The prayer about slaughtering sacrificial animals is essential to recite as an intention before the sacrificial service is carried out. Sacrifice is part of the celebration of Eid al-Adha. For the meat of sacrificial animals to be a blessing, we must memorize and understand the meaning of the prayers.
A Glimpse of the Origin Story of Sacrifice
Sacrifice has very deep in Islamic history. The practice of sacrifice comes from events that occurred during the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). According to the story in the Quran, Allah Almighty tested the loyalty of Prophet Ibrahim (as) by commanding him to slaughter his son, Prophet Ismail (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). However, when Prophet Ibrahim (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prepared to carry out the command, Allah replaced him with a lamb instead of Ismail (as). This incident marked Prophet Ibrahim’s extraordinary loyalty to Allah Almighty. Since then, Muslims must perform sacrifices as a form of worship and commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Ordinances and Prayers for Slaughtering Sacrificial Animals
Making sacrifices involves not just slaughtering animals but also prayer and prescribed ordinances. The following are prayers and ordinances we can follow when slaughtering sacrificial animals for ourselves and others:
1. Preparation Before Performing Sacrifice
Before slaughtering a sacrificial animal, make sure that the animal has met the requirements of the sacrifice set, such as age, health, and hygiene. Choose animals that are of good quality and by financial capabilities. Furthermore, preparing all slaughter equipment, especially the knife used for slaughtering, must have been sharpened until sharp.
Baca Juga: Bagaimana Jika Hewan Kurban Disembelih di Atas Tanggal 14 Dzulhijjah?
2. The Intention of Sacrifice for God’s Sake
Before slaughtering a sacrificial animal, intend to perform the sacrifice because of Allah Almighty alone. This intention is fundamental to make this worship purely because of Allah and expect His pleasure.
نويت أن أاضحي للهِ تَعَالى
Nawaitu An Udhahhi Lillaahi Ta’ala.
The utterance of the intention to sacrifice can be recited in Indonesian: “I intend to sacrifice because of Allah Almighty.”
3. Reading Sholawat
اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ
Allâhumma shalli alâ sayyidinâ muhammad, wa alâ âli sayyidinâ muhammad.
It means: “My Lord, bestow mercy on Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family.”
4. Saying Takbir (God is greater) Three Times and Tahmid (praising God) One Time
Before slaughtering a sacrificial animal, recite takbir and tahmid by saying:
اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allâhu akbar, Allâhu akbar, Allâhu akbar, walillâhil hamd.
It means: Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Praise be to You.”
This is a sign of the beginning of the sacrifice.
Baca Juga: Memaknai Dalil Kurban Dalam Al-Quran & Hadits
5. Reading the Prayer for Slaughtering Sacrificial Animals
After takbir, recite the recommended prayer when slaughtering sacrificial animals. There are three kinds of prayers: the prayer to slaughter sacrificial animals for oneself, others, and seven people. Here is the prayer and its meaning:
a. Prayer to slaughter sacrificial animals for yourself
اَللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّيْ يَا كَرِيْمُ
Allâhumma hâdzihî minka wa ilaika, fataqabbal minnî yâ karîm.
It means: “O my God, this animal is a favor from You. And hereby I (taqarrub) close to You. Therefore, O Gracious God, accept my (taqarrub) proximity
b. Prayer to slaughter sacrificial animals for others
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ وَ إِلَيْكَ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنْ
Bismillah wallahu akbar. Allahumma minka wa ilaika, fataqabbal min … (pronounce the name of the owner of the sacrificial animal).
It means: “In the name of Allah and Allah Almighty, O Allah, this sacrifice is from You and for You, accept the sacrifice (pronounce the name of the owner of the sacrificial animal).
c. Prayer to slaughter sacrificial animals for seven people
اَللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِن… يَا كَرِيْمُ
Allâhumma hâdzihî minka wa ilaika, fataqabbal min (Say the names of the seven owners of sacrificial animals) yâ karîm.
It means, “My God, this animal is a favor from You. And hereby we (taqarrub) close to You. Therefore, O Gracious God, accept our (taqarrub) proximity”.
Baca Juga: Kurban Sapi Untuk Berapa Orang dan Bagaimana Hukumnya?
6. Start the Slaughter
After reading the prayer, perform the slaughter of the sacrificial animal correctly, following the principles of Islamic Shari’a, a path to be followed. Avoid hurting the animal, and ensure the cutting is done sharply and quickly so that the animal does not feel excessive pain.
7. Cutting the Sacrificial Animal Part
After slaughter, the sacrificial animal must be neatly cut and processed into consumable parts. These parts can be distributed to those who deserve it, such as people experiencing poverty or families in need.
Scatter Sacrificial Animals with Dompet Dhuafa
Sacrifice is an opportunity for worship that can be done once a year—a moment to look forward to for all Muslims, especially those in a state of disadvantage. Friends, let’s spread the blessings of sacrificial animals to all corners of the country with Dompet Dhuafa. Share your smile with sacrificial animal meat by clicking the following link.