This post is about the Significance of Qurbani in Islam, a short article for reflecting on the Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. We will also cover a few basics that we generally overlook, and clear a few misunderstandings.
Introduction
In Islam, the act of Qurbani holds immense significance, as it symbolizes the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) towards Allah. This act of sacrifice, performed annually during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, serves as a reminder of the profound lessons embedded within the historical account of Prophet Abraham. Let us delve deeper into the importance of Qurbani and its connection to the timeless story of Prophet Abraham.
The Historical Account
The narrative of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (Ismael), under the divine command of Allah, is a testament to the utmost submission to the will of God. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, tested the faith and devotion of Prophet Abraham, who displayed unwavering trust and prepared to offer his son as a sacrifice. However, as a demonstration of His mercy and acceptance of Prophet Abraham’s unwavering commitment, Allah replaced Prophet Ismail with a ram for sacrifice.
Lessons and Teachings
The story of Prophet Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son teaches us profound lessons and embodies the essence of Qurbani in Islam. It exemplifies:
Obedience and Submission
Prophet Abraham’s unwavering obedience to Allah’s command exemplifies the essence of complete submission. It serves as a reminder for Muslims to trust in Allah’s plan and submit to His will, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
Faith and Trust
Prophet Abraham’s unshakable faith and trust in Allah’s wisdom serve as a model for believers. It teaches us that true faith lies in relying on Allah’s guidance and having trust in His divine decree.
Sacrifice for the Sake of Allah
Qurbani symbolizes sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah. It encourages Muslims to give up something valuable to them, reflecting their willingness to prioritize obedience to Allah’s commands over worldly desires.
The Significance of Qurbani
Qurbani, as an act of worship, holds several important implications for Muslims:
Demonstrating Devotion
By offering Qurbani, Muslims express their devotion and love for Allah. It is a way to demonstrate gratitude for His countless blessings and a means to draw closer to Him.
Unity and Brotherhood
Qurbani fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among the Muslim community. Muslims from diverse backgrounds come together to fulfill this sacred obligation, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility and caring for one another.
Compassion and Generosity
Qurbani emphasizes the virtue of compassion and generosity. The meat from the sacrificed animal is shared with the less fortunate, spreading joy and alleviating the suffering of those in need.
With that introduction, let’s move on to the act itself.
Performing Qurbani in Contemporary Times: A Guide to the Righteous Act
Qurbani, the act of sacrificing an animal during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha, holds great significance in Islam. As we carry forward the tradition of Prophet Abraham, it is essential to understand the proper way to perform Qurbani in contemporary times. Here are three key aspects to consider:
Preconditions for Qurbani
- Choose a healthy and eligible animal: Select an animal that meets the criteria specified in Islamic teachings. It should be in good health, free from defects, and of the appropriate age.
- Perform the sacrifice with sincerity and reverence: Before sacrificing, make the intention for Qurbani solely for the sake of pleasing Allah and seeking His blessings.
- Follow proper Islamic guidelines: Adhere to the correct method of slaughtering the animal, ensuring it is done swiftly and with the utmost care to minimize suffering. Seek knowledge or consult a knowledgeable individual if you are unsure about the proper procedure.
The Right Way to Sacrifice the Animal
In Islam, the correct method of slaughtering an animal for Qurbani is known as “Zabiha” or “Halal slaughter.” This method involves following specific guidelines to ensure the animal’s welfare and the permissibility of its meat for consumption. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process:
Intention
Begin by making a sincere intention (niyyah) for Qurbani, intending to fulfill the obligation and seeking the pleasure of Allah. If one’s intention is to gather meat for the rest of the year, that Qurbani is not acceptable to Allah. If such a person takes part in a big animal (cow, camel), the remaining participants in that animal’s qurbani would also not be accepted.
Animal Selection
Choose an eligible animal that meets the criteria specified in Islamic teachings. The animal should be of the appropriate age, in good health, free from defects or illnesses, and conforming to the requirements of the specific Qurbani offering.
Preparation
Ensure the animal is well-fed, hydrated, and treated with kindness and care before the slaughter. It is essential to respect and uphold the principles of animal welfare.
Positioning
Place the animal on its left side, facing the qibla (the direction of the Kaaba).
Utterance of the Name of Allah
Begin the slaughter by uttering the name of Allah, such as “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
Swift and Continuous Cut
Using a sharp knife, make a swift and continuous incision across the throat, cutting through the trachea (windpipe), esophagus (food pipe), jugular veins, and carotid arteries. This cut should sever the four main veins and ensure a swift and efficient slaughter, minimizing pain and suffering for the animal.
