What is Eid al Adha, the Muslim Festival Of Sacrifice?
By
Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
16 June
2024
Eid al
Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice and Qurbani
Main
Points
1. Celebrated
by Muslims worldwide, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage.
2. The
sacrificial act, known as Qurbani or Udhiyya, symbolizes the concept of
sacrificing for God.
3. Qurbani is a
symbol of devotion to divine will, spiritual commitment, and charity.
4. It is a
communal endeavor that reinforces brotherhood and collective responsibility.
5. After the
sacrifice the animal is divided into three equal portions for distribution
among designated recipients.
6. The first
portion is for the immediate family of the individual performing the sacrifice.
7. The second
portion is reserved for relatives and friends.
8. The third
portion is earmarked for individuals in need, underscoring the principle of
generosity and compassion.
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Eid al
Adha, known as the 'festival of sacrifice,' holds profound significance for
Muslims across the globe, coinciding with the conclusion of the Hajj
pilgrimage. It is a time when believers engage in the age-old tradition of
sacrificing an animal to honour the event narrated in the Quran. This
sacrificial act, commonly referred to as Qurbani or Udhiyyain Arabic,
encapsulates a central tenet of Islamic faith — the concept of sacrificing for
the sake of God.
The
symbolism ingrained in this practice is rich and multifaceted, representing an
unwavering devotion to divine will and a deep sense of spiritual commitment.
More than merely a ritual, Qurbani serves as a powerful reminder of the values
of charity and compassion that lie at the heart of Islam. It is a symbol of
solidarity with those less fortunate, as a substantial portion of the meat from
the sacrificed animals is allocated for distribution among the impoverished.
Despite
facing criticism from some quarters, Muslims view Qurbani as an act that
encapsulates their submission to God's commandments and a means to express
gratitude for His blessings. The tradition also underscores the importance of
sharing one's blessings with the community, promoting social cohesion and
support for the marginalized segments of society.
The
practice of Qurbani is not just a religious obligation; it is a communal
endeavor that reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and underscores the
collective responsibility of believers towards one another. Through this act of
sacrifice, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to the teachings of Islam and
demonstrate their willingness to embrace selflessness and generosity.
As Muslims
observe Eid al Adha, they reflect on the essence of sacrifice in its various
dimensions — a test of faith, a gesture of benevolence, and a demonstration of
unity and harmony. The act of Qurbani serves as a profound reminder of the
values that define the Islamic faith and the importance of selflessness and
compassion in building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The
sacrifice of livestock, which includes animals such as sheep and goats, forms
an integral part of the religious observance of Eid al-Adha, a significant
festival in the Islamic faith. This practice is deeply rooted in a profound
story recounted in the Quran, where the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in
other traditions, received a divine command from Allah instructing him to
sacrifice his son, Ismail. This divine directive was a monumental test of
unwavering faith and unquestioning obedience to the divine will. To the
amazement of Ibrahim, the angel Gabriel intervened at the final moment,
substituting Ismail with a ram, thereby sparing the boy's life. Muslims
commemorate this tale of divine intervention and unwavering trust each year
through the observance of Qurbani, a sacrificial ritual that holds great
spiritual significance.
The practice
of Qurbani is regarded as an essential practice in Islam, symbolizing the
utmost devotion and submission to the will of Allah. It is deemed obligatory
for those in the Muslim community who have the financial means to partake in
this act, thereby emphasizing the importance of generosity and spiritual
commitment. The roots of this tradition can be traced back to the teachings and
actions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who initiated this
practice, known as "Sunnah," setting an example for his
followers for generations to come.
Islamic
teachings provide clear guidelines regarding the sacrificial process, ensuring
it is carried out humanely and ethically. These guidelines encompass various
aspects, such as the specific species of animals permissible for sacrifice, the
quality of life the animal should have led before the act, and the method by
which it is to be slaughtered. Furthermore, the act of sacrificing an animal
must adhere strictly to halal regulations, guaranteeing that the process is
conducted with respect and dignity, with minimal suffering inflicted upon the
animal.
While the
practice of Qurbani is considered compulsory by most Islamic scholars, there
are differing opinions among various schools of thought within the faith. For
some, it is a mandatory religious duty, while for others, it is highly
recommended yet not obligatory. Regardless of the interpretation, the act of
Qurbani is universally acknowledged within the Muslim community as a profound
act of faith, embodying deep spiritual significance and blessings for those who
participate.
What is
done with the sacrificed animal after the act of Qurbani, a significant
religious duty for Muslims, involves a process of dividing the animal into
three equal portions for distribution among designated recipients. The first
portion is designated for the immediate family of the individual performing the
sacrifice, symbolizing the importance of sharing and unity within one's closest
ties. The second portion is reserved for relatives and friends, emphasizing the
value of community and social connections in the practice of Qurbani. Finally,
the third portion is earmarked for individuals in need, underscoring the
principle of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate in society.
Importantly,
the division and allocation of the sacrificial animal express key teachings of
Islam, guiding adherents to fulfil their duty not only towards their kin but
also towards the wider Muslim community and those facing challenges. This
practice fosters a sense of responsibility and service, encouraging Muslims to
actively contribute to the welfare of others through tangible acts of charity
and sharing.
Furthermore,
some individuals may choose to donate their entire share of the meat to those
in need, exemplifying selflessness and altruism in their observance of Qurbani.
Such gestures of generosity often extend beyond local communities, with many
opting to support disadvantaged populations in developing countries or regions
suffering from food insecurity, thus embodying the global humanitarian spirit
of the Islamic faith.
In line
with Islamic principles, specific guidelines govern the selection of animals
for sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the animals' health and
well-being. It is imperative that the livestock chosen for Qurbani are in good
physical condition, free from ailments, and possess the strength to bear their
weight, reflecting the reverence and respect accorded to these animals in the
act of sacrifice.
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Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a
regular columnist for New Age Islam
URL:
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