The Philosophy Of Sacrifice

THE PHILOSOPHY OF SACRIFICE Sacrifice, in its outer form, means to slaughter an animal in the name of God. But in its true meaning, it is to sacrifice your own self. The purpose of sacrifice is to create an inner feeling through an outer action. Outwardly, sacrifice is an external action, but in its spirit, it is completely an internal act. In the Quran, while mentioning sacrifice, it is said: We have appointed for you the sacrificial camels as one of the symbols set up by God, in which there is much good for you. So invoke God’s name over them as you line them up for slaughter, and when they have fallen down dead, feed yourselves and feed the needy—those who do not ask as well as those who do. We have thus subjected them to you so that you may be grateful. Their flesh and blood do not reach God: it is your piety that reaches Him. Thus God has subjected them to you, so that you may glorify Him for the guidance He has given you. Give glad tidings to those who do good. (22:36-37) In this verse of the Quran, the animal sacrifice is referred to as a sign (sha’air). This indicates that the sacrifice