Page:Selections from Muhammadan Traditions - tr. William Goldsack (1923).djvu/86

66 dragging him towards the prayers. And when I saw his design (to have the address before the prayers) I said, "Where is the beginning of prayer?" He replied, "No, O Abú Saʿíd, that which thou knowest has been abandonejd." I said, "Never! by Him in whose hand is my life! You will never bring anything better than what I know." This he said thrice and departed.'—Muslim.

It is related from ʿÁyesha that, 'The Apostle of God ordered a ram with horns to be brought that walked in blackness, slept in blackness and looked in blackness (i.e., which had black feet, sides and eyes). And it was brought that he might sacrifice it. He said, "O ʿÁyesha, bring me a knife." Then he said, "Sharpen it with a stone," and I did so. Then he took it and took the ram and threw it on its side, then he slew it. After that he said, "In the name of God! O God, accept this from Muḥammad, and the family of Muḥammad, and the followers of Muḥammad." Then he offered the flesh to the poor.'—Muslim.

It is related from Jábir that, 'The Apostle of God said, "Do not sacrifice any but a beast of full age; but if that be difficult for you, then sacrifice a female lamb."'—Muslim.

It is related from Jábir that he said, 'The Prophet, on the day of sacrifice, killed two black and white, castrated, male sheep with horns; and when he turned them (towards the temple at Mecca) he said, " I turn my face to Him who created the heavens and the earth, according to the religion of Abraham the Hanif; and I am not one of the polytheists. Verily my prayers and my devotions and my life and my death are devoted to God, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, and for that I have been commanded, and I am one of the Muslims. O God (this sacrifice) is from Thee and for Thee on behalf of Muḥammad and his people. In the name of God. God is great." Then he sacrified.'—Aḥmad, Abú Dáud, Ibn Májah.

It is related from Ḥanash that he said, 'I saw ʿAlí sacrifice two male sheep, and I said to him, "What is this?" He replied, "Verily the Apostle of God ordered me to sacrifice for him. Therefore I am sacrificing for him."'—Abú Dáud.