Question
In a narration of Sahih Muslim, what is the meaning of the word “Yahtazzu”? Does it refer to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cutting with a knife or biting meat with his teeth off the bone?
Answer
“Yahtazzu” refers to cutting with a knife. The very next Hadith clearly mentions, “Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) cut off meat from the shoulder of a sheep. He ate from it. He was then called for Salah, he stood up and placed away the knife…”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 355. Also see: Sahih Muslim with Al Minhaj, Hadith: 790-791. Also see Sahih Bukhari with Fathul Bari, hadith: 208)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar