The Transformation of Sacrifice from Human Being to Animal: An Important Process of Rationalization

Sacrifice is amongst those ancient rituals and rites the primary origins of which should be explored in mythical and magical systems. Despite its popularity and prevalence in most nations and cultures, sacrifice has not been the same and has undergone many changes. One of the most important changes is the replacement of human as the subject of sacrifice by animals. A human sacrifice has not been common in all cultures. According to Torah and some historical sources, human sacrifice has been practiced by the Jewish and other branches of Semitism. Some scholars suggest that this tendency of Jewish people toward human sacrifice returns back to post-Egyptian era and after accommodating in Canaan (Palestine) under the influence of Canaanites. Although the primary religion of Moses was free from this inhuman action which is somehow considered as an innovation and distortion in the religion, it can be demonstrated that a human sacrifice was deeply rooted among the Sami people. Therefore, its origin should be explored to the time of Abraham who, by God's order, attempted to sacrifice his son Ismail. After gloriously passing the Divine test, Abraham stops the deed and sacrifices a ram instead by the God's command. According to Max Weber, the replacement of human sacrifice by an animal one can be considered as a milestone in the rationalization process in the history of Abrahamic religions