Sacrifice In Islam
English book, p. 103
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Sacrifice in Islam Hajj or the one offering sacrifice is their own personal sacrifice. The main goal is personal sacrifice. The animal sacrifice is kept only as an outward symbol. What is meant by personal sacrifice? It refers to a person described in the mentioned prayer as Hanif (Godoriented) and Muslim (one who willingly submits to God). This means turning away from defiance and becoming fully obedient and faithful. It involves making God’s command—not personal desire—the guiding principle of life, and viewing what one possesses not as a personal achievement, but as a blessing from God. Such complete surrender is the true essence and spirit of sacrifice. An offering is only a real sacrifice when it fosters this very spirit within a person. That is why it is said in the Quran: Their flesh and blood do not reach God: it is your piety that reaches Him. (22:37) Food is a fundamental need for every human. No one can survive without it. Through sacrifice, this need has been transformed into a valuable lesson. The animal sacrificed in the name of God during Dhul-Hijjah is actually the same kind of animal people normally slaughter and eat. However, when tied to the sacred worship of Hajj, it serves as a reminder that just as you sacrifice an animal, you should also sacrifice yourself. The person who offers a sacrifice eats some of the meat and also shares it with others. If there is a large amount of meat, it is permitted to preserve it for later use.

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