Alaul Hossain
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is a significant religious practice observed by Muslims around the world during the festival of Eid al-Adha. This ritual of sacrifice commemorates the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma’il (Ishmael) to Allah’s command, as well as the provision of Allah in times of need. Qurbani serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, submission, and compassion that lie at the heart of Islam.
The Meaning of Qurbani-
The term “Qurbani” is derived from the Arabic word “Qurban,” which means sacrifice. It involves the slaughter of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, as an act of worship and obedience to Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, symbolizing the spirit of sharing and generosity that characterizes Eid al-Adha.
The Story of Prophet Ibrahim-
The practice of Qurbani traces back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to Allah’s command. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith and devotion. Despite the immense difficulty of the task, Ibrahim and Isma’il submitted willingly to Allah’s will. However, before Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in Isma’il’s place, rewarding Ibrahim for his unwavering faith.
The Significance of Qurbani-
Obedience to Allah: Qurbani symbolizes the willingness of believers to submit to Allah’s command and surrender their desires and possessions for the sake of obedience and devotion.
Gratitude and Remembrance: Qurbani is a way for Muslims to express gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings and provisions, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim’s gratitude for the provision of the ram.
Sharing with Others: The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed among family, friends, and the needy, emphasizing the importance of sharing and generosity in Islam. It ensures that everyone can partake in the joy and blessings of Eid al-Adha, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Compassion and Empathy: Qurbani fosters a sense of compassion and empathy towards those who are less fortunate, reminding Muslims of their duty to care for the vulnerable members of society and alleviate their suffering.
Performing Qurbani-
The ritual of Qurbani is performed following the Eid al-Adha prayers, which take place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The animal to be sacrificed must meet specific criteria of age, health, and quality, and the slaughter must be carried out with care and compassion, following Islamic guidelines.
Qurbani is a deeply symbolic and meaningful ritual in Islam, rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and submission to Allah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, obedience, gratitude, and compassion that are central to the Islamic faith. By performing Qurbani and sharing its blessings with others, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to their faith and their responsibility to care for the needs of their communities. Ultimately, Qurbani is a celebration of faith, unity, and generosity, embodying the spirit of Eid al-Adha and the timeless teachings of Islam.