The Prophet performed his sacrifice in Mina, but he also said: 'All of Mina is a place of sacrifice, and all the alleys of Makkah are a place of passage and sacrifice.' This indicates that the sacrifice may be performed anywhere in the Haram area (Mina, Makkah, and the surrounding sacred precinct). Modern slaughterhouses in Makkah that process Hajj sacrifices are valid according to scholars including Ibn Baz.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed his sacrifice in Mina, establishing it as the primary and preferred location. However, he also stated: 'I have sacrificed here, but all of Mina is a place of sacrifice,' and in another narration: 'All the alleys of Makkah are a place of passage and sacrifice.' This indicates that the sacrifice may be validly performed anywhere within the boundaries of the Haram (sacred precinct), which includes Mina, Makkah, and the surrounding areas within the Haram boundary.
Sheikh Ibn Baz ruled that the sacrifice is valid when performed in Mina, in Makkah, or in the designated modern slaughterhouses operated within the Haram boundaries. He noted that the Saudi government has established organized slaughterhouse facilities to ensure proper Islamic slaughter, hygiene, and distribution of meat to the needy worldwide. Using these facilities is permissible and fulfills the obligation.
Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen confirmed that while Mina is the Sunnah location, the obligation is fulfilled by sacrificing anywhere within the Haram boundaries. He cautioned that sacrificing outside the Haram boundaries entirely (such as in Jeddah or one's home country) would not fulfill the Hajj sacrifice obligation, as the Hajj hady must be in the Haram. The Permanent Committee similarly ruled that modern organized sacrifice programs, including those where the pilgrim pays and the organization performs the sacrifice on their behalf in the Haram, are valid.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have sacrificed here, but all of Mina is a place of sacrifice. So sacrifice in your lodgings.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have sacrificed here, but all of Mina is a place of sacrifice. So sacrifice in your lodgings.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'All the alleys and paths of Makkah are a place of passage and sacrifice.'
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'All the alleys and paths of Makkah are a place of passage and sacrifice.'
Scholars from different schools of Islamic jurisprudence offer varying perspectives on this matter.
The sacrifice may be performed anywhere in the Haram area. Mina is preferred but not exclusively required. Modern slaughterhouses in Makkah are valid.
Al-Hidayah: the sacrifice is valid throughout the Haram, based on the Prophet's statement about Makkah's alleys.
The Maliki school prefers Mina for the sacrifice but permits it anywhere in the Haram. Mina is the Sunnah location.
Al-Mudawwanah: Imam Malik preferred Mina but acknowledged the validity of sacrifice throughout the Haram.
The sacrifice is valid anywhere in the Haram boundaries. Mina is preferred. The Shafi'i school does not restrict the location to Mina alone.
Al-Majmu' by al-Nawawi: 'The sacrifice may be in Mina or anywhere in the Haram.'
The Hanbali school permits the sacrifice anywhere in the Haram. Mina is the Sunnah location. Modern slaughterhouses within the Haram are valid.
Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah: the sacrifice is valid throughout the Haram boundaries.
This is a scholarly summary, not a personal fatwa. Consult your scholar for personal rulings.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'I have sacrificed here, but all of Mina is a place of sacrifice. So sacrifice in your lodgings.'
Sahih Muslim #1218 (sahih)The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'All the alleys and paths of Makkah are a place of passage and sacrifice.'
Sunan Abu Dawud #1937 (sahih)