Sacrificing an Animal on Eid al-Adhaa ... Is making sacrifice on eid al-adha necessary for an ordinary Muslim, other than those on hajj or umrah? Why not use the money on some charitable purpose! Zahid Raza Khan, Islamabad, Pakistan Reply Sacrificing an animal on Eid al-Adhaa (even if one is not offering Hajj or Umrah ) is a part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), which was taught and promoted by the Prophet (pbuh), not as a means of helping the needy, but as a reminder of the real spirit of Islam - i.e. the complete and unqualified submission to God - and a reminder of the great sacrifice of the epitome of the required complete and unqualified submission - i.e. Abraham (pbuh). If seen in the correct perspective, the animal being sacrificed is not just meat and skin that may be used for feeding the hungry or helping someone in need, but it actually symbolizes our own life and blood. The sacrifice, as a reminder of Abraham (pbuh)'s action is a symbol of our commitment to God that he deserves our complete submission to the extent that if, at any time, for the sake of His cause, we have to sacrifice our most treasured possessions and even lay down our lives, we would, insha'Allah , never hesitate in doing so. It is due to this reason that when some of the companions asked the Prophet (pbuh) regarding the significance of this sacrifice, the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have replied: "It is the Sunnah of your father, Abraham (pbuh) [1] ". As far as the importance of offering a sacrifice is concerned, the Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "If someone can afford to offer a sacrifice and yet avoids doing so, he should then stay away from our place of prayers as well" [2] . This statement, as should be obvious, is a strong admonition against avoidance to offer a sacrifice, even when someone can afford to do so. My dear brother, every act of worship has its own importance in the whole body of religion. Therefore, one act of worship cannot replace another. Helping the poor and the needy is indeed a great virtue, but, as you would agree, it is not a substitute for offering prayers. Likewise, sacrificing an animal has its own importance in the whole structure of Islam. One may not sacrifice an animal if one cannot afford to do so. Nevertheless, if one is in a position to offer a sacrifice to God, one should do so in its true spirit, without taking away any share of what he would have spent in helping his brethren in need. I hope this helps. Regards, The Learner [1] Ibn Maajah , Kitaab al-Adhahee . [2] Ibn Maajah , Kitaab al-Adhahee .