by Ahmad (20034)]. Thus eating it imparts a satanic force that is dispelled through ablution, and Allah knows best.
This is further supported by the fact that camel-herders are often marked by pride, self-admiration and haughtiness—traits they acquire from long association with their animals—whereas shepherds of sheep are noted for tranquillity, calmness and a gentle heart. Perhaps this is the secret behind the statement that every Prophet at one time herded sheep.
6 – His words, “If you wish,” indicate that ablution after eating mutton is not obligatory.
7 – We have two ḥadiths:
a) The ḥadith under discussion: “Should I perform ablution after eating mutton?” He replied, “If you wish.” [Muslim (360)].
b) What Muslim (253) narrates from ʿĀʾishah and Abū Hurayrah: the Prophet ﷺ said, “Perform ablution after anything that has been touched by fire.”
Between these two reports there is a relationship of generality and specificity: the first is general with respect to cooked mutton, while the second is general regarding anything cooked.
The decisive text is what Abū Dāwūd (192) and al-Nasaʾī (185) narrate from Jābir: “The final of the two commands of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was to abandon ablution after anything touched by fire.”
Al-Bukhārī (210) and Muslim (355) likewise record that the Prophet ﷺ ate from the shoulder of a sheep, then prayed without performing ablution.
Accordingly, the ḥadith of the chapter abrogates the ḥadith that commands ablution after food that has touched fire.
8 – There are two reports from Imām Aḥmad concerning camel milk and whether it nullifies ablution. The preponderant view in the Ḥanbalī school is that milk does not nullify it, and this is the correct opinion; for the Prophet ﷺ did not command the ʿUraynah people to perform ablution after drinking camel milk—indeed, he ordered them to drink it—and postponing clarification at the time of need is impermissible. As for drawing an analogy between milk and meat on the grounds that both nourish the body, this rationale was never stated by the Lawgiver; it was merely conjectured by some scholars.