The Prophet (ﷺ) said: I have been commanded to celebrate festival ('Id) on the day of sacrifice, which Allah, Most High, has appointed for this community. A man said: If I do not find except a she-goat or a she-camel borrowed for milk or other benefits, should I sacrifice it? He said: No, but you should clip your hair , and nails, trim your moustaches, and shave your pubes. This is all your sacrifice in the eyes of Allah, Most High.
Hadith Text & Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: I have been commanded to celebrate festival ('Id) on the day of sacrifice, which Allah, Most High, has appointed for this community. A man said: If I do not find except a she-goat or a she-camel borrowed for milk or other benefits, should I sacrifice it? He said: No, but you should clip your hair, and nails, trim your moustaches, and shave your pubes. This is all your sacrifice in the eyes of Allah, Most High.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 2789 | Book: Sacrifice (Kitab Al-Dahaya)
Commentary on the Commanded Festival
The Prophet's statement establishes Eid al-Adha as a divinely ordained celebration for the Muslim ummah. This emphasizes the communal nature of the ritual and its status as a religious obligation instituted by Allah Himself.
The specification of "day of sacrifice" refers to the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, marking the completion of the major pillars of Hajj and commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
Analysis of the Question & Response
The questioner inquires about sacrificing borrowed animals, revealing his understanding that sacrifice is obligatory but his inability to afford one. This demonstrates the Islamic principle that obligations are commensurate with capability.
The Prophet's clear prohibition against sacrificing borrowed animals establishes that Udhiyah must come from one's lawful possession, as borrowed property cannot be used to fulfill this religious duty.
Significance of Alternative Acts
The prescribed alternative acts of personal grooming represent a spiritual sacrifice when material sacrifice is impossible. Clipping hair and nails, trimming mustaches, and shaving pubic hair are all acts of fitrah (natural disposition) that purify both body and soul.
This teaches that when one cannot perform the outward ritual, internal purification and adherence to Sunnah practices can serve as acceptable substitutes in Allah's sight, demonstrating His mercy and the flexibility within Islamic law.
Legal Rulings Derived
Sacrificing borrowed animals is invalid for Udhiyah, as ownership is a condition for valid sacrifice.
Financial incapacity excuses one from the obligation of animal sacrifice.
Acts of personal hygiene and purification can serve as spiritual compensation when material worship cannot be performed.
Allah accepts the sincere efforts of His servants according to their capability, emphasizing intention over mere outward form.