Author: M. Asim Ismail Zahi
Qurbani (Sacrifice): Its Importance, Virtues, Philosophy, and Etiquette (Part 3)
D: Sacrifice (Qurbani) is the Memory of Ismail (PBUH)
The sacrifice of Ismail (PBUH) is a lesson in offering one’s life to Allah Almighty, and preparing for the sacrifice teaches us the true meaning of obedience to Allah. Now, believers are inspired by this lesson and strive to submit themselves to the divine commandments, preparing their souls for sacrifice, setting aside enmities, and opening their hearts to accept others.
On this day, those who sacrifice themselves to the divine court return to reconcile with those whom they have long held grievances against. The greatest sacrifice of the soul is when a person approaches someone who has wronged them—someone who has truly hurt them—and for the sake of Allah, they extend their hands in forgiveness. Like Ismail (PBUH), they cast away the whispers of Satan and the temptations that come with resentment, all while remembering Allah Almighty. They go to that person’s door solely for the sake of Allah and seek to embody the spirit of Ismail (PBUH).
E: Sacrifice (Qurbani) is the Memory of Ibn al-Zabihatain
When the pilgrims of the Holy House of Allah and other Muslims approach the altar to offer an animal for the sake of Allah Almighty, they are reminded of the same tradition of Ibrahim (PBUH), who heroically prepared to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake. This act exemplifies a profound love for Allah, as Ibrahim prioritizes Allah’s love over his affection for his son.
Similarly, the heroism displayed by Ismail (PBUH)—the faithful and thoughtful child—also resonates with the Hajj pilgrims. Remembering Ismail, despite the devil’s temptations, he remains prepared to shed his blood in the way of Allah Almighty. With unwavering faith, he tells his father: “يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ” Translation: “O father, do whatever you are commanded, and if Allah wills, you will find me among the patient.”
This noble verse illustrates Ismail’s virtue, as he does not merely say, “do what you want,” but rather, “do what you are commanded.” He submits to the command of Allah alone, trusting that his monotheistic father will never act unjustly. When Ibrahim informs his son of the divine decree to sacrifice him, Ismail proactively prepares for the sacrifice, affirming his commitment to patience.
In passing this divine test, both father and son are rewarded when a sheep is sent from Paradise for sacrifice. Muslims, through their own sacrifices, resolve that whenever it is desired of them to sacrifice their sons for Allah, they will not hesitate. Whenever they find themselves at the divine altar of need, they are prepared. They learn how a young man—Ismail (PBUH)—was ready to sacrifice himself for Allah Almighty.
Pilgrims, when slaughtering an animal, revive the memory of these two fathers and sons, each of whom conveys profound lessons about monotheism and sacrifice. During these moments, the pilgrim renews their covenant with Allah, expressing their willingness to sacrifice at any moment, just like Ismail (PBUH), placing love for Allah above all else.
Sacrifice (Qurbani) Etiquettes
Sacrifice is one of the essential rituals of Islam required of every capable Muslim. The emphasis on this practice is evident in that the Prophet (PBUH) always slaughtered his sacrifice on the morning of Eid al-Azha. It is necessary for anyone who sacrifices to be aware of the etiquettes associated with this act.
Paying attention to these etiquettes reflects the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of Islam in all life aspects. Some of these etiquettes include:
1. The First Etiquette: Having Sincerity for Allah and Good Intentions
It should be noted that by performing the etiquettes of sacrifice, a Muslim earns a reward, as the purpose of sacrifice is to uphold the rituals of Islam, express gratitude to Allah, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)—not for show or to achieve fame or recognition.
2. The Second Etiquette: Avoiding Cutting Hair or Nails
From the first of the month of Dhul-Hijjah until the time of slaughtering the sacrifice, a person intending to sacrifice should not cut anything from their hair or body, including nails. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “إذا دخلت العشر وأراد أحدكم أن يضحى فلا يمس من شعره وبشره شيئا” Translation: “When the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah have arrived and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut anything from his hair or body.”
However, if something causes pain, such as a broken nail, it is permissible to remove it.
3. The Third Etiquette: Avoiding Defective Animals
A sacrifice that the Prophet (PBUH) stated is not acceptable must be avoided: «أربع لا يجزين في الأضاحی: العوراء البين عورها، والمريضة البين مرضها، والعرجاء البين ظلعها، والعجفاء التى لا تنقى» Translation: “There are four animals that are not acceptable for sacrifice: an animal whose eyes are clearly blind; one that is sick; one with a clear limp; and one that is too thin, with bones protruding.”
4. The Fourth Etiquette: Choosing a Good and Suitable Sacrifice
It is vital to choose an animal that is physically robust and free from the defects mentioned above, striving to offer a good sacrifice to get closer to Allah. This is in line with the way of the Prophet (PBUH).
5. The Fifth Etiquette: Slaughtering the Sacrifice Personally
If a person is capable, it is preferable for them to slaughter the sacrifice themselves, as the Prophet (PBUH) did. “ضحى النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم بكبشين أملحين أقرنين ذبحهما بيده وسمى وكبر ووضع رجله على صفاحهما” Translation: “The Messenger of Allah sacrificed two beautiful horned rams. He did this with his hands, saying Bismillah and Takbir, and placing his foot on their sides.”
If someone cannot do this themselves, it is permissible for another person to do the slaughtering.
6. The Sixth Etiquette: Observing the Timing of Slaughter
If someone slaughters before the Eid prayer, they must perform the sacrifice again. The Prophet (PBUH) declared that slaughtering must occur after the Eid prayer. Anyone who slaughters prior does so only for themselves, and it will not be regarded as a true sacrifice. The Prophet (PBUH) stated: “من ضحى قبل الصلاة فإنما ذبح لنفسه، ومن ذبح بعد الصلاة فقد تم نسكه، وأصاب سنة المسلمين” Translation: “Whoever sacrifices before the Eid prayer has sacrificed for themselves, and whoever sacrifices after the prayer has fulfilled their custom and adhered to the Sunnah of the Muslims.”
7. The Seventh Etiquette: Avoiding Slaughtering Lactating Animals
A lactating animal, whose milk is valuable, should not be slaughtered to preserve its utility. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “لا تذبحن ذات در” Translation: “Do not slaughter a lactating animal.”
This etiquette reflects the lawgiver’s interest in ensuring Muslims do not deprive themselves of beneficial resources.
8. The Eighth Etiquette: Sharpening the Knife with Compassion
Sharpening the knife is an act of compassion, minimizing the animal’s pain. Therefore, this reflects mercy and kindness toward Allah’s creations. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded: “إن الله كتب الإحسان على كل شيء فإذا قتلتم فأحسنوا القتلة وإذا ذبحتم فأحسنوا الذبح وليحد أحدكم شفرته فليرح ذبيحته” Translation: “Indeed, Allah has prescribed kindness in everything. So when you kill, kill well; and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Sharpen your knife so that the animal can be killed easily.”
9. The Ninth Etiquette: Sharpening the Knife Before Slaughtering
It is improper to lay down the animal and sharpen the knife beside it, as this increases the animal’s fear and departs from compassion. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) admonished those who did this:
“أتريد أن تميتها موتات هلا حددت شفرتك قبل أن تضجعها” Translation: “Do you want to kill it dead? So, sharpen your knife before laying it down.”
10. The Tenth Etiquette: Not Showing the Knife to the Animal
This etiquette also relates to the previous one; the knife should be concealed before laying down the animal, preventing unnecessary fear of death.
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