IF ALLAH ALMIGHTY IS ALL MERCIFUL THEN, WHY DOES HE NEEDS ANIMAL SACRIFICED IN HIS NAME?

 

IF ALLAH ALMIGHTY IS ALL MERCIFUL THEN, WHY DOES HE NEEDS ANIMAL SACRIFICED IN HIS NAME?

The word "sacrifice" is called "Qurban" in Arabic and the root word for this is "Qarraba". The meaning of Qarraba is "near'. Terminologically, it implies the slaughtering of livestock, life, money, to get "taqarrub" or to getting near to Allah Almighty.  It has been a part of Islam since the first Prophet Adam (May Allah Almighty be pleased with him). The true meaning of sacrifice is to show obedience and a broad gratitude for the favors of life that Allah Almighty bestowed upon us. It is mentioned in the Glorious Quran;

 

And for all religion We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muhammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]. (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:34).

 

In  Surah Al-Maidah, Allah Almighty mentioned the story of two brothers who were asked to sacrifice. It depicts the true nature of sacrifice.

 

 And recite to them the story of Adam's two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice [to Allah ], and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said [the latter], "I will surely kill you." Said [the former], "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him]. (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:27)

 

In the Glorious Quran, Allah Almighty also mentioned the story of Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him). The Glorious Quran mention in several places that how Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) loved his son Ismail. Allah Almighty wanted to test Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) and it is mentioned in the Glorious Quran;

 And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think."  He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded.  You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." (Surah As-Saffat, 37:102)

 

All aforementioned verses explain that Allah Almighty wants our sacrifices but He doesn't need our sacrifices because He order us to do these things because He knows that our betterment is in His worship. Dozens of verses in the Qur'an mention that Allah (the Glorified and Merciful) does not attains anything through being praised, or getting sacrifices in His name, but rather He is the Gracious Giver to performers of good and evil-performers alike. Without getting sufficient thought to the nature of the Almighty Allah, and without ingress to His revealed words, a person misperceives the Creator as a needy. (نعوذ بالله ) Considering that the Allah Almighty is egotistically driven to demand devotional service is neither common sense nor sound logic.  So, what is the reason that He is asking for worship and also saying that He doesn't need our worship? The reason is that Allah Almighty wants us to worship Him not because of His benefit but for our benefit. And Sacrifice is a most expressive way to show the obedience and a deep sense if gratitude. Allah Almighty test those people to whom He loves more. It is the most beloved worship form of Allah Almighty.

 

“There is not a single deed performed by human beings on Eid Adha that is more loved by Allah s.w.t than slaughtering sacrificial animals. Indeed, the sacrificial animal will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns, feathers and nails. And indeed, before the blood of the victim touches the ground, he (his reward) will be accepted by Allah s.w.t. So, good luck to you all with (the reward) of the victim.”

 

(Tirmidhi)