6. About sacrificing animal (Hadhi) for Hajj

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة

ِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِٱلرَّحِيمِ

Allah has made the Ka‘bah, the inviolable House, as a means of support and uplift for mankind, as also the Sacred Month and the offerings and the animals with collars. That is so that you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth, and that Allah knows all things well. [5:97]

For you therein [i.e., the animals marked for sacrifice] are benefits for a specified term; then their place of sacrifice is at the ancient House. [22:33]

Allah commanded in Quran, "And whosoever performs the Umrah in the months of Hajj, before (performing) the Hajj, (i.e. Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran), must sacrifice a Hady such as is easy (i.e. that you can afford)" [2:196]

He further says: "And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols [i.e., rites] of Allāh; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allāh upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy [who does not seek aid] and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful." 22:28

Allah further proclaims, "Their meat will not reach Allāh, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good". [22:37]

The animal sacrifice is an act of gratitude by Muslims. On the day of Nahr, it is carried out in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). It is under taken both by Hajj pilgrims and and non-pilgrims. For pilgrims one animal has to be sacrificed per person. For non-pilgrims one animal is enough for one family.

That [has been commanded], and whoever honors the sacred ordinances of Allāh - it is best for him in the sight of his Lord. And permitted to you are the grazing livestock, except what is recited to you. So avoid the uncleanliness of idols and avoid false statement, [22:30]

Animals used as hadhi:

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: "The Hadhy includes eight (including male and female) types of animals arecamels, cows, goats and sheep.'' For sacrifice a sheep or goat or alternatively seven can share if it is a camel or a cow can be used. For non-pilgrims one for one family is enough. For sacrifice, a single sheep or goat is used. Alternatively seven can share if it is a camel or a cow is used.

Abdur-Razzaq reported that Ibn Abbas (RA) said: "As much as one could afford.'' Al-Awfi said that Ibn Abbas said, "If one can afford it, then camels, otherwise cows, or sheep.'' `Depending on the price.'

State of sacrificing animal:

The sacrificing animal should be healthy and free of any defects. Lame, disabled, visibly sick. emaciated, infirm and injured (broken horns or teeth) animals are avoided.

This action is more beloved to Allah:

Ayesha (RA) narrates: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr more beloved to Allah than spilling blood. 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.’ [Sunan al-Tirmidhi

Time of sacrifice:

The animal sacrifice can be done on 10th, or 11th or 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, “Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before the Eid prayer, he just slaughtered it for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.” (Bukhari, 68/454)

Narrated Anas bin Malik (RA): The Prophet said on the day of Nahr, “Whoever has slaughtered his sacrifice before the prayer, should repeat it (slaughter another sacrifice).” (Bukhari, 68)

Narrated Anas (RA): “The Prophet offered as sacrifices two horned rams, black and white in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned Allah’s Name over them and said Takbir and put his foot on their sides.” (Bukhari, Edahi:7)

And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allāh. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. [73:20]

لحمدلله