Friday Sermon: The important message on sacrificing an animal during Eid-ul-Adha, By Murtadha Gusau

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.

To proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the islams’s most significant religious holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son Prophet Isma’il (AS) as an act of worship and obedience to Allah. This profound story is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition, and the act of sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha serves as a symbolic gesture of submission and devotion to Allah Almighty.

The story of Eid-ul-Adha originates from the Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith), where it is narrated that Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il. As they both submitted to Allah’s command, a miraculous intervention occurred. Allah the Most High says:

“Then when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision!’ thus, we reward those who do right. For this was a trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.” [Qur’an, 37:103-107]

This event signifies the ultimate act of faith (Iman) and obedience to Allah and it is commemorated annually by Muslims worldwide.

The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid-ul-Adha is termed “Layyah” in hausa language.” It is obligatory (wajib) for every adult financially capable Muslim. This is derived from both the Qur’an and Sunnah (Hadith), indicating the importance and necessity of this act of worship. Allah Almighty says:

“Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.” [Qur’an, 108:2]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also emphasised the significance of sacrificing an animal. He said:

“Whoever has the means and does not offer the sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Neglecting the animal sacrifice without a valid reason, despite having the financial capability, is considered sinful. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) warned against this negligence, highlighting that it distances one from the community of Muslim believers. He (Peace be upon him) said:

“He who has the means to perform animal sacrifice but does not do so should not come near our Eid ground.” [Musnad of Imam Ahmad]

This underscores the spiritual and communal importance of participating in this act of devotion.

And the correct procedure for performing the sacrifice involves specific guidelines to ensure that the act is carried out in a humane and Islamic manner. The animal to be sacrificed should be healthy, free from any defects, and of a certain age (e.g., sheep or goat should be at least one year old). The person performing the sacrifice should do the following:

1.⁠ ⁠Intention (Niyyah): The intention to perform the sacrifice should be made for the sake of Allah alone.

2.⁠ ⁠Bismillah: The name of Allah should be invoked before slaughtering the animal by saying, “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

3.⁠ ⁠Sharpen the Knife: A sharp knife should ensure a swift and humane slaughter.

4.⁠ ⁠Facing the Qiblah: The animal should be laid facing the Qiblah (direction of Makkah).

5.⁠ ⁠Distribution of the Meat: The meat should be divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy and poor.

Respected brothers and sisters! Eid-ul-Adha is not merely a ritualistic slaughtering of animals but a profound act of faith (Iman), reminding Muslims of the virtues of obedience, devotion, and charity. By commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Isma’il, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their submission to Allah and their willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. The act of sacrificing the animal serves as a powerful symbol of faith (Iman), community, and the spirit of giving, reinforcing the core values of Islam.

By adhering to the guidelines and fulfilling this obligation, Muslims not only follow a time-honoured tradition but also strengthen their spiritual connection and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Dear brothers and sisters! Eid-ul-Adha is a very special time for Muslims around the world. It is also called the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, Muslims remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He was ready to give something very dear to show his love for Allah. So, Muslims follow this by giving to others and sharing what they have.

This is a time for kindness and love. It is a time to help people who don’t have enough.

Let’s learn how you can help others during this special time.

Wallahi not everyone has the blessings of food to eat or clothes to wear or meat to eat. Some families feel sad because they do not have much. Some children do not get new clothes.

Donating during Eid is a way to ensure everyone’s happiness. Giving is the true essence of Eid. It brings people closer and shows that we care.

To give, we don’t have to be rich. Even small things can help someone smile.

You can help people near you or far away. You can still give and make a big difference even if you don’t know them.

One of the most significant ways to give during Eid is to share the meat from your sacrifice. You can provide one-third of your meat to people in need.

This is one way to follow the true meaning of Eid-ul-Adha charity.

You can make food bags and give them to families who need them. Giving food brings joy and fills hungry stomachs.

Everyone wants to wear something nice on Eid. But not everyone can buy new clothes.

Giving clothes helps others feel special and happy.

You can give money to people who need it. This is simple and fast. It can help them buy what they need the most.

You can also donate money to our Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, which helps many families during Eid. Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center makes sure that your charity reaches our orphans and deserving families.

When you give, do it with love. Say kind words. Smile. Make the other person feel happy.

Let them know they are not forgotten. They matter. Giving is not just about things. It’s about making people feel seen, loved, and valued.

Send your sadaqah and Zakat through Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center. Sponsor an orphan. Help a low-income family have food for Eid-ul-Adha.

Wallahi this kind of charitable giving during Eid helps the whole world.

You can help more people by telling others. Share a post. Make a video. Talk to your friends. Tell your school. Tell your neighbours.

“Let’s help others this Eid!”

“Giving brings joy!”

“Even a small gift can make someone smile!”

And when more people give, more lives change.

Helping others is one of the best things we can do during Eid-ul-Adha. It makes the holiday brighter, brings hearts together, and teaches love, kindness, and care. So this Eid, don’t just dress up and eat good food. Look around. See who needs help. Share what you have. Give from your heart. Allah Almighty and His Messenger (Peace be upon him) will appreciate.

You don’t need to be rich to give. You need to care.

Let’s join hands with the Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center this Eid to help the orphans and the needy, and bring happiness to homes that need it most.

Donate now FISABILILLAH, for Allah’s sake.

In this coming Eid-ul-Adha festival your donations, help, support and assistance can do more than fulfill a duty. It can bring nourishment, dignity, and joy to our orphans and to the families who need it most. With Nagazi-Uvete Islamic Center, your sacrifice becomes fresh, high-quality meat for orphans, less-prevelege Muslims, and struggling families in our community.

We partner with trusted local farms and deliver your sadaqah of animals sacrifice with care and compassion—because our neighbours deserve nothing less.

Please, donate through the following account details:

1.⁠ ⁠Account number: 0048647196.

•⁠ ⁠Account name: Murtala Muhammed.

•⁠ ⁠GTBank

Or:

2.⁠ ⁠Account number: 1779691620

•⁠ ⁠Account name: Murtala Muhammed.

•⁠ ⁠Access Bank.

We have only two weeks to Eid-ul-Adha. Please support our orphans with your sadaqah, with your donations and with your Zakat so that our orphans celebrate Eid-ul-Adha happily.

Remember, Eid ul-Adha is a sacred reminder of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion. As we honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to give up what he loved most for the sake of Allah Almighty, Muslims around the world are also called to give to the orphans, and to those who are struggling, displaced, and forgotten.

Allah the Most High says:

“Then when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead, We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Verily, thus do We reward the doers of good.” [Qur’an, 37:103–105]

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” [Qur’an, 22:37]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“The son of Adam does not do any action on the Day of Sacrifice that is more beloved to Allah than shedding blood (of animal). It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns, hair, and hooves, and its blood will be accepted by Allah before it even falls to the ground.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Allah The Almighty Says:

“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” [Qur’an, 2:195]

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“The most beloved of people to Allah is the one who brings the most benefit to others.” [Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat]

May Allah Almighty accept your sacrifices, amplify your intentions, and bless you, your families with peace and barakah, ameen.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761.

This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Zul Qa’dah 25, 1446 AH (May 23, 2025).