Zulhijah is an important month for Muslims, as it marks the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which is observed through the act of sacrificing animals. This is one of the most anticipated moments of the year for Muslims. Besides being a spiritual occasion to commemorate the story of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), the act of sacrificing animals also serves as an opportunity to share blessings with others, especially those in need. However, Islam has its own rules regarding the distribution of sacrificial meat. So, what are the rules for distributing sacrificial meat according to Islam?
Rules for Distributing Sacrificial Meat
Behind the spirit of sacrifice, there are many questions that often arise among the community. One of them is about the rules for distributing sacrificial meat in accordance with Islamic law. Not only that, other questions also arise, such as who is entitled to receive sacrificial meat? Is it permissible to sell part of the sacrificial animal, whether it be meat, skin, or other parts?
Guidelines for Distributing Sacrificial Meat
Friends, let’s understand the correct rules for distributing sacrificial meat, because this is very important for us Muslims. This is so that our intentions to worship are not mixed with things that could reduce the value of our rewards!
1. One-third for the Shohibul Kurban and Family
The person who performs the sacrifice (shohibul kurban) is permitted to take up to one-third of the sacrificial meat for their own consumption and that of their family. This rule applies only if the sacrifice is performed as a recommended act (sunah). However, if the sacrifice is made as a vow (nazar), then all the meat must be donated and may not be used for personal consumption.
2. One-third for the Poor and Needy
The act of sacrificing an animal holds significant meaning, as it involves providing benefits to those in need. Therefore, one-third of the sacrificial meat must be given to the poor and needy. The meat distributed should be raw so it can be cooked according to their needs.
3. One-third to Relatives and Neighbors in Need
As a means of fostering social bonds and strengthening brotherhood, the remaining third of the sacrificial meat is recommended to be distributed to relatives and neighbors, both the poor and the affluent. This is not obligatory, but it is encouraged to expand blessings and strengthen social ties.
Read also: Qurban with PayLater or Online Loans: Worship or Burden? Heres the ruling
Ethics and Etiquette in Distributing Sacrificial Meat
1. Intend it as an act of worship
Ensure that your intention in distributing sacrificial meat is solely for the sake of Allah SWT, not for show or to seek praise.
2. Be fair and target the right recipients
Distribute the sacrificial meat evenly and prioritize those who are truly in need.
3. Prioritize the less fortunate
The primary focus of distributing sacrificial meat is for the poor and needy.
4. Maintain Etiquette and Politeness
Distribute the sacrificial meat with kindness, respect, and without belittling those who receive it.
5. Avoid Taking Others’ Rights
Ensure that every portion of sacrificial meat you distribute is given to the rightful recipient, without any reduction or misuse.
By adhering to the ethics and etiquette of distributing sacrificial meat, you not only fulfill the Islamic obligation correctly but also strengthen the values of sincerity, compassion, and respect for others. For the act of sacrifice is not merely about slaughtering an animal, but about how we interpret this act of worship as a form of justice and solidarity with fellow human beings in society.
Is it permissible to sell parts or meat from sacrificial animals?
In Islam, it is not permissible for the owner of a sacrificial animal to sell the meat or any other part of the animal. This is based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which states that anyone who sells the skin of a sacrificial animal renders their sacrifice invalid.
However, if the sacrificial meat has been given to the recipient, they are permitted to sell it, as it has become their rightful property. On the other hand, sacrificial meat should not be used as “payment” for the butcher or the sacrificial committee, unless the portion is given as charity or a gift.
Therefore, it is not permissible to sell sacrificial meat. This is in accordance with the words of Allah SWT:
“So that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the cattle He has provided for them. So eat thereof and feed the needy and the poor.”
“So that they may witness the benefits for them and mention the name of Allah on the days appointed for Him over the cattle He has provided for them. Then eat thereof and feed the poor and needy.”
(QS. Al Hajj: 28)
In a hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad from Abu Sa‘id, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
عَنْ أَبِى سَعِيْدٍ أَنَّ قَتَادَةَ بْنَ النُّعْمَانِ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَامَ فَقَالَ إِنِّى كُنْتُ أَمَرْتُكُمْ أَنْ لاَ تَأْكُلُوْا لُحُوْمَ اْلأَضَاحِى فَوْقَ ثَلاَثَةِ أَيَّامٍ لِيَسَعَكُمْ وَإِنِّى أُحِلُّهُ لَكُمْ فَكُلُوْا مَا شِئْتُمْ وَلاَ تَبِيْعُوْا لُحُوْمَ اْلهَدْيِ وَاْلأَضَاحِى وَكُلُوْا وَتَصَدَّقُوْا وَاسْتَمْتَعُوْا بِجُلُوْدِهَا وَلاَ تَبِيْعُوْهَا وَإِنْ أَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ لُحُوْمِهَا شَيْئًا فَكُلُوْا أَنَّى شِئْتُمْ. [رواه أحمد]
“Qatadah bin Nu‘man reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood up and said: ‘I used to command you not to eat the meat of the sacrificial animals for more than three days to give you some leeway. Now I permit you, so eat as you wish, do not sell the meat of the sacrificial animals, eat it, give it in charity, and make use of its skins, but do not sell them. If you give some of it to others, eat what you like.'”
(Narrated by Ahmad)
The above prohibition applies to all types of sacrificial animals. No part of the sacrificial animal may be sold, including the meat, skin, or any other part. This is because the essence of the sacrifice is to emphasize willingness to sacrifice and sincerity. Once you have made the intention to perform the sacrifice, what you do must be offered as an act of worship to Allah, not for the purpose of seeking worldly gain.
For further explanation about the ruling on selling the skin of sacrificial animals, you can read the article Is it permissible or forbidden to sell the skin of sacrificial animals?.
Sacrifice with Dompet Dhuafa
Want the distribution of your sacrificial meat to be carried out accurately and in accordance with Islamic law? Sacrificing with Dompet Dhuafa could be the solution. Why? Because you will receive four guarantees: your sacrificial animal is definitely male, it has passed quality control, it will be distributed to remote areas of the country in need, and you will receive a quick and accurate report on your sacrifice!
In addition to these four benefits, by sacrificing through Dompet Dhuafa, you also empower local farmers. Dompet Dhuafa sources livestock from local farmers to support the sustainability of their businesses, ensuring a fair and thriving economy for farmers. Let’s sacrifice now! (Diandra/RQA)