Qurbani (Ritual Sacrifice) is Necessary
Qurbani (Ritual Sacrifice) is Necessary
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Eid Ul Adha is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. Eid Al Adha has its roots in the story of Prophet Ibrahim عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and his son Isma'il عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام, as recounted in the Quran. The meaning of Eid ul Adhaa can be many as it covers a range of Islamic concepts. But primarily it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah Almighty.
This story symbolizes obedience, submission, and the importance of faith in Islam.
Qurbani (sacrifice) is an ancient worship which has been in practice in all the Ummahs since forever as it is mentioned in Glorious Quran:
“And for every nation We have appointed a sacrifice; that they should mention the name of Allah over the mute animals which He has provided them.” (Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 34)
If we study history in depth, it is revealed that all the Divine religions speak about Qurbani; furthermore, with the exception of a few, it is also mentioned in almost all the non-Divine religions. In addition to the commandment of Qurbani given to each Ummah, the Glorious Quran has also mentioned Qurbani while describing details of the different Ummahs.
Later, after the arrival of Islam, the command of Qurbani (sacrifice) was also given to Muslims by Allah Almighty and His Beloved Messenger Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
There’s a lot of difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Adha is the end of Hajj whereas Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and fasting. So, below is a brief history of Eid ul Adha and why Muslims celebrate this festival.
In the blessed month of Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam, the beloved Khaleel (friend) of Allah, Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام, with his beloved son Sayyiduna Isma’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام set a unique example of patience, contentment and gratitude for us.
On the eighth night of Zul-Hijjah, Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام dreamt that someone said, ‘Indeed Allah Almighty has ordered you to sacrifice your son.’ On the ninth night of Zul-Hijjah, he عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام had the same dream.
After he عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام had the same dream once again on the tenth night of Zul-Hijjah, he عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام made a firm intention to act upon the dream and to sacrifice his son. (Tafseer Kabeer, vol. 9, pp. 346)
Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام had also related the whole story to his beloved son Sayyiduna Isma’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and asked, ‘Now you tell me what is your opinion about this?’
Upon listening to this blessed dream, Sayyiduna Isma’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام, who himself was very submissive to the will of Allah, answered with great submission which the Glorious Quran states in following words: Translation from Kanz-ul-Iman: He said, ‘O my father! Do what you are commanded to do; Allah willing, it is soon that you will find me patient.’ (Part 23, Surah As-Saffaat, Ayah 102)
However, with His mercy, Allah saved the life of Hazrat Sayyiduna Isma’eel عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and his father Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام passed this divine test of faith.
The above story of the Prophet Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and his son is the story of eid ul adha. It marks the height of faith as both were willing to sacrifice what they loved just to please Allah. This is the day that Muslims commemorate and that’s why we celebrate Eid ul Adha.
Representing the spirit of sacrifice and devotion to Allah, significance of Eid ul Adha is obvious. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to Allah's will. Unlike Eid Ul Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, Eid Ul Adha is centered around the concept of sacrifice and charity.
The Qurbani on Eid ul Adha reflects Prophet Ibrahim's عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام willingness to sacrifice his son Isma'il عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and giving.
Qurbani carries much wisdom. Firstly, the basic meaning of Islam is to have a complete submission to the Divine command which the Qurbani actually demands. Secondly it involves eating and feeding the destitute and this wisdom is mentioned in Glorious Quran. Below is an important Quranic verse on Eid ul Adha:
“So eat from it yourself and feed the one who patiently awaits and the beggar.” (Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 36)
Let’s learn more about eid ul adha. Moving on, some people comment in this way that the act of Qurbani kills the animal and wastes money. This amount should be spent for any national cause or be given to the poor. Here is an answer:
First thing is that Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ knows this benefit and loss better than us rather He عَزَّوَجَلَّ has commanded us to do so, therefore, the blessed commandment of ‘عالم الغیب والشھادۃ’is most honourable to us. Second thing is that distributing meat of sacrificial animal amongst the poor has been declared a Mustahab act by Shari’ah. So, through this noble act, not only is the very basic need of the poor met but the Divine command is also acted upon.
