Udhiyyah: The Sacrifice of Eid al-Adha
Origins and Significance
Dhu al-Hijjah, the final and one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar, sees millions of pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. This obligatory pilgrimage embodies deep-rooted Abrahamic traditions, particularly the practices of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, the forefathers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). One of the practices Muslims are ordered to observe in this month is the Udhiyyah (Sacrifice).
The practice of Udhiyyah, as recounted in the Quran, originates from Prophet Ibrahim's divinely inspired dream commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son.
قَالَ يَٰبُنَيَّ إِنِّيٓ أَرَىٰ فِي ٱلۡمَنَامِ أَنِّيٓ أَذۡبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرۡ مَاذَا تَرَىٰۚ قَالَيَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفۡعَلۡ مَا تُؤۡمَرُۖ سَتَجِدُنِيٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“When the boy was old enough to work with his father, Abraham said, ‘My son, I have seen myself sacrificing you in a dream. What do you think?’ He said, ‘Father, do as you are commanded and, God willing, you will find me steadfast.’” (as-Saffat 37:102)
This dream exemplified the ultimate act of devotion – sacrificing what is dearest for the sake of Allah's pleasure. Prophet Ismail's willing submission to his father's divinely ordained duty, expressed in his statement, "You will soon witness me to be from those who are steadfast, God willing," highlights his profound obedience.
As they journeyed to Mina, they experienced hardship at the ploys of Satan, yet they remained unshaken and unwavering. At the moment of sacrifice, Allah, in his infinite mercy, instructed the angel Jibril to substitute Ismail with a ram from heaven, sparing the life of Prophet Ibrahim's cherished son, the ancestor of the Arabs.
Annually, Muslims commemorate this profound act of faith by offering animal sacrifices, not their children or prized possessions. This reenactment coincides with Eid al-Adha, a significant celebration in the Islamic calendar. The Quran underscores the importance of this sacrifice, referring to it as "an-Nahr," which lends its name to Eid al-Adha and the subsequent two "ayyām an-Nahr - the days of sacrifice."
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَٱنْحَرْ
So pray and sacrifice for your Lord" (al-Kawthar 108:2)
The above verse is interpreted by Quranic scholars in Tafsir Jalalain and at-Tabari (quoting Abdullah b. Abbas) as referring to the Eid al-Adha prayer followed by the udhiyyah sacrifice.
Performing udhiyyah on the day of Eid is considered one of the most virtuous deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr more beloved to Allah than spilling blood (of sacrificial animals). On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it." (Tirmidhi, 1493)
Rulings of Udhiyyah
According to the Hanafi school, Udhiyyah is a Wājib (an individual obligation). Neglecting it, without a valid legal excuse, is considered a sin.
Who is Obliged?
The obligation of udhiyyah rests upon every adult Muslim (male or female) who is:
A resident (it is not obligatory for travellers due to the difficulties encountered during travel).
Financially capable of affording the sacrifice, possessing the zakah threshold (nisāb) from the dawn of the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is not required for the poor or financially disadvantaged. Note: The individual must own the nisaab in the days of sacrifice only; the passing of a year is not applicable in udhiyyah.
Timing
Udhiyyah becomes obligatory for those meeting the criteria from the time of Fajr (dawn prayer) on the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha). It must be performed after the Eid prayer for city residents. However, villagers, for whom the Eid prayer is not obligatory, can perform it immediately after Fajr.
The permissible time for udhiyyah extends from the Fajr of the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah until the Maghrib (sunset prayer) of the twelfth of Dhu al-Hijjah, spanning three days.
The Sacrificial Animal
Permissible animals for sacrifice include sheep, goats, and rams, with one animal sufficing for a single offering. For cows and camels, an individual can sacrifice a whole animal, or up to seven people can share in the sacrifice of one animal, provided each shareholder intends it for the pleasure of Allah.
It is preferable for the person to perform the sacrifice themselves, following a long-standing tradition.
Distribution of Meat
The individual who performs the udhiyyah can consume and store the meat. It is also highly recommended to distribute a portion of the meat to the poor and needy, as well as to friends and family.
FAQs
Can Udhiyyah be given on behalf of children?
Udhiyyah is not necessary upon children, however, it can be given from their wealth.
Can a husband give udhiyyah on behalf of his wife?
Yes, it is permissible for a husband to offer udhiyyah on behalf of his wife, with her permission. While it is an individual obligation, it can be fulfilled on behalf of another person with their permission.
Can I give Udhiyya on behalf of my deceased parents?
Although udhiyyah is not necessary upon those who have left this world, it can be given with the intention of sending them rewards (isāl as-thawāb). This applies to any believer who has passed away.
Can I give Udhiyyah in another country?
Yes, it is permissible to give udhiyyah in another country, and the sacrifice will occur according to their timing, even if the sacrifice is performed before the Eid salah has been performed by the one who has given the udhiyyah.
The country I have given Udhiyyah in is doing Eid on another day, is this permissible?
Yes, the udhiyyah is done, and the timing of the country within which the sacrifice is being performed will be considered.
Is it permissible to cut hair and nails if one is giving udhiyyah?
It is considered preferable (mustahab) for those intending to offer udhiyyah to refrain from cutting their hair and nails from the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah until the sacrifice is performed. While this act is rewarded, there is no sin if one does not adhere to it.
References
Tafsir Jalalain
Tafsir Tabari
Mukhtasar al-Quduri
al-Hidayah sharh Bidayat al-Mubtadi
Written by: Ustadh Umer Asif
