Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

What is Sacrifice?

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“Sacrifice” means giving up something despite the love for it - for God or someone else.

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Why is Sacrifice important?

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Sacrifice enhances our relationship with our Creator and with one another. It is crucial for us to become channels through which our love can be shared. By making sacrifices, we benefit both ourselves and others with the blessings we have received, allowing us to create happier environments, more fulfilling relationships, and more functional societies free from 'ego' and 'greed.' Through sacrifice, we lay a strong foundation for others to be more creative and true to their soul's purpose. Sacrifice is vital for our spiritual growth and development. It helps our hearts unite in love, peace, and kindness, keeping us connected to the source of Life and to each other.

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How can Sacrifice help us?

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Benefits of Sacrifice

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Sacrifice offers numerous benefits, serving as a means to express gratitude to God by sharing our blessings with those in need. It fosters a sense of worthiness for divine forgiveness, encouraging sincere repentance for our sins. Through sacrifice, we can draw closer to God, embody His beautiful attributes, and take responsibility to assist others along His path. True faith is demonstrated through acts of sacrifice, treating others as we wish to be treated.

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Motivations Behind Sacrifice

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Sometimes, our inclination to sacrifice may stem from a desire for personal gain or recognition. Individuals may perform good deeds for social approval or to enhance their reputation, while others may seek success through their sacrifices. It is essential to examine whether our motivations are rooted in ego or genuine selflessness. While acts of sacrifice that come with expectations can still benefit others, they may not represent true sacrifice if our intentions are not purely altruistic. Expecting appreciation can lead to discomfort and strain relationships, potentially diminishing our willingness to help in the future.

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Selfless Sacrifice for Love of God

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Some individuals sacrifice out of pure love for God, aiming to demonstrate their devotion and draw closer to Him, even to the extent of sacrificing their lives for His cause. Scripture encourages God's servants to serve humanity, embody His attributes, and contribute positively to society. These individuals often face challenges but willingly forgo worldly pleasures for spiritual fulfilment, inspiring others to do the same.

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The Role of Sacrifice in Spiritual Purification

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Scripture teaches that sacrifice can purify us from sin. Historically, burnt offerings were made to God as a form of sacrifice, believed to be essential for forgiveness until the second Temple era in Israel. Today, many offer prayers, fasting, and charity as sacrifices to please God. It is important to question why God requests such sacrifices. While He does not need our offerings, these acts benefit us and reflect our love and devotion. Through sacrifice, we feel more worthy of God's presence, which helps us seek His forgiveness and believe in His acceptance. Many believe that good deeds can outweigh bad ones, cleansing us of sins. God is described as All-Forgiving and Most Merciful, ready to forgive those who repent, even those who have sinned knowingly. Acts of sacrifice, such as prayer and charity, allow us to take responsibility, express gratitude, and demonstrate true repentance, making us deserving of His forgiveness. These deeds are struggles in His cause, enabling us to become vessels of love that illuminate the lives of others.

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The Importance of Intention

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Ultimately, the intention behind our sacrifices is crucial. The acceptance and benefit of our sacrifices for our souls depend on whether they arise from love for others and a longing for God's presence. Sacrifice promotes spiritual growth, uniting our hearts in love, peace, and kindness, while keeping us connected to the source of life and to one another.

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How can our sacrifice help others?​

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Sacrificing for others involves giving up our own happiness and what we cherish for the sake of others' well-being or joy. People who love others as much as, or even more than, they love themselves are more inclined to perform such acts. Genuine sacrifice for others means giving without expecting anything in return. There are various levels of sacrificing for others—for instance, offering to our loved ones, such as family and friends, and witnessing the positive impact it has on them can bring us joy because we can 'see' how our sacrifices benefit those we care about. A higher level is giving anonymously to those we do not know, who are not related to us, and who are unaware of our identity when we give to them. When we sacrifice for others, our intention is usually 'for the benefit of others.' We sacrifice ourselves out of compassion and love for others. 

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What should we sacrifice?

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There are various forms of sacrifice. Sacrifice can involve giving up 'time,' 'food,' 'money,' 'clothes,' or anything that requires giving of ourselves with the intention of pleasing or thanking God or benefiting others. Here are some examples of sacrifice:

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Praying for others

Fasting

Feeding the hungry

Caring for an orphan

Charitable donations

Spending time to 'listen' to others and support them through their struggles

Being present for others in their time of need

Caring for someone with a health condition

Devoting time and effort to sharing our knowledge with others

Investing time and effort to stand against oppression of our fellow human beings

Helping a blind person cross the street

Feeding a hungry animal

Providing warmth and shelter to another person or creature

Assisting a traveler

Kind words

Smiling to bring joy to others

Sending Peace and Blessings to one another

Controlling our desires and emotions for the benefit of another person

Taking responsibility for our words and actions to avoid causing unnecessary harm to others

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...anything that involves 'giving' of what we cherish, with the intention to Please God, or benefit someone else or another creature, can be seen as an act of sacrifice. The more we are blessed with wealth and knowledge, the more we can share with others, and according to Scripture, the more we have, the more we should give as an offering or sacrifice as a way of showing gratitude and serving God and humanity. Conversely, the less we have to give and share, the less is expected from us, and 'no soul is tasked beyond its capacity.'

