بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ، هَذِهِ عَقِيقَتِي (أَوْ كَذَا وَكَذَا)، فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is from You and belongs to You. This is my sacrifice (or mention the animal, etc.). So, accept it from me.
Bismillahi, wallahu akbar. Allahumma hadha minka wa laka, hadhihi 'aqiqati (aw kadha wa kadha), fataqabbal minni.
When to Read
This dua is recited when performing the ritual sacrifice, typically after the animal has been properly slaughtered. For those performing Hajj, it's particularly relevant during the days of Eid al-Adha when the Hajj sacrifice (al-Hadyi or al-Udhiyah) is made. The phrase 'hadhihi 'aqiqati' can be replaced with a description of the animal being sacrificed, like 'hadha hadi' (this is my sacrifice for Hajj) or 'hadhihi udhiyati' (this is my Udhiyah).
How to Read
It is recommended to face the Qiblah while making the intention and reciting the dua. The emphasis is on sincerity and humility. Utter the words clearly, with the understanding that the sacrifice is an act of obedience and devotion to Allah. It's also sunnah to eat some of the meat of the sacrifice and to distribute the rest to the poor and needy, as well as friends and family.
Virtues & Benefits
This dua embodies the core spirit of sacrifice: acknowledging that all blessings come from Allah and dedicating the act to Him alone. By reciting 'Bismillahi, wallahu akbar,' we invoke Allah's name and acknowledge His greatness over the act. The plea 'fataqabbal minni' (so, accept it from me) is a sincere expression of hope for divine acceptance, turning a physical act into a spiritual connection. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught this specific phrasing, highlighting its importance in seeking acceptance for our acts of worship.
Source & Authentication
It was narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the body parts deny him the opportunity to disobey Allah. They say: 'Fear Allah regarding us, for we are with you.' (He means: We are dependent on you). If you are upright, we will be upright. If you are crooked, we will be crooked.) It was narrated from Anas that the Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two white rams with black markings, and he slaughtered them with his own hand, and he said: 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar, and this is on behalf of Muhammad and his family.' (Sunan Ibn Majah 3121). The wording in Sahih Muslim 1966 is: 'Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. Allahumma hadha minka wa laka, hadhihi 'aqiqati, fataqabbal minni' - 'In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is from You and for You. This is my sacrifice, so accept it from me.'