Hadith of Eid al-Adha in Latin Script and Its Translation, Complete with Guidelines for Sacrifice According to the Sunnah

Kapanlagi.com - The Day of Eid al-Adha has arrived, bringing with it a meaningful atmosphere for Muslims. This moment is not just a celebration, but also a very special time to perform the sacrificial worship. Every year, Muslims who are able are required to sacrifice, a ritual that holds a high status in the religion. The virtues and commandments of sacrifice have been explained in depth in the Qur'an and the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, serving as a foundation for every Muslim to carry out this sacred tradition.

The act of sacrifice is more than just a tradition; it is a bridge that connects a Muslim with Allah SWT. In various hadiths that have been narrated, sacrificing on the Day of Eid al-Adha is filled with virtues, ranging from blessings in this world to multiplied rewards in the hereafter. Moreover, sacrifice also serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah for all the blessings bestowed, as well as a symbol of sacrifice and obedience to His teachings.

Let us explore further the hadiths that explain the commandments, laws, and virtues of sacrifice. For Muslims who have the means, sacrificing is a highly recommended act, and among scholars, some consider it an obligation. By understanding the virtues promised in the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, we become increasingly aware of the importance of this worship. Through this discussion, it is hoped that every Muslim can appreciate the essence and deep meaning of the sacrificial worship on the Day of Eid al-Adha. Happy celebrating with gratitude and the spirit of sacrifice!

1. The Command to Sacrifice in Hadith and the Quran

• The Command to Sacrifice in the Qur'an

Surah Al-Kautsar Verse 2

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ

Faṣalli lirabbika wanḥar

Meaning: "So establish prayer for your Lord and sacrifice [to Him]." (QS. Al-Kautsar: 2)

This verse shows a direct command from Allah SWT to establish prayer and to sacrifice as a form of worship.

• Hadith: A Warning for Those Who Are Able But Do Not Sacrifice

مَن كَانَ لَهُ سَعَةٌ، وَلَمْ يُضَحِّ، فَلَا يَقْرَبَنَّ مُصَلَّانَا

Man kāna lahu sa‘ah, wa lam yuḍaḥḥi, fa lā yaqrabanna muṣallānā

Meaning: Whoever has the means but does not sacrifice, then let him not come near our place of prayer." HR. Ahmad and Ibn Majah

This hadith shows the importance of sacrifice for those who are financially able. It is not just an ordinary sunnah, but a form of earnestness in worship.

• Annual Recommendation for Every Muslim Family

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، إِنَّ عَلَى كُلِّ أَهْلٍ بَيْتٍ فِي كُلِّ عَامٍ أُضْحِيَّةً

Yā ayyuhan-nās, inna ‘alā kulli ahli baytin fī kulli ‘āmin uḍḥiyyah

Meaning: "O mankind, indeed upon every household in every year is a recommended sacrifice." HR. Abu Dawud from Imam Ahmad

This emphasizes that sacrifice is a highly recommended annual worship for every Muslim household, as a form of gratitude and obedience.

• Sacrifice as a Means of Getting Closer to Allah

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَا عَمِلَ آدَمِيٌّ يَوْمَ النَّحْرِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللّٰهِ مِنْ إِهْرَاقِ الدَّمِ إِنَّهَا لَتَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِقُرُونِهَا وَأَشْعَارِهَا وَأَظْلَافِهَا وَأَنَّ الدَّمَ لَيَقَعُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ بِمَكَانٍ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقَعَ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ فَطِيبُوا بِهَا نَفْسًا

Meaning: From Aisha, it is reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, "There is no deed that the son of Adam does on the day of Eid al-Adha that is more beloved to Allah than the slaughtering of animals. Because the animals will come on the Day of Judgment with their horns, their fur, and their hooves. The blood of the animal will reach Allah before it drops to the ground." Therefore, open your heart to do it.” (HR Tirmidzi and Ibn Majah)

The slaughtering of sacrificial animals is the most beloved practice to Allah on the Day of Eid al-Adha, as the sincerity and sacrifice are accepted by Him even before the blood touches the ground.

