Mishkat al-Masabih — Hadith #49823

On the authority of Abu Bakra, may God be pleased with him, he said: The Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, addressed us on the Day of Sacrifice. He said: “Indeed, time has turned as it was on the Day of Sacrifice.” God created the heavens and the earth. The year has twelve months, four of which are sacred, three in succession, Dhul-Qa’dah and Dhul-Qa’dah. Hajj, Muharram, and Rajab Mudar, which is between Jumada and Sha`ban.” He said, “Which month is this?” We said: God and His Messenger know best, so we remained silent until we thought that he would give it a different name, so he said: “Is it not Dhul-Hijjah?” We said: Yes. He said: “What country is this?” We said: God and His Messenger know best He was silent until we thought that he would give it another name. He said: “Isn’t it the town?” We said: Yes. He said: “What day is this?” We said: God and His Messenger know best, so we remained silent until we thought that he would give it a different name. He said: “Isn’t it the Day of Sacrifice?” We said: Yes. He said: “It is your blood And your wealth and your honor are sacred to you, as sacred as this day of yours in this country of yours, in this month of yours, and you will meet your Lord. Then He will ask you about your deeds. Why, after me, will you not return astray? Some of you will strike the necks of others. Have I not conveyed the message? They said: Yes. He said: “Oh God, bear witness.” Let the witness inform the absent person, for perhaps the informer is more aware than the listener.”