What is Sacrifice?
In Islam, the sacrifice—which holds great spiritual significance for individuals who meet certain conditions—is a fundamental duty that every Muslim must fulfill. The answer to the question“What is sacrifice?”, which many people wonder about, is outlined quite clearly in religious literature and sources of Islamic jurisprudence. In this article, drawing on scholarly information compiled from authoritative texts, we examine the definition of sacrifice, the ruling regarding sacrifice, and the spiritual consequences one may face if this act of worship is not performed.
What Is Sacrifice in Islam, and How Is It Defined?
The question of what “sacrifice” means as a religious term refers to the slaughter of specific types of animals on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, as well as on the 11th and 12th nights of that month, with the intention of worship and drawing closer to Allah. At the heart of this act of worship lies submission to Allah’s command and the desire to draw closer to Him.
According to sources, the five types of animals that may be sacrificed are as follows:
- Sheep and Goats: Must be at least one year old.
- Cattle and Buffalo (Câmûs): Must be at least two years old.
- Camel: It must be at least five years old.
The Ruling on Sacrifice: Is Sacrificing an Obligation?
According to Islamic law, the sacrifice is obligatory. Every free and resident Muslim who possesses property worth the nisab amount, after meeting their essential and basic needs and settling their debts, is required to perform the sacrifice once a year. According to information compiled by M. Hulûsi, this act of worship is a religious obligation for every individual who is financially capable.
The Spiritual Responsibility of Not Sacrificing an Animal
The Prophet (peace be upon him) issued serious warnings against those who fail to sacrifice an animal despite having the means to do so. In a hadith, the situation of those who have the means to sacrifice but fail to do so is described as follows:
Arabic: Whoever has the means but does not offer a sacrifice should not approach our place of prayer
Meaning: “If anyone is able to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let that person certainly not come near our mosque (that is, us).”
Furthermore, it has been warned that those who neglect this duty may be deprived of this great blessing on the Day of Judgment, as it is stated: “They will not receive our intercession.” This situation demonstrates just how important the answer to the question of whether the sacrifice is obligatory truly is.
The Place and Significance of Sacrifice in Islam
The sacrifice has been prescribed to serve as a means of earning reward on the Day of Judgment, without distinction between the elderly, the young, men, and women. This act of worship is fulfilled only by slaughtering an animal that meets the criteria for sacrifice and allowing its blood to be shed. Paying the monetary equivalent as charity does not fulfill the obligation to perform the sacrifice within the prescribed time.
Information Note: The İla Association provides information on the proper performance of the Qurbani ritual in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence and on social activities in this area. For more information, please visit https://iladernegi.org/kurban/.
