Slaughtering an animal or offering sacrifice is a practice of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and this is a ritual that is celebrated by Muslims across the globe on the day of Eid ul Adha. Followed by Hajj, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims slaughter animals, and so do Muslims across the world to commemorate this practice. It is not just Eid ul Adha when the slaughtering is permissible; there can be other times, too, for the sake of sadqah.
Slaughtering and offering sacrifice are symbolic representations of how Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) obeyed Allah’s commandments without any questions. Making dua when slaughtering or offering sacrifice is an acknowledgment that a sacrifice is done in the name of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for Him and to him our everything belongs.Narrated by Jabir Ibn Abdullah and reported in Sunan Abi Dawud 2810, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) slaughtered the ram with his hand and said this prayer.
Hajj & Umrah Duas
Bismillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar [Allaahumma minka wa laka] Allaahumma taqabbal minnee.
With the Name of Allah, Allah is the Most Great! (O Allah, from You and to You.) O Allah, accept it from me.
The etiquette to recite dua when slaughtering or offering a sacrifice includes being mindful of the act and reciting the supplication before or while slaughtering.Reciting dua is important as it reminds us of fulfilling Allah's commandments and helps us ask for His mercy. It inculcates in one the sense of gratitude and that for one to connect with their faith not just spiritually but physically as well by performing the sunnah of the Prophets.
When making dua for slaughtering or offering sacrifice, the benefit of it exists in this world and the hereafter. It makes one humble and submissive to their lord as whatever that we have is because of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and it is in His way that we have to spend. It makes one mindful of their blessings and humbles them to acknowledge their privileges. This ultimately makes them grateful and appreciate the way Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) has blessed them in abundance.
Surah Hajj talks about sacrifice in the Holy Quran. Specifically verse 37.
The animal chosen for slaughtering should be free from any disease and should not have any body parts missing. It should not be too young or too old.