Source: Khutbahs of Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq Zahid, Compiled by: Tawheed.com
The Eid al-Adha and the Revival of the Abrahamic Tradition
Eid al-Adha is a great day in which Muslims around the world revive the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim Khalilullah عليه السلام, and following the way of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, sacrifice animals in the name of Allah تعالى.
Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام was a highly esteemed prophet of Allah تعالى, who was made a "Khalil" (friend) by Allah تعالى.
Allah تعالى says:
وَاتَّخَذَ اللّٰہُ إِبْرَاهِیْمَ خَلِیْلاً
Reference: (An-Nisa 4:125)
Translation: "And Allah took Ibrahim as a friend (Khalil)."
Allah تعالى granted Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام such a high status that the prophets who came after him were from his lineage, and the subsequent heavenly books were also revealed to prophets from his descendants. In the Holy Quran, Allah تعالى mentions Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام numerous times and repeatedly describes his attributes and events.
The Great Attributes of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and Following the Abrahamic Nation
Allah تعالى says:
إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿١٢٠﴾ شَاكِرًا لِّأَنْعُمِهِ ۚ ٱجْتَبَىٰهُ وَهَدَىٰهُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ ﴿١٢١﴾ وَءَاتَيْنَٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ ﴿١٢٢﴾ ثُمَّ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ أَنِ ٱتَّبِعْ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿١٢٣﴾
Reference: (An-Nahl 16:123-120)
Translation: "Indeed, Ibrahim (علیہ السلام) was a leader, obedient to Allah, devoted solely to Allah, and was not among the polytheists. He was grateful for Allah's blessings. Allah chose him and guided him to the straight path. And We granted him goodness in this world, and surely he will be among the righteous in the Hereafter. Then We revealed to you (O Prophet ﷺ) to follow the religion of Ibrahim, who was devoted to Allah and was not among the polytheists."
Allah, the Exalted, says:
وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُۥ ۚ وَلَقَدِ ٱصْطَفَيْنَٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ ﴿١٣٠﴾ إِذْ قَالَ لَهُۥ رَبُّهُۥٓ أَسْلِمْ ۖ قَالَ أَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ﴿١٣١﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:131-130)
Translation: "And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim except one who makes a fool of himself? And indeed, We chose him in this world, and indeed, he will be among the righteous in the Hereafter. (Remember) when his Lord said to him: Submit, he said: I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds."
Allah, the Exalted, says:
مَا كَانَ إِبْرَٰهِيمُ يَهُودِيًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِيًّا وَلَٰكِن كَانَ حَنِيفًا مُّسْلِمًا وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴿٦٧﴾
Reference: (Aali 'Imran 3:67)
Translation: “Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a pure Muslim, and he was not of the polytheists.”
The Trials of Prophet Abraham عليه السلام and the Status of “Faithfulness”
Allah Almighty tested Prophet Abraham عليه السلام with various trials, and he succeeded completely in each trial.
Allah Almighty says:
وَإِذِ ٱبْتَلَىٰٓ إِبْرَٰهِـۧمَ رَبُّهُۥ بِكَلِمَٰتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا ۖ قَالَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۖ قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِى ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ ﴿١٢٤﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:124)
Translation: “And (remember) when Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain words, and he fulfilled them. Allah said: I will make you a leader for the people. Abraham said: And of my offspring? Allah said: My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.”
Here, (بِکَلِمَاتٍ) refers to all commands and prohibitions, especially major commands such as migration and the sacrifice of a son.
Allah Almighty praised his faithfulness in this manner:
وَإِبْرَٰهِيمَ ٱلَّذِى وَفَّىٰٓ
Reference: (An-Najm 53:37)
Translation: “And Abraham, who fulfilled (his obligations).”
