The imam told about the features of the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is one of the main Islamic holidays, symbolizing submission to the will of the Almighty, mercy and caring for others. In 2026, it will begin at sunset on May 26 and last until the evening of May 30. Despite the fact that the holiday is traditionally associated with the rite of sacrifice, its significance goes far beyond the external ritual. Imam Jalil Mustafin told Izvestia about this.

According to him, sacrifice occupies an important place in the structure of the holiday and is performed in accordance with established religious norms. At the same time, not only compliance with external regulations, but also the inner attitude of a person plays a key role. Believers are advised to prepare spiritually in advance, perform a festive prayer and approach the ceremony with sincere intention.

"Before performing the rite, it is first of all important for a Muslim to be in a state of spiritual and bodily purity, to perform a festive prayer and to have an intention for the sake of the Almighty. Without this, the external ritual loses its value," he explained.

Special attention, as the imam noted, is paid to the choice of an animal for sacrifice. It must meet religious requirements, be healthy and have no physical defects. This approach is considered in Islam as an integral part of the proper performance of the rite.

"You can sacrifice a ram, a cow, or a camel. At the same time, the animal must be healthy and comply with the requirements of Sharia law. This is a manifestation of respect for tradition and a conscious approach to the ritual," said the imam.

Mustafin added that it is not necessary for a believer to personally participate in the slaughter. If necessary, he can entrust the performance of the ceremony to another person or a specialized organization. The presence of sincere intention remains crucial.

"The main thing is compliance with all norms and sincerity of intention. Personal participation is not a prerequisite," he clarified.

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The distribution of sacrificial animal meat remains an important part of the tradition. As a rule, it is divided into three parts: one is left to the family, the other is passed on to relatives and neighbors, and the third is given to those in need. According to the imam, this practice emphasizes the social orientation of the holiday and the importance of mutual assistance.

"Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah. Only your piety reaches Him," he quoted a surah from the Quran.

The imam also drew attention to the fact that the formal approach to the ritual remains a common mistake made by believers. In some cases, believers focus only on the external fulfillment of prescriptions, without paying due attention to the spiritual content of the holiday.

"Eid al-Adha is one of the greatest and most significant holidays in Islam. It recalls the story of the Prophet Ibrahim, who showed complete obedience to the will of God, and is associated not only with sacrifice, but above all with faith, sincerity, gratitude to Allah and caring for people," said the imam.

According to him, the rite of sacrifice itself should be considered as a symbol of a person's inner readiness for good deeds. It's about sharing, helping others, and showing mercy. It is these qualities that acquire special significance on the days of the holiday.

Earlier, the governor of the Stavropol Territory, Vladimir Vladimirov, proposed making Eid al-Adha a day off in the region.