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And let us remember—God does not need our sacrifices—it is we who need them, and it is ourselves and the societies we live in that benefit from them, to establish a better connection with our Source and foster better relationships with each other.

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​What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about 'Sacrifice?'

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Abrahamic scripture, which encompasses the religious texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, presents a multifaceted understanding of the concept of 'sacrifice.' This theme is woven throughout the narratives, laws, and teachings of these faiths, illustrating its significance in the relationship between humanity and the divine.

 

In Judaism, the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Torah, outlines various forms of sacrifice, primarily as acts of worship and atonement. The Book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions on different types of offerings, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. These sacrifices were often performed at the Temple in Jerusalem and served multiple purposes: to express gratitude, to seek forgiveness for sins, and to maintain a covenantal relationship with God. The act of sacrifice is not merely about the physical offering itself but embodies a deeper spiritual significance—demonstrating devotion, obedience, and the desire for reconciliation with God. The concept of the 'Akedah' or the Binding of Isaac, found in Genesis, further illustrates the profound nature of sacrifice, as it highlights Abraham's willingness to offer his son in obedience to God's command, symbolizing ultimate faith and trust in divine providence.

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Christ's message to humanity was profound and multifaceted, emphasising the importance of sacrifice in the pursuit of a higher spiritual existence. He conveyed that to truly embrace the kingdom of God, one must be willing to relinquish the attachments and distractions of worldly life. This notion of sacrifice is central to understanding his teachings, as he articulated that genuine success and fulfilment can only be achieved through selflessness and the willingness to give up one’s own desires for a greater cause.

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In his teachings, Christ urged individuals to set aside their selfish ambitions and material pursuits to serve their Creator wholeheartedly. This call to service was not merely a suggestion but a commandment rooted in the Law, which emphasises love, compassion, and obedience to divine will. He invited humanity to engage in a transformative process where one must sacrifice their limited understanding and preconceived notions, allowing instead for a deeper submission to the divine plan laid out by God. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but rather a demonstration of strength and faith, as it aligns one’s life with a Higher Purpose.

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Taking up one's cross, a powerful metaphor used by Christ, signifies the act of sacrificing one’s ego and personal ambitions to fulfil a divine mission. It is about embracing the challenges and trials that come with this commitment, recognising that through these sacrifices, individuals can truly serve both God and humanity in accordance with the Higher Will. This path of sacrifice leads to a deeper connection with the divine and a more profound understanding of one’s role in the world.

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Furthermore, Christ emphasised the essence of true friendship, illustrating that the highest form of love is the willingness to sacrifice even one's own life for the sake of friends. This radical concept of love transcends mere affection; it embodies a selfless commitment to the well-being of others. Christ himself exemplified this ultimate sacrifice through his willingness to lay down his life for humanity, demonstrating an unparalleled depth of love and compassion. In doing so, he encouraged his followers to love one another in the same manner, fostering a community rooted in mutual support and sacrifice.

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His message, while deeply centreed on the theme of sacrifice, also marked a significant shift in the religious practices of the time. With his coming, the traditional practice of animal sacrifices came to an end, particularly following the destruction of the temple, which was a pivotal moment in religious history. This transition signified that repentance and atonement could now be achieved through prayer, acts of charity, and fasting, rather than through the shedding of blood. The emphasis shifted towards a more personal and direct relationship with God, where the focus was on internal transformation and spiritual growth rather than external rituals.

 

In essence, Christ’s teachings encapsulate a profound understanding of sacrifice as a pathway to divine connection and fulfillment. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals to pursue a life of selflessness, love, and service, reminding humanity that the journey toward the kingdom of God is paved with acts of sacrifice that ultimately lead to spiritual enlightenment and communal harmony.

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In Islam, the concept of sacrifice is prominently featured in the Quran and Hadith, particularly in the context of the annual observance of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The Quran recounts this story, emphasising God's mercy in providing a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice. This act of submission and obedience is celebrated through the ritual of Qurbani, where animals are sacrificed, and the meat is distributed among family, friends, and those in need, reinforcing the values of charity and community. Additionally, the Quran discusses the spiritual significance of sacrifice, highlighting that it is not merely the blood or flesh that reaches God, but the piety and intention behind the act.

 

The Quran urges believers to observe fasting during Ramadan, viewing it as a 'sacrifice' that involves abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations during daylight hours for 30 days each year. This practice serves as a means of 'self-purification' and fostering a closer connection to Allah.

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Across these three Abrahamic faiths, the notion of sacrifice transcends the physical act itself, encompassing themes of obedience, devotion, and the quest for spiritual closeness to God. The teachings on sacrifice encourage adherents to reflect on their own lives, prompting them to consider what they might be called to give up or offer in their spiritual journeys. Thus, sacrifice serves as a profound expression of faith, illustrating the complexities of the human-divine relationship and the transformative power of self-giving love in the pursuit of holiness and righteousness.

