Things That Are Sunnah When Slaughtering Sacrificial Animals and Its Verses

Eid al-Adha is a big day for Muslims all around the world. This sacrifice day that is commemorated every 10th of Dhul-Hijjah of the Hijri Year is also highly suggested to welcome it with arafah fasting. Because there are the virtues of arafah fasting for those who do it.

For those who have been able to sacrifice, then it is highly suggested to sacrifice. You can choose which sacrificial animal that is in accordance with the ability, which is sheep or cow. Both of these animals are very dominant in Indonesia.

In sacrificing, there is the wisdom of sacrificing in Islam that can be felt by us or other people that receive that sacrificial meat.

Before actualizing the intention to sacrifice, it is highly important for us to know the conditions of sacrifice obligatory. And for those who are tasked to slaughter the sacrificial animals, pay attention to how to slaughter sacrificial animals according to Islamic sharia. It is also highly suggested to do sunnah deeds when you want to slaughter sacrificial animals.

• The Sacrificial Animals Slaughterer Should Be the Sacrifice Giver

Those who should slaughter or cut the sacrificial animals are people who sacrifice. However, if they are not able to do it, then it is allowed to be done by people who more understand, and it is highly suggested for the sacrifice giver to join to witness the process.

The Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,

“Fatimah, stand up and watch your slaughtered animal. Indeed, you are forgiven at the beginning of that blood drop from the sins that you committed. And read: Indeed, my prayer, my slaughter, my life and my death are only for Allah SWT, Rabb of the universe.” (Hadith Abu Daud 2810 and At-Tirmidzi 1521)

• Sharpen the Knife and Face Qibla

Before the slaughter is done, sharpen the knife or similar stuffs that will be used for slaughtering the sacrificial animals.

The Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الإِحْسَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ فَإِذَا قَتَلْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الْقِتْلَةَ وَإِذَا ذَبَحْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الذَّبْح وَ ليُحِدَّ أَحَدُكُمْ شَفْرَتَهُ فَلْيُرِحْ ذَبِيحَتَهُ

“Indeed, Allah obligates to do ihsan in everything. If you kill, then kill with ihsan, if you slaughter, slaughter with ihsan. You should sharpen the knife and please the slaughter.” (Hadith Muslim)

When you are going to slaughter, then face the sacrificial animal to the qibla. Then lay and tie that sacrificial animal feet if it is a sheep or cow. However, if it is a camel then the slaughtering is done in standing position.

Allah said,

وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنَاهَا لَكُم مِّن شَعَائِرِ الله لَكُمْ فِيهَا خَيْرٌ فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ الله عَلَيْهَا صَوَافَّ فَإِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوبُهَا فَكُلُوا

“We have made for you the camels that are the part of the symbols of Allah, you obtain many goodness to them, then say the name of Allah when you slaughter them in standing position (and has been tied). Then if they have fallen (dead), then eat it…” (QS. Al Haj: 36)

• Recite Basmalah and Dhikr

When you are going to slaughter the sacrificial animal, then say the basmalah sentence. After that, it is suggested to continue it with dhikr. Know that doing dhikr is also as the dhikr deeds of sin remover.

Allah said,

وَ لاَ تَأْكُلُواْ مِمَّا لَمْ يُذْكَرِ اسْمُ الله عَلَيْهِ وَإِنَّهُ لَفِسْقٌ..

“Do not eat animals that are not mentioned the name of Allah when slaughtering them. Indeed, such an act is an disobedience.” (QS. Al-An’am: 121)

From Anas ibn Malik radhiallahu ‘anhu, that, “The Prophet shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam once slaughtered two horned sheep, …he slaughtered with his hands, and read basmalah and takbeer….” (Hadith Al Bukhari and Muslim)

Those are the things that are sunnah when slaughtering sacrificial animals and its verses. Hopefully all of the readers can take the benefits from this article. As well as getting His guidance so that we are able to sacrifice as the way to keep istiqomah in the way of Allah. Aamiin insha Allah.