Sacrifice Law: Mandatory or Sunnah? »Nabawi Mulia

In the legal issue of sacrifice, the scholars are divided into two main opinions, each of which has a strong argument found from the hadith and practice of friends. This difference reflects the breadth of views in Islam and the importance of understanding the argument before drawing conclusions.

First opinion: Mandatory for those who are able

Some scholars state that the law of sacrifice is must For every Muslim who has good food or is able to be fundamental. This Opinion is held by Great Figures such as Rabi’ah (Teacher of Imam Malik), Al Auza’i, Abu Hanifah, Imam Ahmad in one of his history, Laits bin Sa’ad, some of the scholars of Malikiyah, Shaykh Islam

Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al ‘Utsaimin Rahimahullah stated that the opinion that considers qurban as an obligation to have a stronger argument power compared to the opinion which states that the sacrifice is not mandatory. However, this obligation only applies to those who are truly economically capable. This he explained in the book Syarhul Mumti ‘Volume 3 Page 408.

Among the main arguments that support this opinion is the hadith of Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu ‘anhu, where the Prophet Sallallaahu’ alaihi wa sallam said:

“Whoever has spaciousness (wealth) but does not want to sacrifice, so do not ever approach our prayer.”
(Clock. Ibn Majah no. 3123, Al Hakim no. 7672. This hadith was declared by Sheikh Al Albani Rahimahullah)

This hadith explicitly shows criticism of people who are capable but are reluctant to carry out qurban worship.

Second Opinion: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah)

The majority of scholars argue that the law of qurban is Arabnamely the sunnah which is highly recommended and should not be abandoned by those who have the ability. This opinion was adopted by great scholars such as Imam Malik, Imam Asy-Shafi’i, Imam Ahmad in another history, Ibnu Hazm, and other scholars.

They are inferted by a history that shows that some of the companions of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, despite having sustenance, have not carried out sacrifice for fear of being considered an obligation.

An example is a statement from Abu Mas’ud Al Anshari Radhiyallahu ‘anhu who said:

“Actually I am not going to be sacrificial. Even though I am a person who fell. That I did because I was worried that my neighbor thought that the sacrifice was mandatory for me.”
(HR. Abdur Razzaq and Baihaqi with Sanad Sahih)

It was also reported that Abu Bakr and Umar Radhiyallahu ‘Anhuma, two close friends of the Prophet, never did qurban. This is told by Abu Sarihah:

“I saw Abu Bakr and Umar, while the two of them were not angry.”
(HR. Abdur Razzaq and Baihaqi, with Sanad Sahih)

Ibn Hazm Rahimahullah also emphasized that there was no history of authentic history of friends who stated that qurban was an obligation. This statement is contained in the work Sahih Fiqh Sunnah (Volume II pages 367-368) as well Tawddhul ahkaam ahkaam (Volume IV Page 454).

Mediate differences of opinion

Because the argument used by both opinions is equally strong and has a valid foundation, some scholars take the middle ground. They suggest that every Muslim who is capable should not leave the qurban worship. This will be more soothing to the heart and make someone feel that they have fulfilled their responsibilities before Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

As stated in Tafsir Adwa’ul Bayan (page 1120):

“… it’s worthy of those who can, not leave. Because with the sacrifice it will be calm and release dependence. Wallahu a’lam.”

God’s promise to qurban

It should be believed that for anyone who issued his wealth to sacrifice, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will definitely replace what he has released with a better reply. This is confirmed in the authentic hadith that every morning God sent two angels. One of them pray:

“O Allah, give change to people.”

And other angels pray:

“O Allah, give destruction to those who hold their (pelt).”
(HR. Al Bukhari no. 1374 and Muslim no. 1010)