Sacrifice (Hady, Ḍam, Nahr)
Sacrifice in Hajj refers primarily to Hady (الهدي) — the animal offered by certain pilgrims during Hajj. It’s a distinct obligation from the Eid al-Adha Udhiyah, and should not be confused with Ḍam, which refers to a penalty.
Types of Sacrificial Terms
Section titled “Types of Sacrificial Terms”- Hady (الهدي): General term for the sacrificial offering during Hajj.
- Nahr (النحر): Refers to the act of slaughter, especially of camels on 10th Dhul Hijjah.
- Ḍam (الدم): Refers to a penalty sacrifice for mistakes or missed rites.
Who Must Offer Hady?
Section titled “Who Must Offer Hady?”Obligatory for:
| Hajj Type | Hady Required? |
|---|---|
| Tamattu‘ | ✅ Yes |
| Qiran | ✅ Yes |
| Ifrād | ❌ No (unless penalty is due) |
Qur’an:
فَمَن تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ
Faman tamattaʿa bil-ʿumrati ilā al-ḥajji famā istaysara min al-hadyi
Whoever performs ‘Umrah followed by Hajj [must] offer what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals.
When to Offer the Sacrifice?
Section titled “When to Offer the Sacrifice?”- On 10th Dhul Hijjah, after Rami (stoning) and before shaving or Tawaf al-Ifadah.
- Can be delayed until 13th Dhul Hijjah.
Type of Animals Allowed
Section titled “Type of Animals Allowed”- One sheep or goat (at least 1 year old)
- OR one share (1/7) in a camel or cow
Must be:
- Free from defects (blind, lame, sick, underweight)
- Sacrificed within the Haram (Makkah)
Distribution Rules
Section titled “Distribution Rules”- It is recommended to eat some of the meat.
- Majority should be distributed to the poor of Makkah.
- Cannot be taken outside the Haram.
If One Cannot Afford a Sacrifice
Section titled “If One Cannot Afford a Sacrifice”Allah ﷻ commands:
فَمَن لَّمْ يَجِدْ فَصِيَامُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ فِي الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَةٍ إِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ ۗ تِلْكَ عَشَرَةٌ كَامِلَةٌ
Faman lam yajid fa-ṣiyāmu thalāthati ayyāmin fī al-ḥajji wa sabʿatin idhā rajaʿtum
And whoever cannot find [an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned – those are ten complete [days].
Hajj Sacrifice vs. Eid Udhiyah
Section titled “Hajj Sacrifice vs. Eid Udhiyah”| Aspect | Hajj Hady | Eid al-Adha Udhiyah |
|---|---|---|
| Who offers it? | Only certain Hajj pilgrims | Any adult Muslim |
| Where is it done? | Inside Makkah (Haram only) | Anywhere |
| Why is it done? | To complete rites of Hajj | Sunnah commemorating Ibrāhīm |
| Can it be combined? | ❌ No — both are distinct |
Ḍam (Penalty Sacrifice)
Section titled “Ḍam (Penalty Sacrifice)”Required for:
- Violating Ihram rules
- Skipping an obligatory act (e.g., Tawaf al-Wada‘)
- Mistakes like shaving early
One must offer a ḍam (typically a sheep) or fast/feed the poor depending on the issue.