What is the ruling on the sacrifice for the deceased in Ramadan?
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The questioner : May Allah forgive you, O Shaykh. In our town, there is a custom in Ramadan called *al-Dhakirah*. The family of the deceased slaughters an animal to commemorate their dead, especially in Ramadan. They invite us. Should we go to them? What is the ruling on this, and should we attend?
The Shaykh : This is an innovation. That is, the sacrifice for the deceased in Ramadan is an innovation, because one does not draw near to Allah the Exalted by slaughtering at a specific time except on the Festival of Sacrifice. If they invite you to this, it is not obligatory for you to attend, but first advise them. As soon as you know they are going to do it, advise them before they do it. If they refuse to do anything but perform it, then you are not obligated to attend.
The questioner : The time of Ramadan is a blessed time.
The Shaykh : Yes, it is a blessed time. They give charity in it, but they do not draw near through the ritual of slaughter. Drawing near through the ritual of slaughter is an act of worship. If it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we follow it; otherwise, we do not. Yasar.
The Shaykh : This is an innovation. That is, the sacrifice for the deceased in Ramadan is an innovation, because one does not draw near to Allah the Exalted by slaughtering at a specific time except on the Festival of Sacrifice. If they invite you to this, it is not obligatory for you to attend, but first advise them. As soon as you know they are going to do it, advise them before they do it. If they refuse to do anything but perform it, then you are not obligated to attend.
The questioner : The time of Ramadan is a blessed time.
The Shaykh : Yes, it is a blessed time. They give charity in it, but they do not draw near through the ritual of slaughter. Drawing near through the ritual of slaughter is an act of worship. If it is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we follow it; otherwise, we do not. Yasar.