means it is not false (the meat is lawful). But this Arabic statement was made in the context of answering a questioner. There is also a narration that says: “There is no such thing as Fara’ or ‘Atirah in Islam.” This difference (contradiction) in narrations is not real; what is meant is that Fara’ or ‘Atirah is not obligatory in Islam, while the other hadith indicates that (though not obligatory) it is permissible. The preferred opinion is that (after slaughtering) it should be given to a widow or in the way of Allah. Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says that ‘Atirah is the same as Rajabiyyah; this is the name of the sacrifice which the people of ignorance used to vow to slaughter in the month of Rajab and then fulfill it in Rajab. So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no ‘Atirah,” meaning ‘Atirah is not necessary. And in another hadith, when asked about ‘Atirah, he said: “Slaughter in the name of Allah in any month and feed (the poor),” meaning if you wish, you may slaughter, but the sacrifice must be in the name of Allah, not in the name of anyone else, and the month should not be specified, because those people used to specify the month of Rajab instead of the other months. Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says that ‘Aqiqah is a well-known practice among the people; this sacrifice was performed by the people of ignorance on behalf of a newborn, and in Islam, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) also commanded it, but this name (from a linguistic perspective) is disliked.