The Great Trial Concerning Prophet Ismail عليه السلام
Allah Almighty also took a great test through the beloved son of Prophet Abraham عليه السلام, Prophet Ismail عليه السلام, which is detailed in the Holy Quran:
Reference: (As-Saffat 37:107-99)
verses:وَقَالَ إِنِّى ذَاهِبٌ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى سَيَهْدِينِ ﴿٩٩﴾ رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ ﴿١٠٠﴾ فَبَشَّرْنَٰهُ بِغُلَٰمٍ حَلِيمٍ ﴿١٠١﴾ فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ ﴿١٠٢﴾ فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِ ﴿١٠٣﴾ وَنَٰدَيْنَٰهُ أَن يَٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ ﴿١٠٤﴾ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٠٥﴾ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْبَلَٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ ﴿١٠٦﴾ وَفَدَيْنَٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ ﴿١٠٧﴾
Translation: "And Ibrahim said: I am going towards my Lord; He will guide me. O my Lord! Grant me a righteous offspring." So, We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. Then when he reached the age of running about with him, Ibrahim said: O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you. So, tell me what is your opinion? He said: O my father! Do that which you have been commanded; you will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient. Then when both had submitted (to Allah's command), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead, We called out: O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
The first major trial concerning Prophet Ismail (عليه السلام) was that Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (ابراہیم علیہ السلام) to leave his wife Hajar (ہاجرہ) and young son Ismail (اسماعیل علیہ السلام) in a valley devoid of water and vegetation; a valley where there was neither population, nor fruit-bearing trees, nor any provision of water. Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) fulfilled this command solely relying on Allah, and thus Allah opened the doors of His mercy upon this small family.
Narration of Ibn Abbas (رضی الله عنه) (Background of Zamzam and Sa'i)
حضرت ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما narrates that among women, it was حضرت ہاجرہ who first tied a belt around her waist so that حضرت سارہ could not find her. Then حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام took حضرت ہاجرہ and her child حضرت اسماعیل علیہ السلام and set out. At that time, حضرت ہاجرہ was nursing حضرت اسماعیل. حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام left them near the Kaaba, on the elevated side of the Masjid al-Haram—where the water of Zamzam is today—under a large tree. At that time, there was neither a person nor water there.
حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام gave حضرت ہاجرہ a bag of dates and a water skin and began to return. حضرت ہاجرہ followed him and said:
ابراہیم! Where are you going, leaving us in a valley where there is neither a person nor water?
حضرت ہاجرہ asked this question several times, but حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام did not even look back. Finally, she asked:
آللّٰہُ أَمَرَكَ بِهذَا؟
Translation: "Did Allah command you to do this?"
حضرت ابراہیم علیہ السلام replied: Yes.
Then حضرت ہاجرہ said:
إِذَنْ َلا یُضَیِّعَنَا
Translation: "Well, then Allah will not let us be lost."
Then Hazrat Hajarah returned. When Hazrat Ibrahim عليه السلام reached a hill from where he could not see them, he turned towards the Kaaba, raised his hands, and prayed:
رَّبَّنَا إِنِّیْ أَسْکَنتُ مِن ذُرِّیَّتِیْ بِوَادٍ غَیْْرِ ذِیْ زَرْعٍ عِندَ بَیْْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ۔۔۔۔
Translation: "O our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a valley that is not cultivated, near Your Sacred House..."
Water ran out, the search began
Hazrat Hajarah continued to give milk and water to Hazrat Ismail عليه السلام until the water ran out. Now she was thirsty herself, and the child was also beginning to suffer from thirst. She could not bear the child's restlessness. She went out and climbed the nearest hill, Safa, to look towards the valley in hopes of seeing someone, but no one was in sight. Then she descended from Safa and came into the valley, gathered her garment, and ran like a distressed person until she crossed the valley and reached Marwah. There too, no one was in sight. In this manner, she made seven circuits.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
فَذَلِكَ سَعْیُ النَّاسِ بَیْنَهُمَا
Translation: "The reason people perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah is this."
The Emergence of Zamzam
When Hazrat Hajarah reached Marwah in the seventh round, she heard a voice. She said to herself: "Be quiet, listen!" Then she listened again and heard the same voice. She said: "I have heard your voice, can you help us?"
Then she saw an angel at the site of Zamzam who struck his heel or foot on the ground, and water gushed forth. Hazrat Hajarah began to make a basin for it, started to build a wall around it, and filled her water skins with water using cups. The more water she drew, the more it gushed forth.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
یَرْحَمُ اللّٰہُ أُمَّ إِسْمَاعِیْلَ لَوْ تَرَکَتْ زَمْزَمَ۔ أَوْ قَالَ: لَوْ لَمْ تَغْرِفْ مِنَ الْمَائِ لَکَانَتْ زَمْزَمُ عَیْنًا مَعِیْنًا
Translation: "May Allah have mercy on the mother of Isma'il! If she had left Zamzam as it was (or he said) if she had not taken water with cups, Zamzam would have become a flowing spring."