2. The Law of Sacrifice: Sunnah Muakkadah or Mandatory?

The law of performing sacrifice in Islam has been a topic of discussion among scholars. Most scholars, including Imam Shafi'i, Imam Ahmad, and Imam Malik, hold the view that sacrifice is sunnah muakkadah (a highly recommended sunnah) for those who are able. However, there are also some scholars, like Abu Hanifah, who consider sacrifice as an obligation for every Muslim who is financially capable.

For example, in a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever has the means to sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer" (HR. Ahmad and Ibn Majah). This hadith indicates that for those who are able, not performing the sacrifice can be seen as a serious negligence in fulfilling religious duties.

Meanwhile, the majority of scholars agree that the law of sacrifice is sunnah muakkadah. Nevertheless, even though it is not obligatory, many scholars emphasize the importance of sacrifice as a form of devotion and as an effort to draw closer to Allah, which brings numerous rewards and blessings.

3. The Virtue of Sacrifice in Hadith

The virtue of sacrifice is truly remarkable, as expressed in various hadiths that radiate spiritual light. One of the most famous is the hadith narrated by Aisha:

"There is no deed that the children of Adam (humans) perform on the day of Eid al-Adha that is more beloved to Allah than the sacrifice of an animal. For the animal will come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, its fur, and its hooves. The blood of the animal will reach Allah before it hits the ground. Therefore, open your soul to do it." (HR. al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, hasan).

This hadith illustrates the immense reward that will be received by those who perform the sacrifice with sincere intention.

Performing the sacrifice also brings extraordinary rewards, which will approach its owner on the Day of Judgment with its horns, its fur, and its hooves. The blood of the sacrificial animal is accepted by Allah before it falls to the ground, indicating that this sacrifice holds a very high spiritual value.

Furthermore, in another hadith, it is mentioned that every part of the sacrificial animal will bring rewards. In fact, every strand of fur from the sacrificial animal will be recorded as a good deed for its owner. In other words, the act of sacrifice not only provides benefits in this world but also serves as valuable rewards in the hereafter.

4. The Procedure for Sacrificing in Accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad

There are several procedures that need to be observed in performing the sacrificial worship, as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). First, before slaughtering the animal, ensure that the knife used is sharp so that the sacrificial animal does not feel prolonged pain. Second, the position of the animal must be correct, lying on its left side and facing the Qibla.

Next, during the slaughtering, it is highly recommended to recite the basmalah, takbir, and a specific prayer for the sacrifice. The prayer commonly recited by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is, "In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept from us." This prayer reflects that the act of sacrifice is done with full sincerity and the intention to draw closer to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also demonstrated how to slaughter an animal with great care and respect for living beings. In fact, he himself slaughtered his sacrificial goat with his own hands as an example to be followed. Here are the details:

Steps for Sacrifice According to Sunnah:

• Sharp knife – to minimize the pain of the animal.
• Position of the animal – lying on the left side, facing the Qibla.
• Recitation during slaughter – “Bismillāhi, Allāhumma taqabbal minnā” (In the name of Allah, O Allah, accept from us).
• Slaughter by oneself if able – following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• Gentle treatment – do not be rough or hurt the animal before slaughtering.
• Sincere intention – sacrifice is an act of worship to draw closer to Allah, not a show-off.

5. Questions About Sacrifice: Law and Implementation

Is sacrifice obligatory for all Muslims?

For Muslims who are able, sacrifice is a sunnah muakkadah according to the majority of scholars, although there is an opinion that considers it obligatory. However, it is certain that for those who are financially capable, performing a sacrifice is highly recommended.

What are the virtues of sacrificing on the Day of Eid al-Adha?

The virtues of sacrificing on Eid al-Adha are immense, as it is an act that is greatly loved by Allah, brings great rewards, and serves as evidence of a Muslim's piety. Every part of the sacrificial animal brings rewards to its owner.

How should one properly slaughter a sacrificial animal?

When slaughtering a sacrificial animal, ensure to use a sharp knife, position the animal correctly, and recite the prayers taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) such as the basmalah, takbir, and the prayer for accepting the sacrifice.

(kpl/mni)