Is it permissible for a pilgrim to eat from his voluntary animal sacrifice, other than that required of pilgrims performing Hajj tamattuʿ or Hajj qiran? My father was advised by a friend that it is recommended for a pilgrim to offer a voluntary animal sacrifice during Hajj and to eat from it. He followed his friend’s advice and ate from its meat. Was what he did correct?

It is established in Islamic law that the hady (sacrificial animal slaughtered in the Sacred Precinct as part of Hajj tamattu’ and Hajj qiran or as a voluntary offering) was legislated as a means of drawing closer to Allah, manifesting servitude to Him, glorifying His sacred rites, expressing gratitude for the blessing of performing Hajj, and out of kindness to the poor and needy. Allah Almighty says, “And the sacrificial camels We have made for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So, mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are fallen upon their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Therefore, have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful” (Quran 22:36).[1]

 

Meaning and legal definition of hady

Linguistically, hady refers to the livestock—namely, camels, cattle, and sheep—offered in the Sacred Precinct as a devotional sacrifice to Allah Almighty, provided the stipulated conditions are met.[2]

 

Ruling and place of the hady

Scholars unanimously agree that offering a voluntary hady within the Sacred Precinct is recommended, unless it is rendered obligatory due to specific causes such as tamattuʿ, qiran, or other grounds that necessitate a sacrificial offering. The reason for this is that dedicating an offering is among the means of honoring the sacred rites of Allah.[3]

The hady should be offered in Mecca, Mina, or any part of the Sacred Precinct, as all of Mecca is a site for sacrifice; Allah Almighty says, “For you the animals marked for sacrifice are benefits for a specified term; then their place of sacrifice is at the ancient House” (Quran, 22:33).[4] Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I offered the sacrifice here, and all of Mina is a place of sacrifice; therefore, offer your sacrifices at your camps” (Imam Ahmad).

 

Eating from voluntary hady

Jurists unanimously agree that a pilgrim may eat from a voluntary hady if it is slaughtered within the Sacred Precinct, as it is considered analogous to the udhiyyah, from which eating is permissible. The Malikis, however, make an exception to this permissibility if the offering has been specifically designated for the poor and the needy.[5]  There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the hady slaughtered outside the Sacred Precinct, whether outside Mecca or outside Mina. In Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali jurisprudence, the person offering the sacrifice may not eat from it and must distribute it entirely to the poor, unless he is poor himself.[6] The Shafiʿis, however, hold that it is permissible to eat from a voluntary hady without restriction, whether it is slaughtered inside or outside the Sacred Precinct.[7]

 

The ruling

Based on the above, it is permissible for a pilgrim to eat from his voluntary hady offering in all circumstances, whether it is slaughtered within the Sacred Precinct or outside it; Allah Almighty says, “So eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar” (Quran 22:36). Accordingly, your father’s action is valid, and he blame is not blameworthy.

And Allah Almighty knows best.