Hazrat Hajarah drank water and breastfed her child. The angel said: "Do not be afraid, this is the house of Allah, this child and his father will build it." At that time, the Ka'bah had collapsed and formed a mound above the ground, and rainwater flowed from the right and left.
The Arrival of the Jurhum Tribe and the Settlement of Makkah
After some time, the people of the Jurhum tribe—or their family members—were coming from the route of Kida. They descended into the lowlands of Makkah and saw a bird circling, and they said: "This bird is surely circling over water, although we know this plain, we have never seen water here." They sent a few men, water was found, and then everyone came.
Hazrat Hajarah was sitting by the water. She asked: "Will you allow us to stay here?" Hazrat Hajarah replied: "Yes, but you will have no right to the water." They said: "That is fine."
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Um Isma'il herself wanted people to settle here."
Then they settled there and called their family. When several houses were established there, Prophet Isma'il (عليه السلام) grew up, learned Arabic from them, and people began to like him. He also arranged for his marriage within his family. Then, Prophet Hajarah (رحمه الله) passed away.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:3364)
The Dream of Sacrifice and the Pinnacle of Obedience
In reference to these verses, it is made clear that when Prophet Isma'il (عليه السلام) grew up, Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his son. Since the dreams of the Prophets (عليهم السلام) are also a form of revelation, Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) firmly resolved to carry out this command. However, before taking action, he presented the matter to his son and sought his opinion.
Prophet Isma'il (عليه السلام) immediately said:
قَالَ يَٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ
Translation: "O my father! Do as you have been commanded."
He then added:
سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ
Translation: "If Allah wills, you will find me among the patient."
This was an unparalleled obedience between the father and son, as both were ready in every way for Allah's command: the father to sacrifice and the son to be sacrificed. Allah, the Exalted, said to him:
إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْبَلَٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ
Translation: “Indeed, this was a manifest trial.”
Then, Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام took Prophet Ismail عليه السلام to Mina, laid him down on his forehead near the Jamarat, and placed the knife for slaughter. At that very moment, a voice was heard:
يَٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ ﴿١٠٤﴾ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ
Translation: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream.”
Then Allah, the Exalted, said:
وَفَدَيْنَٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
Translation: “And we ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”
Allah sent a ram which Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام sacrificed, and this is the great Sunnah through which Muslims seek closeness to Allah every year by performing sacrifice.
The Legitimacy of Sacrifice and Its Emphasis
This great event is not merely a historical tale but an eternal Sunnah that Muslims revive every year. Offering a sacrifice is also the blessed Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. During his stay in Madinah Munawwarah, he ﷺ offered a sacrifice every year and emphasized its importance to the Ummah.
Warning Against Abandoning the Sacrifice
The Prophet ﷺ issued a stern warning regarding a person who, despite having the means, does not offer a sacrifice:
مَنْ وَجَدَ سَعَةً لِأَن یَّضَحِّیَ فَلَمْ یُضَحِّ فَلَا یَحْضُرْ مُصَلَّانَا
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Hakim and graded as حسن by Al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib:1087)
Translation: “Whoever has the means but does not offer a sacrifice should not approach our prayer place.”
Similarly, on the day of Arafah, he ﷺ said:
یَا أَیُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ عَلٰی کُلِّ أَهْلِ بَیْتٍ فِیْ کُلِّ عَامٍ أُضْحِیَةِ…
Reference: (Sunan Abu Dawood:2788, Sunan al-Tirmidhi:1518, Sunan Ibn Majah:3125. Graded as صحيح by Al-Albani)
Translation: “O people! It is obligatory for every household to offer a sacrifice every year.”
Therefore, anyone who has the ability to offer a sacrifice should never abandon this act of worship.
The Importance of Sincerity in Sacrifice
The sincerity of intention is a fundamental condition in sacrifice, just like in all acts of worship. The sacrifice should be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah, not for show, fame, or to gain the praise of people.
Guidance from the Holy Quran
Allah, the Exalted, says:
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَٱنْحَرْ
Reference: (Al-Kawthar 108:2)
Translation: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].”
And He said:
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِى وَنُسُكِى وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِى لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ﴿١٦٢﴾ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُۥ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ ﴿١٦٣﴾
Reference: (Al-An'am 6:163-162)
Translation: “Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.’”
