قربانی کی ابتدا: ایک رسم جو وقت سے ماورا ہے

Udhiyah, also known as Qurbani, refers to the sacrifice of animals made by non-pilgrims during the days of Eid ul-Adha. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world take part in the ritual of Qurbani by slaughtering an animal - typically goats, sheep and cattle. This ritual has transcended time, and along with it the Qurbani story; it is a symbolic act which reflects the Prophet Ibrahim's (عليه السلام) devotion and submission to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). "

"And we ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice." (37:107)

The story of Qurbani is one we know well; it is the story of how Ibrahim (عليه السلام) showed unwavering dedication to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), with a willingness to sacrifice his only son Ismail (عليه السلام). Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) was rewarded, and today we reflect on this act by slaughtering an animal during Dhul Hijjah and distributing the sacrificed meat amongst the poor and destitute of the world.

As we reflect on this story, we should reflect on how to better devote ourselves to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), while we nourish our hearts and the less fortunate. As the time of the Hajj draws closer, let’s have a look at the story of Qurbani, so that we can start the season off with a full heart and clear intentions.

The Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام)

The Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) experienced a reoccurring dream, this dream showed him slaughtering his son Ismail (عليه السلام) for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). At first, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) did not dwell on his dreams, not trusting them to be the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).

Ibrahim (عليه السلام) told his son of the dream, and being a righteous and pious boy Ismail (عليه السلام) knew in his heart immediately that this truly was the word of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and told his father to follow Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) wishes.

“Oh my father,” Ismail (عليه السلام) told Ibrahim (عليه السلام), “Do that which you have been commanded, Insha’Allah you shall find me among the patient ones.”(37:102)

Ibrahim (عليه السلام) gained the strength he needed from his son’s display obedience and faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى), and was able to act on the divine command handed down to him.

Once on Mount Arafat, the Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) blindfolded himself, so he would not have to witness the slaughter of his son, and swung true in faith. When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) removed his blindfold, he saw that by the divine grace of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) Ismail (عليه السلام) was safe beside him, and a ram lay in the place of his son!

We should all aim to follow in Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) footsteps, and show our unyielding devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) in the best ways we can. This Hajj, we too shall show our devotion by giving Qurbani to those in need.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (عليه السلام). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى).” (Trimidhi)

Just as the Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was rewarded for his devotion, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) will generously reward any Muslim who completes their Qurbani obligations with full hearts.

The moral of the Qurbani story

Despite the pain and bereavement it would have caused, Ibrahim (عليه السلام) acted on Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) command and was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail (عليه السلام) out of piety and obedience. Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) divine intervention saved Ismail’s life, and in doing so revealed to Ibrahim what he truly wanted from this act of devotion.

It was never Allah’s (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) desire for Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to sacrifice his son, but instead to slaughter his earthly attachments.

"It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah, it is your piety that reaches Him.” (22:37)

The story of Qurbani reminds us all that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) is aware of all our true intentions, and that when we are obedient and sincere in our beliefs, he rewards us in great measure.

Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha

Qurbani may take place across any of the days of Eid ul-Adha however individuals are encouraged to give their Qurbani donations as early as possible. The timeframe for the sacrifice is between after Eid prayers, this year the 20th July, and the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to hasten to offer sacrifice after Eid prayer, and the first thing he would eat would be the meat from his sacrifice.

From the meat that is acquired from Qurbani, a minimum of one third must go to people who are poor or in a dire situation. Any Muslim who has reached the age of puberty has a mandatory obligation to give Qurbani so long he or she can afford it. Due to the difference in sizes and type of animals, the number of people that can give Qurbani per animal will vary. For example, one small animal, such as a sheep or goat, is equal to one Qurbani while a larger animal, such as cattle or a camel, is equal to seven Qurbani.

As we move into Dhul Hijjah, we should keep the Qurbani story in our minds and hearts, for in remembering the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), we can offer our Qurbani with the best of intentions and gain inspiration for our own devotion while we sacrifice our Qurbani.