❖ The Abrahamic Status of Sacrifice During Hajj ❖
Question:
Is the sacrifice performed during Hajj an Abrahamic Sunnah? Kindly explain.
Answer:
Yes, the sacrifice performed during Hajj is indeed a Sunnah of Ibrahim (عليه السلام).
✿ Explanation:
The renowned commentator of the Qur’an, Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما), was once asked by Abu al-Tufayl:
«يزعم قومك ان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سعٰي بين الصفا والمروة وان ذٰلك سنة»
“Your people claim that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed Sa’i between Safa and Marwah and that this is a Sunnah.”
Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) responded:
“They have spoken the truth.”
He then elaborated:
When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was commanded to perform the rites of Hajj, Shaytan appeared to him at the place of Sa’i. Shaytan tried to obstruct him, but Ibrahim (عليه السلام) proceeded ahead. Then Jibril (عليه السلام) brought Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to Jamrah ‘Aqabah, where Shaytan appeared again. Ibrahim (عليه السلام) threw seven pebbles at him until he retreated. Then Shaytan appeared again at Jamrah Wustā, and again he threw seven pebbles at him.
Following this, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) laid down his son Isma’il (عليه السلام) face down to fulfill the command of Allah. Isma’il (عليه السلام) was wearing a white shirt and said:
“O my beloved father! I do not have any other garment for a shroud. Please use this shirt for my burial.”
Ibrahim (عليه السلام) attempted to remove the shirt when a voice called out from behind:
“O Ibrahim! Indeed, you have fulfilled the vision.”
When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) turned around, he saw a white ram with horns, which was sent by Allah as a ransom and substitute for Isma’il (عليه السلام).
[References: Musnad Ahmad 1/297, 4/437; al-Mu‘jam al-Kabīr 10/268; Musnad al-Tayālisi 2697; al-Bayhaqi 5/153; Shu‘ab al-Īmān 4077; Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 5/352; Tahdhīb al-Āthār, p. 60; Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī 2/516]✔ Conclusion:
From this authentic narration, it is evident that when Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was ordered to perform the rites of Hajj, he also prepared to sacrifice his son Isma’il (عليه السلام). At that moment, Allah replaced the son with a white ram, confirming the truth of his vision.
Hence, the act of sacrifice during Hajj is directly rooted in the Abrahamic Sunnah, and there is no difference of opinion among the scholars of Islam regarding this.
Any doubt cast upon this by modernist individuals is merely the result of flawed ijtihad, aiming to undermine the authentic teachings of Islam. However, the Abrahamic Sunnah shall remain alive until the Day of Judgement, by the will of Allah ﷻ.
«إن شاء الله!»
