It is an obligation for a Muslim, when they receive good from Allah or are saved from harm by Allah, to fulfill the duty of gratitude. Allah says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:172) Gratitude to Allah, both in words and actions, is required. Allah says in the Quran: “Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surah Al-Kawthar, 108:1-2) The conjunction “fa” here is known as “fa’ al-sabab” (the conjunction of cause), which means to pray to your Lord and sacrifice because He has granted you. Therefore, a Muslim is encouraged to express gratitude for the blessings of Allah through both words and action, whether it is a blessing such as buying a house, finding a job, or increasing income, or being saved from harm.
Linguistically, it has been mentioned that there are various types of food offered on occasions of goodness, including: •
Walimah: It is offered at weddings as an expression of gratitude and joy. •
Aqiqah: It is offered as a thanks to Allah for the birth of a child. •
Al-Ateerah (Rajabia): It is slaughtered in the month of Rajab. •
Al-Fara: It is slaughtered to celebrate the first birth of an animal, seeking to increase its offspring. •
Al-Wakeerah: It is a meal prepared by a person upon completing the construction of their house, inviting people to share in it. •
Al-Naqee’ah: It is a meal prepared and served when someone who was absent returns. •
Al-Adheerah: It is a meal prepared and served to celebrate a boy’s circumcision.
For every blessing, gratitude is required, and gratitude can be expressed through both words and actions. Therefore, slaughtering a sheep as an expression of gratitude to Allah for being saved from an accident or a calamity is recommended for those who are capable of doing so.
Fatwa by: Dr. Khalid Nasr