Third thing is that Wajib Qurbani should be performed according to Shari’ah whereas people can distribute amount of money in place of Nafli Qurbani if they want. However, it is better to perform Nafli Qurbani in the days of Eid ul Adha than to give charity. No one has ever given any statement or remark such as ‘no poor person should be given even a rupee other than Wajib Qurbani’.
When is Eid ul Adha? The festival is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Leading up to Eid Ul Adha, Muslims engage in various rituals, including Eid ul Adha prayer and Qurbani. They prepare for the sacrificial ritual by purchasing an animal such as a sheep, goat, or cow. Common customs and traditions include thorough cleaning of homes, wearing new clothes, and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, is a central aspect of Eid Ul Adha for those Muslims who are physically and financially capable. It is a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
The renowned commentator of the Holy Quran and Hadith, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan has said, “The rich intending to perform the Wājib Qurbānī or the poor intending to perform Nafl Qurbānī should neither cut their nails, hair and dead skin nor get them cut (by anyone), in order to bear a little resemblance to Hujjaj because Hujjaj cannot get their hair cut in the state of Ihram so that the Qurbani may become a Fidyah (for freedom from Hell) for every hair and nail. This commandment is Mustahab not Wajib. (Page 4, Piebald Horse Rider)
From the Fajr of 10th Zul Hijjah till the sunset of 12th Zul Hijjah, if there is a Muslim who is sane, Baaligh, a resident and who possesses the Nisaab, and the Nisaab is besides any debts or essentials, then Qurbani will be Wajib in this case.
Qurbani is not Wajib upon the Shar’i traveller.
It is permissible to perform Qurbani on all three days of Eid ul Adha, however, it is more superior on the first day. Butchers generally charge more on the first day, which is why some people leave the superior action for the sake of a little money and perform Qurbani on the second or third day of Eid. Like this, just to save a bit of money, despite purchasing an expensive animal, they deprive themselves of the virtue of performing Qurbani on the first day. Even though the butcher taking more money on the first day is harder on the Nafs, but we should make our mindset in the following way: The more difficult a righteous action is upon the Nafs, the greater its reward will be too. (Safar ki Ihtiyatayn, p. 24)
- Can a sacrificial animal be washed?
Yes, it is permissible to wash the sacrificial animal if there is a need.
Eid ul adha background is historic and this festival of Eid al Adha has high value in Islam. Therefore, Muslims celebrate it with great veneration. On the day of Eid ul Adha Muslim festival, Muslims gather for special Eid ul Adha prayer at masjid or in designated outdoor spaces. These prayers are followed by a sermon delivered by the Imam.
The sacrificial tradition involves the slaughter of an animal, with a portion of the meat distributed to the needy and impoverished. This act symbolizes Muslims' willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah, the Almighty.
Furthermore, after prayers and the sacrificial ritual, families and communities come together to celebrate with feasting, socializing, and exchanging greetings and gifts.
So, to sum up eid ul adha history and everything else said in this article, the blessed month of Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam is a showering of blessings and with the advent of this blessed month, Sunnat-e-Ibraheemi (Sunnah of Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام) memories come rushing into our mind.
Every year millions of Muslims look committed to carry out the commandments of Allah ‑ by performing the Sunnah of Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام and the Beloved Rasool ﷺ in this blessed month. Every Muslim who is owner of Nisab should perform Sunnah of Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـسَّـلَام with the intention of pleasing Allah by his lawful earnings in this month because it is a great privilege.
Also, is there a verse in Quran on Eid ul Adha? Yes. Allah says in Glorious Quran: Translation from Kanz-ul-Iman: So you should offer Salah for your Lord, and sacrifice. (Part 30, Surah Al-Kawthar, Ayah 2)
So, those Muslims who are Malik-e-Nisab, sacrifice is mandatory upon them and they should not incur the wrath and displeasure of Allah by evading and making different excuses. Below is an Eid ul Adha Hadith of the Beloved Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, that relates to Qurbani and mandatory sacrifice.
The Noble Rasool ﷺ said, “The one, who can afford to perform the Qurbani but does not perform it, should not come near our Eid-Gah [i.e., an open area for Eid Salah].” (Sunan Ibn Majah, vol. 3, pp. 529, Hadith 31)
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