Eid ul Adha & Virtues of Sacrifice
Shahed Baig
VIRTUES OF TADH’HIYA / SACRIFICE / QURBANI…
It is related by Aayesha (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said, 'There is nothing dearer to Allah Ta'ala during the days of sacrifice than the
sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed in reward). The
sacrifice is accepted by Allah Ta'ala before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart." (Tirmizhi, Ibn Majah)
Zaid Ibn Arqam (r.a.) related that the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) asked, "O Rasulullah, what is sacrifice?" He replied, "it is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim". They asked again, "What benefit do we get from it?" he answered, "A reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal." And what reward is there for animals with wool?" they asked. "A reward," he said, 'for every fiber of
the wool." (Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad, Mishkaat)
ON WHOM IS SACRIFICE COMPULSORY/ WAAJIB ?
Sacrifice during the days of Eid-ul-Adha is waajib (compulsory) on all Muslims (male and female) who own wealth to the value of the Zakaat Nisaab (prescribed amount) on these days of sacrifice (10th, 11th and 12th Zhul Hijjah). The Nisaab value is the price of 19,68 troy ounces of gold or 612,3 grams of silver. Whoever possesses this amount of wealth during this period should make the sacrifice. (Please refer to the home page for the exact dollar amount under the NISAAB table)
THE DAYS OF SACRIFICE…
The days of sacrifice are the 10th, 11th and 12th Zhul Hijjah. The actual time commences from after the Eid Salah and lasts just until before sunset on the 12th Dhul Hijjah. Although it is permissible to make sacrifice during the night, it is not advisable. The best day for the sacrifice is on the day of Eid. Sacrifice made before the Eid Salah is not valid.
THE SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL…
The following types of animals can be offered for sacrifice: Camels, oxen, buffaloes, goats and sheep. Besides these animals, no other animals can be offered for sacrifice. A camel has to be at least five years old. Camels less than five years are not valid for sacrifice. Oxen and buffaloes must not be less than two years. Goats should be at least one year old. Goats less than one year are not
valid for sacrificing. Sheep too should be at least one year. However, if a sheep less than a year is of such a size that it resembles a sheep of one year then its sacrifice will be valid. This applies only to sheep.
A camel, ox, cow and buffalo have seven shares in each. In other words, seven persons may sacrifice a single one of these animals. One person may also sacrifice the whole animal for his own sacrifice. A goat or a sheep has only one share. Hence, a goat or a sheep can be sacrificed on behalf of only one person.