In the Quran, God tells us that one of the major spiritual benefits of ritual animal slaughter is God consciousness. “We have made sacrificial camels ˹and cattle˺ among the symbols of servitude to God, in which there is ˹much˺ good for you. So pronounce the Name of God over them when they are lined up ˹for sacrifice˺. Once they have fallen ˹lifeless˺ on their sides, you may eat from their meat, and feed the needy—those who do not beg, and those who do. In this way, We have subjected these ˹animals˺ to you so that you may be grateful. Neither their meat nor blood reaches God. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of God for what He has guided you to. Give good news to the good-doers.” [22:36-37]
These passages show that as Muslims, when we worship God, He does not benefit from our worship, nor does He need it. Instead, it is we who benefit through the reward we gain and God’s other blessings upon us. When we offer the daily prescribed ritual devotions, fast, give charity, go to pilgrimage or perform any other good action, God does not get anything from it. God’s kingdom does not increase through our worship, nor does it decrease if we do not worship Him. God is free of all needs and wants.
In the example of ritual animal slaughter, we are the beneficiaries. By remembering God’s blessing, we acknowledge the many benefits in the permissible livestock animals that are kept, and used for farming, agriculture, travel, carrying loads, and for food and drink in terms of their meat and milk. For many people, meat is a luxury few enjoy regularly. For those fortunate to be able to consume meat on demand, the responsibility is greater.
We are taught to mention God’s name before the ritual animal slaughter, thank Him for this blessing, and then benefit from the meat. Another display of God consciousness is how we are encouraged to use some of the meat to feed the poor and needy around us, if we can. We should recognize that some are less fortunate than us and may not be able to afford meat to eat on a regular basis.
God tells us that neither the blood nor the meat of the ritual animal slaughter reaches Him. The blood is left to drain away, and the meat is eaten by us and others that we share it with. What does God see from this and other acts of devotion? It is our display of piety and God consciousness. It is that we conformed to God’s laws, upheld His commands and fulfilled the legislations He set for us.
The Pagan Arabs at the time of the Messenger Muhammad also had a form of ritual animal slaughter. However, they would dedicate their offerings to their idols, would leave its meat at their altars until it rotted, and would not allow even the poor to eat from it. Islam came to correct misguided and deviant practices. It teaches that when one offers the ritual animal slaughter, it is to please God and in His name alone. Benefit is had in our lives and in helping those around us. We are to mention God’s name and glorify Him right before the act of ritual animal slaughter. We remember God’s many favours. We seek His reward and remember His guidance that allows us to worship Him alone.