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Some Scripture quotes about Sacrifice

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'And if his means do not suffice for two turtledoves or two pigeons, he shall bring as his offering for that of which he is guilty a tenth of an ephah of choice flour for a sin offering; he shall not add oil to it or lay frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.' Leviticus 5:11

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'They are to bring to the priest as a guilt offering a ram from the flock, one without defect and of the proper value. In this way the priest will make atonement for them for the wrong they have committed unintentionally, and they will be forgiven.' Leviticus 5:18

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'And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;' Leviticus 14:21

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'And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.' Exodus 19:22

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'And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.' Exodus 25:8

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'Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.' Genesis 2:15

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'Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.' Genesis 9:3

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'When the LORD your God enlarges your border as He has promised you, and you say, ‘Let me eat meat,’ because you long to eat meat, you may eat as much meat as your heart desires.' Deuteronomy 12:20

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'Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.' Hebrews 13:16

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'To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.' Proverbs 21:3

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'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.'John 15:12-14

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'He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.' Genesis 22:2

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'And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams'. 1 Samuel 15:22

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'For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.' Psalm 51:16-17

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'For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.' Leviticus 17:11

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'In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.'Psalm 40:60

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'Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' Mathew 9:13

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'For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.' Hebrews 10:26

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'And the man cried against the altar by the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and he shall sacrifice on you the priests of the high places who make offerings on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’ 1Kings 13:2

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'Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.'John 15:13

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'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve...' Mark 10:45

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'But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.'2 Samuel 24:24

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'Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done.' Genesis 8:20-21

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'Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.' Exodus 13:2

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'For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.' Luke 9:24

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'And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.' Mathew 12:7

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'And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.' Mathew 10:38

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'So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.' Genesis 46:1

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'And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.' Daniel 9:27

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'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' John 10:11

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'If a man lies sexually with a woman who is a slave, assigned to another man and not yet ransomed or given her freedom, a distinction shall be made. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free; but he shall bring his compensation to the Lord, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, a ram for a guilt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering before the Lord for his sin that he has committed, and he shall be forgiven for the sin that he has committed.' Leviticus 19:20-22

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'Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.' Isaiah 53:10

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'The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.' Proverbs 15:8

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‘Say, ‘My prayers and sacrifice, my life and death, are all for God, Lord of all the Worlds..’ Quran 6:162

 

‘You shall never attain righteousness unless you spend from what you love. Whatsoever you spend, God is fully aware of it.’ Quran 3:92

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'And recite thou to them the story of the two sons of Adam truthfully, when they offered a sacrifice, and it was accepted of one of them, and not accepted of the other. 'I will surely slay thee,' said one. 'God accepts only of the godfearing,' said the other.' Quran 5:27

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‘Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by people and does not believe in God and the Last Day. The example of his spending is that of a rock with a thin coating of earth upon it: when a heavy rain smites it, the earth is washed away, leaving the rock bare; such people derive no gain from their acts of charity. God does not set the deniers of the Truth on the Right Way.’ Quran 2:264

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‘Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of God. Verily, God is severe in punishment’ Quran 5:2

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‘If you give charity openly, it is good, but if you keep it secret and give to the needy in private, that is better for you, and it will atone for some of your bad deeds: God is well aware of all that you do.’ Quran 2:271

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‘Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned God a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.’ Quran 57:18

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‘And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily God is with those who do right.’ Quran 29:69

 

‘Go forth, light and heavy! Struggle in God's way with your possessions and your selves; that is better for you, did you know.’ Quran 9:41

 

‘Among the believers, those who stay at home without a good reason are not equal to those who strive for the cause of God in person or with their property. To those who strive for His cause in person or with their property, God has granted a higher rank than to those who stay at home. God has promised that everyone will receive his proper share of the reward but He will grant a much greater reward to those striving for His cause than to those who stay home (for no reason).’ Quran 4:95

 

‘When Jesus found them denying the truth, he said, "Who will help me in the cause of God?" The disciples replied, "We are the helpers of God. We believe in Him. Jesus, bear witness that we have submitted ourselves to His will."’ Quran 3:52

 

‘Believers, be the helpers of God just as when Jesus, the son of Mary, asked the disciples, "Who will be my helpers for the cause of God?" and the disciples replied, "We are the helpers of God." A group of the Israelites believed in him and others rejected him. We helped the believers against their enemies and they became victorious.’ Quran 61:14

 

Then when he was old enough to accompany him, he said, "O my son, I see in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded to do. You will find me, God willing, of the patient ones." Then when they both submitted, and he placed his forehead on the ground, We called him, "O Abraham, you have believed the vision!" Indeed, We thus reward the good-doers. This was a clear test indeed. We made a concession for him in place of a grave slaughter. And We preserved his history for those who followed. Peace be upon Abraham. We thus reward the good-doers. He was one of Our believing servants.’ Quran 37:102-111

 

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

 

‘So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].’ Quran 108:2

 

‘We have decreed the animal offerings for you among the rites of God.’ Quran 22:36

 

‘Neither their meat nor their blood reaches God, but it is your reverence that reaches Him.’ Quran 22:37

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...’And for the one who is ill or suffering a head injury, is given the 'fidya' (concession) of fasting or giving to charity, or by observing a worship ritual.’ Quran 2:196.