Jakarta, IDN Times – In a significant development for Hajj pilgrims, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has granted pilgrims the freedom to choose the location for their “dam” animal sacrifice – either in Saudi Arabia or Indonesia. The Ministry, according to Yusuf, is committed to providing opportunities for pilgrims who wish to perform their sacrifice in Indonesia.
“We leave everything to the pilgrims. If pilgrims wish to perform their Dam sacrifice in the homeland, we will certainly provide them with the opportunity,” stated Gus Yusuf, as he is known, at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah office in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
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1. Baznas Can Facilitate Domestic Sacrifices
During the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, elaborated that the National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) could facilitate the “dam” animal sacrifice process within Indonesia. This option caters to pilgrims who, based on their understanding of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), believe the sacrifice can be performed domestically.
“As the Minister just conveyed, if anyone believes, according to the principles of fiqh, that it can be slaughtered domestically, then by all means. This can be facilitated through Baznas or other relevant institutions,” Dahnil affirmed, offering a practical pathway for those choosing the Indonesian option.
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2. Sacrifices in Saudi Arabia via Adahi
For pilgrims opting to perform their “dam” sacrifice in Saudi Arabia, the official channel for this ritual is through Adahi. Adahi is an esteemed institution specifically authorized by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct animal sacrifices, ensuring they adhere to religious guidelines and logistical requirements.
“Now, for those overseas, it is indeed recommended, and it has become our joint decision between the Indonesian and Saudi Hajj Ministries, that the sacrifice must be performed via Adahi, which is an official institution of the Saudi Arabian Government,” Dahnil clarified, emphasizing the established and authorized procedure for sacrifices within the holy land.
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3. MUI Forbids “Dam” Animal Sacrifices in Indonesia
Contrasting with the Ministry’s stance, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa strictly prohibiting the performance of “dam” animal sacrifices in Indonesia. According to MUI’s theological interpretation, the sacrifice for “dam” must exclusively take place within the sacred confines of Tanah Haram (Haram territory).
This critical directive is articulated in MUI Fatwa Number 41 of 2011, which specifically addresses the “dam” sacrifice for Hajj Tamattu’ performed outside the Tanah Haram. While the fatwa itself was established in 2011, it was notably highlighted in Jakarta on October 24, 2025, reinforcing its continued relevance.
“The slaughter of dam animals for Hajj Tamattu’ or Qiran must be performed in the Haram territory. If performed outside the Haram territory, it is invalid,” states the legal provision in the second point of the fatwa, as cited from the official MUI website on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. This creates a significant divergence in opinion regarding the permissible location for this crucial Hajj ritual.
Summary
Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, has granted Hajj pilgrims the freedom to choose the location for their “dam” animal sacrifice, allowing it to be performed either in Saudi Arabia or Indonesia. The Ministry is committed to providing opportunities for domestic sacrifices, with institutions like Baznas able to facilitate the process for those opting for Indonesia. For sacrifices performed in Saudi Arabia, pilgrims are instructed to use Adahi, an official institution authorized by the Saudi Arabian government.
In contrast, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued a fatwa strictly prohibiting the performance of “dam” animal sacrifices in Indonesia. According to MUI Fatwa Number 41 of 2011, reinforced in October 2025, the sacrifice must exclusively take place within the sacred Tanah Haram territory. MUI emphasizes that performing the sacrifice outside this designated area renders it invalid, creating a notable difference in opinion regarding this crucial Hajj ritual.