Chapter 22 verses
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Hello everyone,
I read this chapter (22) for the first time today and I am not understanding the real meaning behind these verses, could you offer any opinions?
The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good. You shall mention GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation.
Neither their meat, nor their blood reaches GOD. What reaches Him is your righteousness. He has subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation by glorifying GOD for guiding you. Give good news to the charitable.
Is God telling us that animals were soley created to serve as food for us?
The reason I am asking is because I support several anti-animal cruelty programs in my state and elsewhere like www.anticruelty.org and though this verse does not say be cruel to animals or kill them just because you can (nor does it say this anywhere else in the Quran), I am not sure if God is telling here that sacrifies must be made to display righteousness or animals are to be used for food and that's the reason for their creation.
Thanks