When You Cannot Afford to Buy Sacrificial Animals, Here Are 7 Acts of Worship with Great Rewards That Can Be Done During Eid al-Adha

Kapanlagi.com - Eid al-Adha, known as the festival of sacrifice, is a special moment for Muslims to show obedience and emulate Prophet Ibrahim through the slaughtering of livestock. However, not everyone has the financial means to carry out the sacrifice. So, will they miss the opportunity to gain virtue on this blessed day? Of course not!

Islam is a religion that deeply understands the conditions and limitations of its followers. For those who cannot afford to sacrifice, there are many other deeds that can be done and are promised great rewards, even in some narrations said to be equivalent to the reward of the sacrifice itself. These deeds are sourced from the Qur'an, authentic Hadith, and the views of scholars.

In this article, we will thoroughly discuss these deeds in a systematic and practical way. So, even if you cannot sacrifice, stay motivated! There are still many ways to attain the virtues of Eid al-Adha with full meaning and blessings.

1. Reading Takbir, Tahmid, and Tasbih

One of the main practices that is highly recommended for those who are unable to perform the sacrifice is to increase the recitation of takbir, tahmid, and tasbih. Based on the narration from Ummu Hani, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Recite takbir one hundred times, recite tahmid one hundred times, and recite tasbih one hundred times. These remembrances are better than preparing 100 chosen horses for jihad, better than slaughtering 100 camels, and better than freeing 100 slaves." (HR. Ibn Majah no. 3810)

This practice can be performed every day during the first 10 days of Dzulhijjah until the days of Tashriq (13 Dzulhijjah). The virtue of reciting these remembrances is very great, especially if done with a sincere heart and intention for Allah.

Moreover, remembrance is a form of acknowledgment of servitude and praise to Allah, as well as a way to guard the tongue from vain speech. This becomes an alternative form of worship that is easy to perform but holds great value.

2. Observing Sunnah Fasting in the Month of Dzulhijjah

One of the highly recommended practices before the Eid al-Adha celebration is the sunnah fasting during the first 10 days of the month of Dzulhijjah. There are three types of fasting that can be performed, namely:

• Dzulhijjah Fasting (1–7 Dzulhijjah)
• Tarwiyah Fasting (8 Dzulhijjah)
• Arafah Fasting (9 Dzulhijjah)

Arafah Fasting has great merit, as the Prophet said: "Fasting on Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year." (HR. Muslim). Meanwhile, Tarwiyah fasting and the days before it are also excellent practices for those wishing to draw closer to Allah.

This practice is very easy to perform for those who do not have the financial means to buy a sacrificial animal. By simply abstaining from hunger and thirst, great rewards can be attained, and it is even said to resemble the rewards of performing Hajj in one narration.

3. Performing the Eid al-Adha Prayer and Its Sunnahs

Although one cannot sacrifice, attending the Idul Adha prayer remains an important part of the holiday worship. This prayer is held on the morning of the 10th of Dzulhijjah in an open field or mosque with other congregants.

Before leaving, it is recommended to take a bath, wear the best clothes (especially those that are white), and apply perfume. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “The Prophet used to wear the burdah hibarah (the best clothing) on the holiday.” (HR. Ibn Abbas)

After the prayer, Muslims are encouraged to return via a different route than the one they took to get there. This demonstrates the spiritual and social values of this great day, namely strengthening ties of friendship with others.

4. Remembrance and Prayer Throughout the Holiday

The days of tashreek (11–13 Dzulhijjah) are known as ayyamu al-tasyrik and it is highly recommended to increase remembrance (zikir). The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “The days of tashreek are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.” (HR. Muslim)

Remembrance can be done at any time, even while eating, drinking, or during activities. Additionally, increasing prayers during these days is also highly recommended as it is considered a time of acceptance.

By remembering Allah, one shows gratitude and servitude to Him. This is an act of worship that requires no cost at all, yet its reward is very high, especially on a grand day like Idul Adha.

5. Helping the Qurbani Process for Others

Even if you cannot afford to buy an animal yourself, you can still participate in the qurbani process by being part of the execution. For example, helping with the slaughtering, distributing the meat, or preparing food from the qurbani meat.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) highly encouraged helping others in doing good. In fact, according to some scholars, assisting in the execution of qurbani can provide extraordinary merit if intended for the sake of Allah.

This practice also strengthens social relationships among Muslims. By working together during Idul Adha, the atmosphere of togetherness and empathy will be even more felt, even without having to slaughter an animal yourself.

6. Reviving the Night of Idul Adha with Worship

As explained in the book Raudlatut Thalibin, the night of Idul Adha is highly recommended to be filled with worship. Scholars advise performing the Maghrib and Isya prayers in congregation, engaging in dhikr, and even performing night prayers if possible.

Reviving the night of the festival is a form of gratitude for the opportunity given by Allah to welcome this significant day in Islam. In fact, some scholars say that the reward for worship on the night of the festival is comparable to that of the Night of Qadr.

For those who are not yet able to perform qurbani, the moment of the night of Idul Adha can serve as a point of strengthening spirituality and a moment to pray for sustenance to be able to perform qurbani in the following year.

7. Saving for the Sacrifice Next Year

The last practice that is equally important is to intend and start saving from now for the sacrifice in the following year. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever intends to do good, even if he is not able to do it, Allah has already written a reward for him.” (HR. Bukhari)

Savings can start from a small amount, for example, Rp10,000 per day. If collected consistently over a year, the total will be enough to buy a sacrificial goat.

With intention and effort, insyaAllah Allah will make the path easier for the sacrifice worship in the future. This spirit shows that even if one cannot sacrifice now, they still maintain their determination and spiritual commitment.

8. FAQ

What can be done if one is not able to sacrifice?

You can engage in other acts of worship such as increasing dhikr, performing the Idul Adha prayer, giving charity, and fasting on Arafah.

Why is it important to pray in the month of Dzulhijjah?

The month of Dzulhijjah is a noble month, where our deeds and prayers will receive multiplied rewards.

How can one participate in sacrificial charity?

You can take part in sacrificial charity programs organized by various institutions or communities to share with others.

Is the intention to worship more important than the material aspect?

Yes, Allah SWT assesses acts of worship based on intention and sincerity of the heart, not just from a material standpoint.

(kpl/rmt)