Allah Nawaz Khan
The purpose of Qurbani is not merely to slaughter animals and eat their meat. Rather, the real objective is to sacrifice one’s ego, personal desires, and love of wealth for the sake of Allah’s pleasure.The Holy Quran mentions the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) saw a dream in which he was slaughtering his son Ismail (AS).The Quran describes this event as follows”My Lord, grant me a righteous son.” So We gave him good news of a forbearing son.Then when he reached the age of running with him, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you. So see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded.You will find me, if Allah wills, of the patient.” So when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, “O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations.(Surah As-Saffat: 100-107)
In the Quran, both Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) are declared successful in the trial.Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) faced the great test of sacrificing his beloved son.It was an extremely difficult trial, yet he succeeded.For Hazrat Ismail (AS) too, it was a test and he was ready to be sacrificed in the way of Allah without any hesitation.What a magnificent event it was a father about to slaughter his son, and both father and son succeeded in this great trial.Allah Almighty accepted their sacrifice and preserved their mention for the coming generations. Every year, Muslims commemorate this great sacrifice. This tradition of Qurbani will continue until the Day of Judgment, and the memory of this father and son will remain forever.
The basic purpose of animal sacrifice is not to eat or distribute meat, but to attain Taqwa (piety) and obey the command of Allah.If someone thinks that Qurbani is only for obtaining meat, then this understanding is completely wrong.Allah has clearly stated,
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Surah Al-Hajj: 37)In the incident of sacrifice, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) is seen submitting to the command of Allah, while Hazrat Ismail (AS) demonstrated selflessness and extraordinary patience.It is a great example of patience that a young boy willingly offered himself to be slaughtered only for the pleasure of Allah.The real lesson of Qurbani is that for the sake of Allah’s pleasure,one should not care about wealth, property, or even one’s own life.Qurbani holds great importance in Islam.The Quran says,
“So pray to your Lord and offer sacrifice.” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 2)While offering Qurbani, one must keep in mind the pleasure of Allah.If it is done for show, it brings no benefit.As a Hadith states,”Allah does not look at your bodies or your faces,but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”(Sahih Muslim)Allah sees with what intention the sacrifice is being offered.Qurbani should be performed with the intention that it is Allah’s command, only then will it bring success.A severe warning has also been given to those who can afford Qurbani but do not offer it. According to a Hadith:”Whoever has the means to offer sacrifice and does not do so, then let him not come near our Eid ground.” (Ibn Majah)
There are fixed days for Qurbani ,they can only be offered on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.Outside these days, one may give charity instead.
Many atheists and non-Muslims criticize Qurbani, calling it a useless ritual that wastes a huge amount of capital and slaughters countless animals without any benefit.They claim this money could be used to support the poor, widows, and orphans, and could even eradicate poverty.These arguments are illogical and can easily be refuted.First of all, Qurbani is not a mere ritual, it is a divine command.Many commandments in Islam are performed solely to gain Allah’s pleasure.Was there no poverty in the time of the Prophet (PBUH)? There was poverty, yet the Prophet (PBUH) himself performed Qurbani and commanded Muslims to do the same.The difference between poverty then and now is significant.Similar objections are raised against Hajj, yet it remains an important pillar of Islam.Although animals are sacrificed, the population of livestock continues to grow.Islam has already commanded Zakat, Sadaqah, and charity for the poor, widows, and orphans.Wealth circulation through the buying and selling of sacrificial animals also keeps the economy active. Millions of people earn their livelihood by raising sacrificial animals.Many families live comfortably only because of this seasonal business.The leather industry generated from these animals is also massive, providing employment to countless people in factories.Poverty cannot be eliminated just by stopping Qurbani. Better planning and proper use of resources can reduce poverty.If Muslims spend money on luxuries, no one objects,but when it comes to Qurbani, many people feel uneasy.Their real motive is not to eradicate poverty but to stop the practice of Qurbani.One clear benefit of Qurbani is that meat reaches those poor people who cannot afford to buy it otherwise.Therefore, Qurbani should be performed.It has no loss, only countless blessings and benefits.
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