The celebration of Eid al-Adha is an important moment for Muslims around the world. One of the practices carried out during this celebration is animal sacrifice, including cow sacrifice. However, the high price of cows raises the question of how many people cows sacrifice and how is it legal? Check out the review further, let’s go!
Law of Cow Sacrifice
In Islam, sacrifice is a form of worship that has deep value (kurban merupakan bentuk ibadah yang memiliki nilai mendalam). Sacrifice has rules and regulations that we must pay attention to. The law of sacrifice belongs to the category of sunnah muakkadah, which is the sunnah that is emphasized and highly recommended for able people.
“Whoever obtains spaciousness but does not sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (HR. Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
Although the sacrifice of the law is sunnah, it is very important to do, especially for those who have the ability. The hadith affirms that the Prophet said, ‘let him not approach our place of prayer’, for those who have the ability but do not want to sacrifice.
Also Read: Lebaran IdulAdha Lebih Bermakna Dengan Ibadah Kurban
Farm Animals Included in the Sacrificial Category
The proposition that underlies the law of sacrifice is mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj verse 34, “And for each of the people We have decreed slaughter (sacrifice), so that they may call the name of Allah on the livestock that Allah has provided for them, then your Lord is the One True God, therefore surrender yourself to Him. And give glad tidings to those who submit obediently (to Allah).” (QS. Al-Hajj: 34).
The verse mentions that sacrificing in the name of Allah swt, is a form of gratitude and surrender to Him. Scholars agree that halal livestock is one of the livestock referred to in the above verse. Imam Malik argued that the main livestock to be sacrificed were sheep or goats (including sheep), then cows (including buffaloes), then camels. Imam Shafi’i argues otherwise. According to him, the main sacrificial animal is camels, followed by cows, then goats.
Also Read: Kurban Kambing atau Sapi? Mana yang Lebih Baik?
Conditions of Cow Sacrifice
How many people is a cow sacrificed? Before answering this question, knowing the conditions for a cow sacrifice is important. Some of the conditions that must be met in carrying out cow sacrifices include the following:
- Sacrificial animals must be cows or buffaloes that are old enough, healthy, and not disabled.
2. Sacrificial animals must be obtained legally and lawfully, either by purchase or given as alms.
3. There must be no agreement to sell the meat of sacrificial animals before the sacrifice is performed.
4. The sacrifice must be performed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah or the days of Tashriq (11-13 Dhul-Hijjah).
Also Read: Memaknai Dalil Kurban Dalam Al-Quran & Hadits
How Many People Are Cow Sacrifice For and How Is the Law
Several arguments explain the ability of cow sacrifice. It is narrated from Jabir bin Abdillah, “We have slaughtered sacrifices with the Prophet sallallâhu ‘alaihi wasallam in the year of Hudaibiyah a camel for seven people and a cow also for seven.” (Hadith Shahih, Muslim narration: 2322, Abu Dawud: 2426, al-Tirmidhi: 1422 and Ibn Majah: 3123).
Also Read: Patungan Kurban Kambing untuk Berapa Orang?
The basis for this sacrificial joint argument is also stated in the hadith of the Prophet SAW. As recorded in Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, Ibn Abbas relates: “We once travelled with the Prophet SAW, coincidentally in the middle of the journey Eid al-Adha (yaumun nahr) came. Finally, we bought seven cows to sacrifice,” (HR Al-Hakim).
Ibn Abbas (r.a.) said, “In the past, we had a prayer with the Prophet sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and then the Eid al-Adha feast came so we also united for a cow we had a union of seven people and ten people for the sacrifice of a camel.” (H.R. at-Tirmidhi No. 1501, Saheeh Sunan Ibn Majah 2536, Al Wajiz, p. 406).
Jabir bin ‘Abdullah also once recounted, “We once participated in Hajj tamattu’ (prioritizing ‘Umrah over Hajj) with the Prophet SAW, then we slaughtered cows from a joint venture of seven people.” (HR Muslim).
From the postulates of the hadith above we can find the answer to the sacrifice of cows for how many people, which is a joint venture of seven people for one cow. However, it would be better for one person to sacrifice one cow (alangkah lebih baik untuk satu orang berkurban satu sapi), so more meat could be distributed to Muslims, especially the poor.
Also Read: Harga Sapi Kurban 2023? Mulai Rp1,9 Juta di Dompet Dhuafa
Scatter Sacrificial Animals with Dompet Dhuafa
In carrying out cow sacrifices, we should prioritize the spirit of sincerity and sincere intention in worshipping Allah SWT. A sacrifice is a form of sacrifice, devotion to Him, and gratitude for His favor.
The purpose of sacrifice is not only to distribute meat to others but also to strengthen a sense of community, social care, and help people in need. The cow sacrifice also has a social mission, so every Muslim can feel the same happiness on the holiday regardless of economic status. Therefore, in carrying out cow sacrifice, we also need to pay attention to the surrounding social and economic conditions and provide opportunities to as many people as possible who are entitled to benefit from the sacrifice. May our sacrificial worship be accepted and make us closer to Allah swt.
Also read: Dilema: Ingin Pahala Berkurban Tapi Banyak Kebutuhan. Harus bagaimana?
Friend, that is an explanation of the laws and provisions of cow sacrifice in Islam, including the opinion of scholars about the number of people who can participate in the sacrifice of one cow. Hopefully, this article is useful for all of us in carrying out sacrificial services correctly and full of blessings. Let us welcome Eid al-Adha with a heart full of joy and the spirit of sharing with others. Friends can also spread happiness and blessings to others through sacrifices in Dompet Dhuafa. Click the image below for more information.
