Hady – What is Hady in Islam During Hajj? – Everything You Need To Know
Hady is a significant act of worship during the Hajj, during which pilgrims offer a sacrifice as a symbol of devotion to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). It is wajib (obligatory) for those performing Hajj Tamattu’ and Qiran, while for Hajj Ifrad, it is considered sunnah.
The sacrifice occurs during Eid al-Adha, specifically from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. This ritual represents gratitude, obedience, and compassion, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) willingness to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) command.
Hady emphasises the values of charity and selflessness, with the meat distributed to those in need. It plays a crucial role in Hajj, distinguishing it from other sacrificial acts such as Qurbani and Fidya.
What is Hady in Hajj?
During the Hajj pilgrimage, Hady refers to the sacrificial animal offered in Mina, near Makkah in Saudi Arabia. This sacrifice symbolises a pilgrim’s submission to Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) will. The meat is given to people experiencing poverty, reinforcing community welfare and charity in Islam.
This act reflects the same devotion and obedience displayed by Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) when he prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail (عليه السلام) as commanded by Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
The Hady sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the importance of submitting to Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) will while being in a state of ihram, a sacred condition that signifies purity and dedication during Hajj and Umrah.
What does the word “Hady” mean?
The Arabic word “hady” comes from the root “H-D-Y,” which means “to guide” or “to lead.” In the context of Hajj, Hady refers to a sacrifice offered to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). It symbolises guidance and obedience, reflecting the pilgrims’ submission to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and commitment to following the path of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام).
The act of sacrifice is not only an expression of gratitude but also a declaration of the pilgrim’s recognition of Allah’s (سبحانه وتعالى) greatness and their willingness to follow His divine commands.
Importance of Hady
Hady holds immense spiritual and social importance in Islam. Spiritually, it strengthens a Muslim’s connection to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and serves as a direct expression of obedience and devotion.
Socially, the meat distribution ensures that the less fortunate share in the blessings, reflecting the values of charity and community solidarity.
Offering Hady is a vital obligation of the Hajj, required from those who are physically and financially able. It is a profoundly moving experience for many pilgrims, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
Hadiths about Hady
Several Hadiths highlight the importance of Hady in the eyes of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). One narrated by ‘Aishah states:
This Hadith underscores that the act of sacrifice is highly beloved by Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and is accepted even before the blood touches the ground, emphasising its spiritual significance.
Muslims are encouraged to perform it with joy, as it is a means of drawing closer to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
Allowed animals for Hady
Islamic law permits specific animals for Hady, each with age and health requirements:
- Sheep – At least one year old
- Goats – At least one-year-old
- Cattle (cows/buffaloes) – At least two years old
- Camels – At least five years old
The animal must be healthy and free from visible defects. The sacrifice should be made with the intention of pleasing Allah (سبحانه وتعالى), and His name must be invoked by saying Bismillah (In the name of Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).
When is Hady performed?
The ritual of Hady is performed on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic month of pilgrimage. These days coincide with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, during which Muslims worldwide offer animal sacrifices as an expression of devotion to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).
For pilgrims performing the Hajj, the sacrifice is carried out after the critical rite of standing at Arafat and before leaving Mina while still in a state of ihram.
The precise timing of Hady ensures that it is performed during the prescribed period by Islamic law. Pilgrims who offer Hady during these days fulfil an essential part of the Hajj rites and contribute to the larger tradition of charity and community support.
Remaining in ihram during this process signifies a pilgrim’s continued devotion and adherence to the sacred guidelines of Hajj and Umrah.
Can women perform Hady?
Women, like men, must offer Hady during Hajj if financially and physically able. There are no gender-based restrictions; women can either arrange the sacrifice themselves or use services to facilitate it.
Islamic tradition affirms the equal spiritual status of men and women in fulfilling religious duties, making the obligation to perform Hady applicable to both.
Where should Hady take place?
Hady’s sacrifice must be performed in Mina, a region near Mecca. This location is sacred, and it is where many significant rites of Hajj take place, including the symbolic stoning of the devil.
Mina is also where the designated areas for the slaughter of sacrificial animals are found.
It is recommended that the meat from the sacrifice be distributed within Mina or among the local needy to ensure its blessings reach those who cannot afford it otherwise.
