Symbolic Sacrifice

SYMBOLIC SACRIFICE of this spirit of sacrifice, Muslims across the globe perform the sacrifice of animals at their respective locations and during the time of Hajj. They perform this sacrifice on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, and pledge to keep this spirit alive by making God a witness to their actions. The animal sacrifice performed during Hajj and Eid al-Adha is, in fact, akin to devoting oneself to this divine mission at the level of sacrifice. It is, indeed, an external manifestation of an internal spirit. Human beings possess five senses. Psychological research has revealed that when a situation engages all of a person’s senses, it has a more profound impact on his mind. Merely contemplating the spirit of sacrifice in an abstract manner does not leave a lasting impression. Animal sacrifice serves as compensation for this limitation. When a person willingly engages in the act of animal sacrifice, with the sincere intention to dedicate oneself to the divine cause, all of his senses are actively involved. He thinks with his mind, sees with his eyes, hears with his ears, touches with his hands, and after the sacrifice, he also tastes it. Through this complete sensory engagement, he grasps the essence of sacrifice at a deeper level. He becomes capable of fully embracing the spirit of sacrifice, which becomes an integral part of his being.