Remembering the good deeds of someone who has passed away is a way to continue their kindness. One way to do this is to make a sacrifice in the name of someone who has died. In essence, Eid al-Adha embodies the spirit of sharing instilled by the Prophet Ibrahim AS. So, what if someone performs this annual ritual in the name of someone who has died? What is the ruling on sacrifices for the deceased?
The ruling on sacrifices for the deceased
The scholars confirm and permit a person to slaughter a sacrificial animal for someone who has died, including for family members who have passed away. They analogize this to the words of the Prophet Muhammad, from Ibn Abbas, that a woman from Juhinah came to the Prophet and said,
“My mother had vowed to go on the hajj, but she passed away before she could go. Do I have to perform the hajj on her behalf?”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied, “Yes, perform the hajj on her behalf. Don’t you know that if your mother had a debt, you would pay it off? Pay the debt to Allah, for the debt to Him is more deserving of being paid.” (HR. Al-Bukhari).
The difference between a vow (obligatory) and sunnah sacrifice for someone who has passed away
From this hadith, the scholars concluded that if someone makes a vow, it becomes an obligation for their children or heirs to make a sacrifice on behalf of the deceased. However, if there is no vow, there is a difference of opinion among scholars, but some scholars argue that it is permissible for the sake of the sacrificer and the deceased.
To be more confident in doing good, watch this explanatory video from Ustadz. H. Ahmad Fauzi Qasim, Sharia Council of Dompet Dhuafa.
Scholar Abu Al-Hasan Al-Abbadi said that performing sacrifice for the deceased is valid and is referred to as almsgiving, which is a good deed for the deceased.
Read also: Let’s Remember the Intention of the Sunnah Fasting of Eid al-Adha and Its Virtues
Sacrifice is a form of worship intended for those who are able, but have not yet been able to perform the Hajj. It is also recommended for someone who has performed the Hajj to make a sacrifice, as long as they do not neglect their obligations to themselves, their family, and those closest to them.
On the other hand, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 until early 2022 left grief and trauma for families who lost their loved ones. As time goes by, the grief is still painful, and you become stronger than you imagined. Sweet memories of their kindness and sincerity are the cure for the hole in your heart.
Remember their kindness with a gift from your sacrifice. Don’t worry, sacrificing at Dompet Dhuafa brings peace of mind because you can order online from home with the quality of sacrificial animals guaranteed to be healthy, fit, and good due to strict quality control. Come on, reap the benefits of sacrifice again!