Objections against Animal Sacrifice

  

We, human beings, share this world with so many other breathing beings. Animals and birds are communities like us, reminds the Holy Qur’an. It is our duty to live responsibly, in fairness and justice, recognizing the interests of collective life and common good on earth, for the natural environment and living beings are among the favours and signs of God on earth. Indeed, Islam teaches Muslims to treat all living beings with kindness and compassion, and not to cause harm, nor inflict pain on animals and birds unnecessarily. Even for slaughtering them as rites of sacrifice, a believer has to abide by rules and regulations, means and methods of Islam that reduce the pain and suffering of the animal concerned. 

While the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) as well as his practical guidance on the prescriptions relating to animal slaughter are rooted in wider concern for the fair treatment of these breathing beings, the reality of everyday life show that these foundational rules are frequently violated as not fully implemented, resulting in cruel treatment to animals and birds during the transportation and handling of the animals at various stages and levels of the cattle-transportation and meat market practices. Many people who believe in fair treatment of animals, criticise and object to the ‘Muslim’ practice of animal slaughter as they see it- without understanding the Islamic teachings and guidance on the pertinent issue. 

Reproduced below are two related questions- objections on Islamic ways of slaughtering animals and on meat eating in general- put forward to Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius and the prescient observations made therein by Hazrat Saheb (aba) on the wisdom of Islamic procedures of slaughtering animals as well as the need for respecting the life-balance in this ecosystem by catering to needs while avoiding excesses on all sides of the debate.  

‘How to share a Qurbani ?’

  

Allah (swt) appointed acts of devotion to every community, for them to celebrate God’s name over the livestock He provided for them. Muslims are ordained by God to mention His name, on specified days during the Hajj pilgrimage season, over the livestock He has provided for them. Indeed, Qurbani is a sacred rite of Islam binding upon devout Muslims everywhere: those who honour God’s rites show the piety of their hearts, and anyone who honours the sacred ordinances of God will have good rewards from his Lord, Insha Allah.

As the Holy Qur’an notes concerning sacrificial animals such as Ox or Camel, ‘There is much good in them for you, so invoke God’s name over them as they are lined up for sacrifice, then, when they have fallen down dead, feed yourselves and those who do not ask, as well as those who do. We have subjected them to you in this way so that you may be thankful. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches God but your piety. He has subjected them to you in this way so that you may glorify God for having guided you. Give good news to those who do good.’ (22:37-38)    

 

In this context, devout Muslims who plan to perform Qurbani may have related questions to clarify and understand. ‘How to share a Qurbani ? In case a poor man is giving a Qurbani and a rich one is giving a Qurbani, how to share the Qurbani?’

 

Recently, this question was put forth in front of our Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius by Khwaja Muhyiuddin Saheb of Chennai, a disciple. The considered response given by Hazrat Saheb (aba) on the occasion would be of educative value for everyone who is to perform the Qurbani as part of the forthcoming Eid-ul-Adha rites.  

Hajj: Pathway to Salvation

 

[In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As the world of Islam enters the Month of Hajj [Dhul Hijjah], Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius profoundly explains the larger, inner meaning and spiritual significance of this ultimate voyage to the House of God in Makkah that the Muslim pilgrim undertakes in quest of Divine pleasure and salvation]. 

 

The pathway to salvation 

 

‘The Hajj, being the fifth and last of the five pillars of Islam, it represents the readiness of the Muslim pilgrim to let go of all worldly attractions and desires, and to make the firm intention for a purified reform in his self and soul, to tread the pathway to Salvation, like a submitted soul offering his whole life and being to Allah, promising a complete reform within himself and seeking the help of Allah to achieve it.’

On Jama'ah Prayer & 'Women' Angels

 

As an inspired servant of God with a mandate to correct the doctrinal mistakes and religious practices of the Muslims of today, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius is in a unique position to clarify the right perspective to be adopted on religious beliefs and everyday practices of the believers in this era, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah; from time to time, Hazrat Muhyiuddin (aba) offers illuminating guidance on spiritual questions brought before him by people from around the world. By the Grace of Allah, these Question and Answer sessions reveal much insight into issues that confuse and confound people, and the guiding light of a servant of God steeped in the spiritual Way is indeed very useful for truth seekers. For instance, in a recent interactive session with the Sahih Al Islam YouTube Channel, Hazrat Saheb (aba) shares his perspective on the need for balance and prudence in the performance of religious duties while explaining the importance of congrégational prayer. Likewise, in the same Interview in response to another question, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) explains the nature of appearance of angels in the spiritual visions of human beings. 

Read the Text of the Discourse Below : 

 

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakaatuhu. Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, we are here again for another session of Questions & Answers with the Khalifatullah Al-Mahdi of this era, Hazrat Munir A. Azim (atba).