If there is any show-off or ostentation in the sacrifice, its reward is nullified.
It is Forbidden to Slaughter in the Name of Others than Allah
Every animal, whether for sacrifice or general slaughter, should only be slaughtered in the name of Allah.
Allah, the Exalted, commands:
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ بِهِۦ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ
Reference: (Al-Baqarah 2:173)
Translation: “He has forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that over which has been invoked the name of other than Allah.”
And the Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
لَعَنَ اللّٰہُ مَنْ ذَبَحَ لِغَیْرِ اللّٰہِ
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1978)
Translation: “May Allah's curse be upon the person who sacrifices an animal for other than Allah.”
Therefore, two matters should be particularly considered at the time of sacrifice:
➊ The intention should be purely for Allah.
➋ The animal should be sacrificed only in the name of Allah.
Time for Sacrifice
The time for sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer. If someone has sacrificed before the Eid prayer, it will not be sufficient, and they will have to perform the sacrifice again.
Hazrat Jundub bin Sufyan رضي الله عنه narrates:
مَنْ کَانَ ذَبَحَ أُضْحِیَتَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ یُّصَلِّیَ۔ أَوْ نُصَلِّیَ۔ فَلْیَذْبَحْ مَکَانَهَا أُخْرَی، وَمَنْ کَانَ لَمْ یَذْبَحْ فَلْیَذْبَحْ بِاسْمِ اللّٰہِ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:985, Sahih Muslim:1960)
Translation: “Whoever has sacrificed before the Eid prayer should perform another sacrifice in its place, and whoever has not yet sacrificed should do so in the name of Allah.”
Qualities of the Sacrificial Animal
The sacrificial animal should be healthy and free from defects.
Hazrat Abu Amamah bin Sahal رضي الله عنه narrates:
کُنَّا نُسَمِّنُ الْأضْحِیَةَ بِالْمَدِیْنَةِ، وَکَانَ الْمُسْلِمُوْنَ یُسَمِّنُوْنَ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: Book of Sacrifices)
Translation: “We used to feed and fatten the sacrificial animals well in Medina, and the Muslims would do the same.”
Four Defective Animals Are Prohibited
Hazrat Bara' bin Azib رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
أَرْبَعٌ لَا تَجُوْزُ فِی الْأضَاحِیْ: اَلْعَوْرَاءُ بَیِّنٌ عَوَرُهَا، وَالْمَرِیْضَةُ بَیِّنٌ مَرَضُهَا، وَالْعَرْجَاءُ بَیِّنٌ ظَلْعُهَا، وَالْکَسِیْرُ الَّتِی َلا تُنْقِیْ
Reference: (Sunan Abu Dawood:2802, Sunan al-Tirmidhi:1497, and authenticated by Al-Albani)
Translation: "Four types of animals are not permissible for sacrifice:
➊ The one that is blind in one eye, and the blindness is evident.
➋ The sick one whose sickness is apparent.
➌ The lame one whose lameness is prominent.
➍ The extremely weak one that has no marrow in its bones."
Similarly, the animal should not have a cut ear or a broken horn. However, being castrated is not a defect.
➊ Sharpening the Knife
Hazrat Shaddad bin Aws رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِنَّ اللّٰہَ کَتَبَ الْإِحْسَانَ عَلیٰ کُلِّ شَیْیٍٔ، فَإِذَا قَتَلْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الْقِتْلَةَ، وَإِذَا ذَبَحْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الذِّبْحَةَ، وَلْیُحِدَّ أَحَدُکُمْ شَفْرَتَهُ، وَلْیُرِحْ ذَبِیْحَتَهُ
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1955)
Translation: "Allah has prescribed excellence in all things. When you kill, do it in a good manner, and when you slaughter, do it in a good manner. Each one of you should sharpen his knife and provide ease to the animal being slaughtered."
However, the knife should not be sharpened in front of the animal.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a man sharpening a knife while standing on the neck of a goat, and the goat was watching him. He ﷺ said:
أَفَلَا قَبْلَ هَذَا؟ أَوَ تُرِیْدُ أَنْ تُمِیْتَهَا مَوْتَاتٍ
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Tabarani and authenticated by Al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib:1090)
Translation: “Have you not done this before? Do you want to strike it multiple times?”
➋ Slaughtering with One's Own Hand
The Sunnah method is to lay the animal on its left side, place a foot on its neck, and say “بِسْمِ اللّٰہِ اَللّٰہُ أَکْبَر” before slaughtering.
Hazrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates:
ضَحَّی النَّبِیُّ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم بِکَبْشَیْنِ أَمْلَحَیْنِ، فَرَأَیْتُهُ وَاضِعًا قَدَمَهُ عَلیٰ صِفَاحِهِمَا، یُسَمِّیْ وَیُکَبِّرُ، فَذَبَحَهُمَا بِیَدِہٖ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5558, Sahih Muslim:1966)
Translation: “The Noble Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two white rams with black markings. I saw that he placed his foot on their necks, mentioned the name of Allah, and proclaimed the Takbir, then he slaughtered them with his own hand.”
In the narration of Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها, it is mentioned that he ﷺ said while slaughtering:
بِسْمِ اللّٰہِ اَللّٰهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنْ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَمِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1967)
Translation: "In the name of Allah, O Allah! Accept (this sacrifice) from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad, and the Ummah of Muhammad."
Distribution of Sacrificial Meat
Allah the Exalted says:
فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْبَآئِسَ ٱلْفَقِيرَ
Reference: (Al-Hajj 22:28)
Translation: "So eat from it yourselves and feed the needy poor."
فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْقَانِعَ وَٱلْمُعْتَرَّ
Reference: (Al-Hajj 22:36)
Translation: "Eat from it yourselves and feed both the one who does not ask and the one who asks."
The scholars derive from these verses that the meat is divided into three parts:
➊ One part for oneself
➋ One part for relatives
➌ One part for the poor and needy
Storing is also permissible:
کُلُوْا وَتَزَوَّدُوْا وَادَّخِرُوْا
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1972)
Translation: "Eat, make provisions for the journey, and store (some)."
Ruling on the Skins of Sacrifices
Just as it is not permissible to sell the meat of the sacrifice, it is also not permissible to sell the skin of the sacrifice and use its price for personal expenses. The skin should either be used personally or given as charity.
Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه states:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded me to stay near His ﷺ sacrifices and supervise them, and to give their meat, skins, and hides as charity, and not to give anything from them to the butcher as payment.”
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:1717, Sahih Muslim:1317)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَنْ بَاعَ جِلْدَ أُضْحِیَتِه فَلَا أُضْحِیَةَ لَهُ
Reference: (Narrated by Al-Hakim. And Al-Albani graded it as Hasan in Sahih al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib:1088)
Translation: “Whoever sells the skin of his sacrifice, his sacrifice is invalid.”
Therefore, it is not permissible to sell the skin for personal benefit.
Days of Sacrifice
There are four days of sacrifice:
➊ 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Eid day)
➋ 11th of Dhul-Hijjah
➌ 12th of Dhul-Hijjah
➍ 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq)
Sacrifice can be performed on all four of these days.
Permissible Enjoyment on Eid Days
Eid is a day of joy and happiness, and it is permissible to celebrate within the limits of Shariah.
Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها reports that on Eid day, two girls from the Ansar were singing some verses. Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said:
أَمَزَامِیْرُ الشَّیْطَانِ فِی بَیْتِ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰہِ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم؟
Translation: “Are there flutes of the devil being played in the house of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?”
Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
یَا أَبَا بَکْر، إِنَّ لِکُلِّ قَوْمٍ عِیْدًا وَهذَا عِیْدُنَا
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:454, Sahih Muslim:892)
Translation: “O Abu Bakr! Every nation has a festival, and this is our festival.”
In another narration, it is mentioned that the Abyssinians were performing in the mosque, and the Noble Prophet ﷺ allowed Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها to watch that performance.
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:454, Sahih Muslim:892)
From these hadiths, it is understood that permissible entertainment on the day of Eid is allowed, provided that there is no act contrary to Sharia.
The Prohibition of Singing and Music
Allah the Almighty says:
وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِى لَهْوَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ
Reference: (Luqman 31:6-7)
Translation: “And among the people are some who buy idle talk to mislead from the way of Allah... For them is a humiliating punishment.”
Several companions have interpreted “لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ” as singing and music. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ud رضي الله عنه swore that it refers to singing.
Hazrat Abu Malik al-Ash'ari رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لَیَکُوْنَنَّ مِنْ أُمَّتِی أَقْوَامٌ یَسْتَحِلُّونَ الْحِرَ، وَالْحَرِیْرَ، وَالْخَمْرَ، وَالْمَعَازِفَ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5590)
Translation: “There will come a time in my Ummah when people will consider fornication, silk, alcohol, and music to be lawful.”
