Rulings on Sacrifice According to the Hanafi School
The act of sacrifice, or “Udhiyah,” involves the slaughtering of a designated animal with the intention of drawing closer to Allah during a specified time. It refers to the animals sacrificed as a form of devotion to Allah – the Exalted – during the days of Eid al-Adha. This practice was established in the second year of the Hijrah, as mentioned in the Quran: (And the camels We have made for you among the symbols of Allah.)
The Hanafi scholars have various views regarding the ruling of sacrifice, which are summarized as follows:
- The obligation of sacrifice is compulsory for every free, well-off Muslim who resides in the area on the days of sacrifice. This view reflects the opinion of Abu Hanifah and the majority of Hanafi jurists.
- Another perspective held by Abu Hanifah is that such sacrifices are considered Sunnah rather than obligatory, particularly since the requirement does not extend to travelers. Unlike obligatory acts such as zakat and prayer, the duty does not apply to those on a journey.
Conditions for Valid Sacrifice According to the Hanafi School
The conditions for a valid sacrifice among the Hanafis include the following:
- The animal must be free from severe defects.
These defects are typically those that may diminish the quality of meat or pose health risks, which are generally agreed upon as invalidating the sacrifice. The four main defects include: blindness in one eye, obvious illness, lameness, and emaciation. Additionally, animals born without ears are deemed unacceptable according to Hanafi jurisprudence.
Other disqualifying defects in sacrificial animals as per the Hanafi school include animals with no teeth and those known to consume filth.
- The sacrifice must take place during a specified timeframe.
This timeframe encompasses the days and nights of Eid al-Adha, particularly spanning over two nights: the night of the eleventh day of Dhu al-Hijjah and the night of the twelfth day, while the sacrifice is not valid on the night of Eid itself.
Characteristics of Sacrificial Animals According to the Hanafi School
According to Hanafi teachings, certain characteristics are required for sacrificial animals, including:
- It is permissible to sacrifice sheep, cattle, and camels, while wild animals are not allowed. In cases where an animal is a hybrid of domestic and wild origins, the type of the mother will be considered.
- Goats are acceptable for sacrifice as they fall under the category of sheep, as are buffalo, which belong to the bovine family.
- If the animal is a goat or sheep, it must be at least one year old and have entered its second year. For cows or buffalo, they should be at least two years old and have commenced their third year, while camels must be five years old and entered their sixth year.
- A six-month-old ram can be sacrificed if it is robust; this refers to a ram classified as a “jath’,” which is typically around six months of age.
- Preferred attributes for the sacrifice include selecting a large, male, white ram that is fat, horned, and either intact or castrated. The castrated animal is considered preferable in Hanafi thought.
Sunnahs Related to Sacrifice According to the Hanafi School
Prior to performing the sacrifice, it is recommended for the individual offering the sacrifice to tie the animal ahead of the days of Eid. This act demonstrates preparation for the act of worship and signifies eagerness to participate, which may earn them reward and merit. It is also suggested to adorn the animal, similar to a sacrificial offering, to reflect its importance, to lead it to the slaughter in a gentle and respectful manner, avoiding any forceful dragging, and ideally to carry out the slaughter themselves.
Discouraged Actions Related to Sacrifice According to the Hanafi School
For those who have purchased a sacrificial animal, it is discouraged to milk it, shear its wool, or utilize it for riding or carrying purposes. Milking is only permissible if there is a fear of the animal’s demise; in such a case, the milk should be given as charity. This prohibition stems from the principle that any form of benefit derived from the animal can render it imperfect, while the sacrifice should be wholly dedicated to Allah – the Exalted.