Explanation: If the closeness of the Lord could be gained only by bathing, then frogs and fish would have gained it (as they stay in water all the time). If the closeness of the Lord could be gained by shaving or grooming hair, then sheep and goats would have gained it (as their wool is cut and groomed). O Bahu! The closeness of the Lord is gained by those whose intentions are true.

The 3 Standards for the Acceptance of Action

The scholars say: A pious deed is made of three things:

1. The servant should realize that the ability to do this action was given by Allah. This removes self-admiration.

2. The servant should seek only the pleasure of Allah through his actions. This protects the servant from showing off (Riya), seeking praise, and the calamity of vanity.

3. The servant should seek the reward of his action after death. Due to the blessing of this, no greed for the creation remains in the heart. ^[1]

In short! Dear Islamic brothers! When we perform the sacrifice, there should be sincerity in our hearts. Our focus should be on the pleasure of Allah. If we perform the sacrifice in this state, then اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه, we will receive its blessing in this world and success in the Hereafter as well.

Sacrifice with Tenderness in the Heart!

Dear Islamic brothers! Another beautiful quality that should be in our hearts at the time of sacrifice is tenderness (Riqqat). Imam Sha’rani رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه says: "It is from proper etiquette that when we slaughter an animal, tenderness should be present in our heart at that time."^[2]

This means that while we are slaughtering the animal to obey the command of Allah, our hearts should also feel mercy. We should feel compassion while the knife is moving on the animal’s neck. In other words, while obeying the