Ads by Muslim Ad Network

Children Watch Animal Slaughtering on Eid, Is It OK?

26 June, 2023
Q Is it appropriate to make children watch the slaughtering of Al Uduheya in ‘Eid ul Adha? Or would it have negative psychological impacts on them?

What is the right age for children to watch this?If it happened that children saw the scene of slaughtering the Uduheya and were frustrated, what can parents do to solve this?

Answer

In this counseling answer:

•I would assess your child’s knowledge of Eid Al-Adha, experiences with hearing or glimpsing previous sacrifices as well as discussing with them how they may respond emotionally.

•This is also a good time to discuss the history and significance Eid-Al-Adha, and the importance of obedience to Allah SWT.

•You may also use this time to illustrate the kind treatment of animals (halal sacrifice), the importance of charity, as well as helping them develop a healthy understanding of the processes of life and death.


As-salamu alaykum,

Concerning children being present at the slaughtering of an animal for Eid-Al-Adha, it depends on the child, the family, and the community in which the child is being raised.

Ads by Muslim Ad Network

In many western countries, children who live on farms and tend to the farm animals learn from a very early age on that this is the course of life. You raise animals and when the time comes, they are slaughtered for food.

Children Watch Animal Slaughtering

In Islamic countries children have similar experiences as our Eid celebration is a festivity with which they grew up with and are accustomed to.

While I am not an Islamic scholar, I cannot give you a set age, however from a psychological perspective, I would assess your child’s knowledge of

Eid Al-Adha, experiences with hearing or glimpsing previous sacrifices as well as discussing with them how they may respond emotionally.

Educate them about Eid-Al-Adha

This is also a good time to discuss the history and significance Eid-Al-Adha, and the importance of obedience to Allah SWT.

You may also use this time to illustrate kind treatment of animals (halal sacrifice), the importance of charity, as well as helping them develop a healthy understanding of the processes of life and death.

You may want to talk with the child about it insha’Allah and see how they feel. I would never force any child to watch the sacrifice, but would let the child decide.


Check out this counseling video


The child may want to watch for a few seconds and leave, that is fine. The child may need time to develop cognitive and emotional abilities to watch a sacrifice by taking small steps.

Other children attend the sacrifice as a collective thus making the experience a group process in which a teacher or parents can discuss the event with the children as a whole.

Conclusion

In this way, the children help each other develop a deeper understanding by sharing their feelings and perceived experiences of what is going to happened and after, what did happen.

If a child was previously traumatized by viewing a sacrifice, the child should have an opportunity to discuss what he or she perceived, how they felt, and Islamic support and understanding should be given.

Children should never be forced, but should be taught at age appropriate levels, that this is a natural cycle of life and that sacrificing an animal for Edi Al-Adha is obedience to Allah SWT.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

Read more:

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.