Sacrifice: A great manifestation of obedience to Allah

Maulana Mufti Muhammad Saeedur Rehman Qasmi
Nazeem Emirate Sharaiyah, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, Phulwari Sharif, Patna
Sacrifice is the greatest worship, important symbol, and Sunnah of Ibrahim in Islam. Allah Almighty has commanded the Muslim Ummah to sacrifice in order to express their obedience, piety, and devotion. This worship reminds us of the unparalleled obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon them) and the passion to sacrifice everything in the way of Allah. The purpose of sacrifice is not just to slaughter an animal, but to cultivate sincerity, piety, and love for Allah in one's heart.

The origin of sacrifice dates back to the incident of Hazrat Adam's (peace be upon him) two sons, Habil and Qabil. Allah commanded both of them to offer a sacrifice. Habil offered the best animal with sincerity and piety, while Qabil offered an imperfect thing with indifference. Consequently, Allah accepted Habil's sacrifice and rejected Qabil's. This incident reveals that, in the eyes of Allah, the real importance lies in sincerity, piety, and good intentions.

The Holy Quran states, "And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth; when they both offered a sacrifice, it was accepted from one of them and not accepted from the other." (Surah Al-Ma'idah: 27) Sacrifice is, in fact, a great manifestation of obedience to Allah, submission, and complete servitude. Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him) set an example of loyalty and obedience to Allah's command, which will be remembered forever.

The Quran says, "And when they had both submitted themselves, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead." (Surah As-Saffat: 103) In reality, sacrifice is not just about slaughtering an animal, but it is a lesson in sacrificing one's desires and beloved things for the sake of Allah's pleasure.

The word "sacrifice" is derived from the Arabic word "qaruba," which means to attain Allah's proximity and pleasure. Therefore, sacrifice is not just about slaughtering an animal, but it is a means to attain Allah's pleasure, obedience, and piety.

This worship has become an important symbol in the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the great Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him). During the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims perform sacrifices to attain Allah's pleasure, which cultivates sincerity, selflessness, obedience, and piety in the individual.

The Holy Quran states, "And for every nation, We have appointed a ritual, that they may mention the name of Allah over the livestock that He has provided for them." (Surah Al-Hajj: 34) There are numerous virtues of sacrifice mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. Allah says, "And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, it is indeed from the piety of the hearts." (Surah Al-Hajj: 32) This means that whoever respects the symbols of Allah, such as sacrifice, prayer, and other commands of the religion, it is a sign of the piety and faith of their heart.

A Hadith narrated by Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'There is no deed that is more beloved to Allah on the day of sacrifice than the shedding of blood. The sacrifice will come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves, and the blood will be accepted by Allah before it falls to the ground. So, sacrifice with a happy heart.'" (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, p. 180)

Another Hadith narrated by Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) states, "The Companions asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what are these sacrifices?' He replied, 'It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.' They asked, 'What is the reward for us in it?' He said, 'For every hair, there is a good deed.' They asked, 'Even the hair of the sheep?' He said, 'Yes, for every hair of the sheep, there is a good deed.'" (Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 4, p. 368)

A Hadith narrated by Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) states, "The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'O Fatimah, get up and witness your sacrifice, for with the first drop of its blood, all your sins will be forgiven, and it will be brought on the Day of Judgment with its flesh and blood, and it will be placed in your scale, multiplied seventy times.'" (Kanz Al-Ummal, Vol. 15, p. 186)

The above-mentioned Ahadith clearly demonstrate the greatness and virtue of sacrifice. Shariah has given a specific command to Muslims who have the means to perform a sacrifice. There is a severe warning for those who, despite having the means, do not perform a sacrifice. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has given a severe warning and guidance to those who do not perform a sacrifice.

A Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states, "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 'Whoever has the means and does not perform a sacrifice, should not come near our place of prayer.'" (Sunan Ibn Majah: 3123) In this Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has expressed a warning in a metaphorical sense. The purpose is not to physically prevent such a person from entering the mosque or place of prayer, but to emphasize that they are neglecting a great Islamic symbol and are being disobedient to Allah despite having the means.

Scholars say that this Hadith emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, especially for those who have the financial means. Sacrifices should be performed while considering the country's situation, wisdom, and expediency, and without violating the law. Cleanliness and hygiene should be maintained during the sacrifice, and the waste, including blood, filth, and hides, should not be thrown into the drains. Instead, they should be buried in a safe place to avoid any inconvenience or nuisance.

If possible, the hides of the sacrificed animals should be donated to a needy person, a madrasah, or a religious institution. Otherwise, the hides can be sold, and the proceeds can be donated. The meat of the sacrifice should be distributed among relatives, friends, and those in need, in a careful and safe manner. Pictures or videos of the sacrifice should not be uploaded or shared on social media, WhatsApp, or Facebook.

May Allah grant all Muslims the ability to perform sacrifices with good intentions, sincerity, and for the sake of Allah alone. Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.