◈ The Sunnah of Sacrificing Camels
In the Islamic tradition, sacrificing animals during pilgrimage holds a sacred place. Among these, the method of sacrificing camels (nahr) has been clearly established through the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a recommended act to slaughter the camel while it is standing with its front left leg tied, as this was the manner practiced and approved by the Prophet ﷺ.
◈ Hadith Evidence
Ziyad ibn Jubayr reported:
"I saw Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما come across a man who had made his camel sit and then slaughtered it. Ibn ʿUmar said to him:
❝Slaughter it while it is standing with one leg tied — this is the Sunnah of Muhammad ﷺ.❞"
This guidance confirms the method endorsed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, emphasizing the importance of following the exact prophetic practice in acts of worship and ritual sacrifice.
◈ Proper Method of Camel Sacrifice
① The camel should be in a standing position.
② Its front left leg should be tied to control its movement.
③ The slaughterer should then strike at the base of the neck, in a swift and decisive manner.
④ After the act, the animal will fall, and the process will be complete in accordance with the Sunnah.
◈ Wisdom Behind the Standing Position
Slaughtering the camel while standing reflects a greater level of difficulty and submission, hence increasing the reward. Additionally, it facilitates the drainage of blood and aligns with the noble tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
◈ Practical Consideration
While this method is ideal, if due to practical challenges — such as difficulty in control or safety — the camel is slaughtered in a different position, the sacrifice is still valid. However, one should strive to emulate the Sunnah wherever possible.
✔ Summary
✿ Sacrificing the camel while standing with one leg tied is the Sunnah.
✿ It is a symbolic and devotional act practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.
✿ Following this method not only earns more reward but reflects adherence to prophetic teachings.
✿ Flexibility is allowed in special circumstances.
In the Islamic tradition, sacrificing animals during pilgrimage holds a sacred place. Among these, the method of sacrificing camels (nahr) has been clearly established through the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a recommended act to slaughter the camel while it is standing with its front left leg tied, as this was the manner practiced and approved by the Prophet ﷺ.
◈ Hadith Evidence
Ziyad ibn Jubayr reported:
"I saw Ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما come across a man who had made his camel sit and then slaughtered it. Ibn ʿUmar said to him:
❝Slaughter it while it is standing with one leg tied — this is the Sunnah of Muhammad ﷺ.❞"
This guidance confirms the method endorsed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, emphasizing the importance of following the exact prophetic practice in acts of worship and ritual sacrifice.
◈ Proper Method of Camel Sacrifice
① The camel should be in a standing position.
② Its front left leg should be tied to control its movement.
③ The slaughterer should then strike at the base of the neck, in a swift and decisive manner.
④ After the act, the animal will fall, and the process will be complete in accordance with the Sunnah.
◈ Wisdom Behind the Standing Position
Slaughtering the camel while standing reflects a greater level of difficulty and submission, hence increasing the reward. Additionally, it facilitates the drainage of blood and aligns with the noble tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions.
◈ Practical Consideration
While this method is ideal, if due to practical challenges — such as difficulty in control or safety — the camel is slaughtered in a different position, the sacrifice is still valid. However, one should strive to emulate the Sunnah wherever possible.
✔ Summary
✿ Sacrificing the camel while standing with one leg tied is the Sunnah.
✿ It is a symbolic and devotional act practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.
✿ Following this method not only earns more reward but reflects adherence to prophetic teachings.
✿ Flexibility is allowed in special circumstances.
