The act of offering a sacrifice (i.e., slaughtering an animal) has a great status in the Quran and the Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in both his sayings and deeds.
This is because it is one of the greatest forms of servitude which is highly appreciated by Allaah The Almighty.
Slaughtering a sacrificial animal to draw closer to Allaah has many forms: Udh-hiyah, Hady (sacrificial animal), ‘Aqeeqah and Fidyah (ransom).
The sacrificial animal is related to one of the greatest incidents in Islam, as Allaah The Almighty tried His intimate friend, Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention by ordering him to slaughter his son Ismaa’eel may Allaah exalt his mention. This story was mentioned in the Quran in verses the like of which can never be produced even by the most articulate people.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allaah wills, of the steadfast." And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, "O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,} [Quran 37: 101-107]
This great rite has remained a part of the religion since the time of Prophet Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention up till the time of Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) as an Islamic rite that is inherited through Muslim generations and that is used to declare Tawheed (Islamic monotheism).
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):
{Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the Worlds.} [Quran 6: 162]
{So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].} [Quran 108: 2]
{That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allaah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.} [Quran 22: 28]
{And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allaah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]. Who, when Allaah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and [to] the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them. And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the Symbols of Allaah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allaah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. Their meat will not reach Allaah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allaah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.} [Quran 22:34-37]
The following can be concluded from the abovementioned verses:
The greatness of the sacrifice and the fact that it is mentioned next to prayer in several places in the Quran.
It is a way of remembering Allaah The Almighty, praising and glorifying Him.
It is related to monotheism and submission to Allaah The Almighty.
It brings about Taqwa (piety, consciousness and fear of Allaah The Almighty).
Because of these great merits, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) performed this act of worship with great reverence. It was narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar may Allaah be pleased with him that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) stayed in Madeenah for ten years and he offered Udh-hiyah every year. [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi] Anas ibn Maalik may Allaah be pleased with him said, "The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) slaughtered two horned rams, black and white in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned the Name of Allaah over them, said Takbeer and put his foot on their sides." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
In fact, experiencing the greatness of this rite, its essence and wisdom, makes the believer realize the great relationship between ‘Aqeedah (creed) and sacrifice. The sacrifice entails to not only slaughter an animal, shed blood or eat meat, but it is an act of worship, glorification, praise, fear and remembrance of Allaah The Almighty.
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