How to arrange Hady?
Pilgrims can arrange Hady by either purchasing an animal and slaughtering it themselves or using services provided by organisations that manage the sacrifice.
These services ensure the process adheres to Islamic law and that the meat is distributed to needy people. For pilgrims unfamiliar with the process or preferring convenience, these services handle the purchase, slaughtering, and distribution, making it easier to fulfil religious duties.
How to perform Hady yourself?
To perform Hady yourself, first acquire a suitable animal that meets the requirements. The animal is then brought to Mina and slaughtered on one of the days of Eid al-Adha. During the slaughter, the animal should be facing the qibla, placed on it’s left side and salughtering the animal you should recite:
Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah [6:79]. Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He [6:162]. And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims [6:163]. [Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah]
When slaughtering the animal you should recite “Bismillah” and “Allahu Akbar.”
“Recite “Bismillah” and “Allahu Akbar.” when slaughtering the animal”
The slaughter should be humane, with the blood drained as prescribed. Afterwards, divide the meat into three portions: one for the pilgrim and family, one for friends, and one for people in need, ensuring community benefit.
Once the sacrifice is complete, you should recite,
“In the name of Allah. O Allah, accept [this sacrifice] on behalf of Muhammad ﷺ and the family of Muhammad ﷺ and the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ.”
What if I can’t afford the Hady?
Fidya is utilised if a mistake was made during Hajj, not when you can’t afford the Hady. If you can’t afford the Hady, it’s as if you won’t be able to afford the Fidya either. The obligation to perform the sacrifice (Hady) applies only to those who are financially able to do so.
Fidya, on the other hand, is a form of compensation given for specific errors or omissions during the pilgrimage, such as breaking a fast or missing a required ritual, not for financial hardship related to the sacrifice itself.
Fasting
If you can afford the Hady (sacrificial offering), it is recommended that you fast. Fasting brings spiritual rewards and is a meaningful way to deepen your connection with faith and practice self-discipline.
It is a way to grow spiritually, gain empathy for others, and embrace the value of sacrifice and humility.
What’s the difference between Hady and Udhiyah?
Hady is performed only during Hajj, while Udhiyah is an annual sacrifice Muslims make during Eid al-Adha to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
Udhiyah is a general practice, while Hady is specific to those performing Hajj.
What is the difference between Hady and Fidya?
Fidya is a form of compensation given by those who cannot perform certain religious obligations, such as the sacrifice of Hady. It is a charitable donation to help others, typically in cases where the individual cannot afford the sacrifice or is physically incapable of carrying it out.
Hady service
Utilising a Hady service is a convenient and practical option for many pilgrims. These services handle the entire process, from purchasing the animal to slaughtering it and distributing the meat to those in need.
This allows pilgrims to fulfil their religious obligations without the added concern of managing the logistics or technical details of the sacrifice.
FAQ
This section addresses some common questions about Hady and its practice during Hajj. These answers will help clarify the key aspects of this vital ritual and guide pilgrims in fulfilling their religious duties correctly.
- Can women perform Hady?
Yes, women can perform Hady just like men.
- What are the three different types of Hajj?
These include Hajj al-Tamattu, Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad.
- Are 3 Umrah equal to 1 Hajj?
No, performing three Umrahs does not equal a single Hajj.
- What is Fidya in Islam?
Fidya is a form of compensatory charity given by those unable to perform Hady’s sacrifice.
Summary – Hady
Hady is a vital act of worship during Hajj, symbolising devotion to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) and following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام). It serves as an expression of gratitude and plays a crucial role in supporting the less fortunate.
Whether performed during Prophet Hajj, Hajj Madinah, or Umrah Hajj, the hady performed is an integral part of the pilgrimage. The sacrifices offered reflect the spirit of charity and are central to the pilgrimage experience.
Pilgrims also perform the Hady during Umrah days, strengthening their connection to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Once the sacrifice is made, exiting Ihram marks a significant moment, symbolizing the completion of an important ritual.
If there is any question regarding the Hady, whether about its process or significance, pilgrims can seek guidance from scholars or trusted services to ensure the ritual is performed correctly.
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