Draining of Blood
Allow the blood to completely drain from the animal’s body. This step is essential as it is considered a fundamental requirement in Islamic slaughter to remove as much blood as possible from the animal.
Respect and Dignity
Handle the animal’s body with respect and dignity throughout the process, adhering to the principles of compassion and mercy.
It is important to note that the details provided here offer a general overview of the correct method of Halal slaughter. It is recommended to seek guidance from qualified scholars, Islamic organizations, or experienced individuals who can provide specific instructions according to your region’s practices and interpretations of Islamic teachings.
By following these guidelines, Muslims ensure that the process of Qurbani adheres to the principles of Islam, respects animal welfare, and allows the consumption of halal meat as a means of fulfilling this religious obligation.
Distribute at Least One-Third (if not more) to the Needy
One of the primary purposes of Qurbani is to share the blessings with those in need. It is recommended to distribute a significant portion, preferably one-third or more, of the meat to the less fortunate. This act of generosity not only fulfills a religious obligation but also promotes compassion, empathy, and solidarity within the community. Seek out reliable charitable organizations or local communities to ensure your Qurbani reaches those who are truly deserving.
Enjoy the Qurbani Meat as a Feast from Allah
Partaking in the Qurbani meat is not only permissible but highly encouraged. It is a time to rejoice and express gratitude for Allah’s blessings. Prepare and share the meat with family, friends, and neighbors, strengthening the bonds of kinship and fostering a sense of unity and joy within the community. Remember to express thanks to Allah for the provisions He has bestowed upon you.
Recent Misunderstanding
Of late, many liberal muslims have come up with the idea that doing charity is better than doing qurbani. Is it? Simple answer is: no. Qurbani is an obligation on all ahl-e-nisaab muslims . It can’t be replaced by nafl sadqa of helping someone.
The question of whether charity is better than Qurbani in Islam requires a nuanced understanding of the religious teachings and the context in which these practices are prescribed. While both charity (Sadqa) and Qurbani have their own merits, it is important to recognize that they serve different purposes and hold distinct religious significance.
Charity, or Sadqa, is a virtuous act encouraged in Islam throughout the year. It involves giving voluntarily to those in need, and it holds immense rewards and blessings. The act of charity demonstrates compassion, empathy, and generosity towards others. It helps alleviate the suffering of the less fortunate and fosters a sense of community and social responsibility.
On the other hand, Qurbani is a specific act of worship prescribed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, specifically on the days of Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael), as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. Qurbani is considered an essential ritual for those who meet the financial requirements and is obligatory for eligible Muslims.
Qurbani holds great significance in Islam as it symbolizes submission to Allah’s commands, gratitude for His blessings, and a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith. It allows Muslims to engage in an act of worship that connects them to the sacred traditions of their forefathers.
It is crucial to understand that Qurbani is not merely about the act of sacrificing an animal. It is about the devotion, sincerity, and intention with which it is performed. Qurbani is a means of purifying one’s wealth and demonstrating one’s commitment to Allah. It is an act of worship that has been prescribed by Allah and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
While both charity and Qurbani hold value in Islam, they serve different purposes and cannot be directly compared or replaced by one another. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity throughout the year, as it is a virtuous and commendable deed. However, Qurbani remains an essential religious obligation for eligible Muslims who are capable of fulfilling it.
It is essential to respect diverse interpretations and opinions within the Muslim community. While some individuals may prioritize charity over Qurbani (that should be a rarity and an exception), it is important to recognize that Qurbani holds a specific religious significance and cannot be replaced by a voluntary act of charity. Ultimately, the decision to perform Qurbani or engage in other forms of charitable acts should be based on sincere intentions, personal circumstances, and adherence to religious teachings.
Conclusion
Qurbani, deeply rooted in the history of Prophet Abraham, serves as a timeless reminder of the core values and principles of Islam. It teaches Muslims the virtues of obedience, trust, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah. By embracing the spirit of Qurbani, we can foster a greater sense of devotion, unity, and compassion within our communities. May the act of Qurbani inspire us to emulate the faith and devotion of Prophet Abraham, and may it bring us closer to Allah and His infinite mercy.
Performing Qurbani in contemporary times requires adhering to the proper guidelines while maintaining the essence of the act. By sacrificing in the proper way, we can uphold the true spirit of this blessed tradition
- sacrificing an eligible animal with sincerity
- distributing a significant portion to the less fortunate
- and enjoying the Qurbani meat as a feast from Allah.
Let us embrace the teachings of Islam, seek the pleasure of Allah, and spread compassion and generosity during the auspicious occasion of Qurbani. May Allah accept all our Qurbani this year and the years to come.
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Remember me in your prayers.
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I have been meaning to post about these things for ages, and now I have finally made time.
Shabana Mukhtar