He also said:
إِنَّ اللّٰہَ حَرَّمَ عَلَیْکُمُ الْخَمْرَ وَالْمَیْسِرَ وَالْکُوْبَةَ
Reference: (Sunan Abu Dawood:3696. Authenticated by Al-Albani)
Translation: “Allah has forbidden upon you alcohol, gambling, and drums.”
And he said:
صَوْتَانِ مَلْعُونَانِ فِی الدُّنْیَا وَالْآخِرَۃِ: مِزْمَارٌ عِنْدَ نِعْمَةٍ وَرَنَّةٌ عِنْدَ مُصِیْبَةٍ
Reference: (Sahih al-Jami' by Al-Albani:3695)
Translation: “Two voices are cursed in this world and the Hereafter: the voice of singing and playing during times of joy, and the voice of screaming during times of calamity.”
Therefore, it is not permissible to listen to music, songs, watch movies, or obscene programs during the occasion of Eid.
➊ Letting Clothes Hang Below the Ankles
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَا أَسْفَلَ مِنَ الْکَعْبَیْنِ مِنَ الْإِزَارِ فَفِی النَّارِ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5787)
Translation: “Whoever's garment hangs below his ankles will be in Hell.”
And he said:
لاَ یَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ کَانَ فِی قَلْبِهِ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّۃٍ مِنْ کِبْرٍ
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:91)
Translation: “Whoever has an atom's weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.”
➋ Shaving the Beard
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
خَالِفُوا الْمُشْرِکِیْنَ، وَفِّرُوا اللِّحٰی، وَأَحْفُوا الشَّوَارِبَ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5892, Sahih Muslim:259)
Translation: “Oppose the polytheists, grow your beards, and shorten your mustaches.”
➌ The Prohibition of Shaking Hands with Non-Mahram Women
لَأَنْ یُّطْعَنَ فِی رَأْسِ أَحَدِکُمْ بِمِخْیَطٍ مِنْ حَدِیْدٍ خَیْرٌ لَّهُ مِنْ أَنْ یَّمَسَّ امْرَأَۃً لاَ تَحِلُّ لَهُ
Reference: (Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah by Al-Albani:226)
Translation: “It is better for any one of you to have a needle of iron thrust into his head than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him.”
➍ Meeting in Seclusion
لَا یَخْلُوَنَّ رَجُلٌ بِامْرَأَۃٍ إِلَّا وَمَعَها ذُوْ مَحْرَمٍ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:5232, Sahih Muslim:1341)
Translation: “No man should be alone with a woman unless there is a Mahram with her.”
➎ Women Going Out Unveiled
وَقَرْنَ فِى بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ ٱلْجَٰهِلِيَّةِ ٱلْأُولَىٰ
Reference: (Al-Ahzab 33:33)
Translation: “And stay in your houses and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.”
And it was said:
صِنْفَانِ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ...
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:2128)
Translation: “There are two types of people who will be in Hell... (among them are those women who will be clothed yet naked...)”
➏ Rights of Relatives and the Poor
لَا یُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُکُمْ حَتّٰی یُحِبَّ لِأَخِیْهِ مَا یُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari:13, Sahih Muslim:45)
Translation: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
The Sacrifice of Desires
The essence of sacrifice is not merely the animal itself but the sacrifice of one's desires. When there is a conflict between Allah's command and our desires, we should sacrifice our desires, not Allah's commands.
Changing the Route After Eid Prayer
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates:
کَانَ النَّبِیُّ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم إِذَا خَرَجَ یَوْمَ الْعِیْدِ فِی طَرِیْقٍ رَجَعَ فِی طَرِیْقٍ آخَرَ
Reference: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi:541. Authenticated by Al-Albani)
Translation: “The Prophet ﷺ would go to the Eid prayer by one route and return by another.”
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha reminds us of the unparalleled obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim عليه السلام and Hazrat Ismail عليه السلام. We should also act upon Allah's commands with the same spirit of submission and acceptance. Sacrifice is not merely about slaughtering an animal but about slaughtering our desires, arrogance, sins, and disobedience.
May Allah accept our sacrifices, grant us sincerity, and give us the ability for true obedience. Ameen.
