Animal sacrifice and the origins of Islam

Book Description

This groundbreaking scholarly work explores one of Islam's most enduring and significant practices through an innovative interdisciplinary lens. Wheeler examines the deep historical roots and contemporary relevance of animal sacrifice within Islamic tradition, focusing particularly on the massive ritual slaughter that occurs annually during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Drawing from an impressive range of sources, the author weaves together textual analysis of biblical and classical Arabic materials with archaeological evidence and ancient Arabian rock art to reconstruct the origins of these sacred practices. At the heart of his investigation lies the foundational camel sacrifice attributed to Muhammad, which established the template for all subsequent Hajj sacrificial rituals.

What sets this study apart is Wheeler's commitment to understanding sacrifice not merely as a religious obligation, but as a complex cultural phenomenon with deep material and symbolic dimensions. By examining physical evidence alongside spiritual texts, he offers readers a comprehensive view of how ancient practices continue to shape modern religious experience.

For those interested in the intersection of history, archaeology, and religious studies, this work provides valuable insights into how ritual practices preserve and transmit meaning across centuries. Wheeler's approach demonstrates how examining the tangible aspects of spiritual traditions can deepen our understanding of their enduring significance in contemporary religious life.