In the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world prepare for one of the most significant acts of worship: Qurbani. Rooted in the timeless story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), Qurbani is not merely a ritual but a profound expression of faith, obedience, and compassion. The Quran beautifully encapsulates its essence in Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 34:
“For every community We appointed a rite of sacrifice so that they may pronounce the Name of Allah over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. For your God is only One God, so submit yourselves to Him ˹alone˺. And give good news ˹O Prophet˺ to the humble”
(Quran 22:34)
Understanding the Verse: A Universal Act of Worship
The verse begins by stating that Allah has prescribed a “mansak” (rite or place of sacrifice) for every nation. Imam Qurtubi explains that “mansak” refers to the act of sacrifice itself, a practice common to many faiths throughout history, showing the universality of offering gratitude through sacrifice.
For Muslims, Qurbani is a specific form of this universal tradition. It is an opportunity to remember Allah’s blessings and acknowledge His role as the ultimate Provider. Ibn Ashur elaborates that the purpose of sacrifice is not the mere act of slaughtering an animal but the remembrance of Allah’s name during this act. By dedicating the sacrifice solely to Him, we affirm His Oneness and reject any form of idolatry or division in worship.
The verse concludes with glad tidings for the “mukhbitin”—those who are humble and submissive before Allah. Humility is at the heart of Qurbani, reminding us to approach this act with sincerity and devotion rather than pride or showmanship.
Qurbani: A Modern-Day Expression of Sacrifice
Today, Qurbani continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering submission to Allah. When he was commanded to sacrifice his son, he showed unparalleled trust in Allah’s plan. At the last moment, Allah تبارك وتعالى replaced Ibrahim’s son with a ram, sparing his life and rewarding their faith. This story teaches us the importance of letting go of what we hold dear for the sake of Allah تبارك وتعالى.
Performing Qurbani allows us to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s example. Whether it’s a small animal or a large animal, each sacrifice reflects our willingness to prioritize Allah تبارك وتعالى above worldly attachments. Moreover, the distribution of meat ensures that the spirit of generosity extends beyond individual households, reaching families in need across the globe.
Through organisations like As-Salaam Humanitarian Foundation, your Qurbani can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. From Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Jordan to families displaced by conflict in Yemen and Rohingya camps, your contribution provides nourishment and hope during challenging times.
The Importance of Sincerity and Submission
The verse emphasises the Oneness of Allah تبارك وتعالى (“your god is one God”) and calls upon believers to submit fully to Him. This submission is central to the act of Qurbani. As Ibn Ashur explains, the unity of Allah necessitates the unity of worship; there should be no division or association of partners with Him. By dedicating our sacrifices solely to Allah, we affirm our commitment to Tawhid (Oneness).
Additionally, the verse reminds us to perform Qurbani with humility. The “mukhbitin” are described as those who are submissive and content with Allah’s decree. They do not seek recognition or reward from others but focus solely on pleasing Allah تبارك وتعالى. This mindset transforms Qurbani from a mere ritual into a deeply spiritual experience.
How As-Salaam Foundation Upholds the Spirit of Qurbani
At As-Salaam Humanitarian Foundation, we understand the sacredness of Qurbani and strive to uphold its principles with integrity and care. Here’s how we ensure your donation makes the greatest impact:
- Quality Sourcing: We work closely with farmers to select healthy animals suitable for Qurbani, adhering to Islamic guidelines regarding age restrictions and defects.
- Timely Execution: Our teams on the ground ensure that sacrifices are performed within the designated days of Eid and that fresh meat is distributed promptly to needy families.
- Global Reach: Your Qurbani supports families in impoverished regions, including refugee camps in Jordan, conflict-affected areas in Syria and Yemen, and communities recovering from disasters worldwide.
- Transparency: Upon placing your order, you will receive a receipt confirming your donation. Any surplus funds are used for other charitable purposes, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
By entrusting us with your Qurbani, you become part of a global effort to alleviate hunger and suffering while fulfilling a vital pillar of Islam.
A Call to Action: Share the Blessings of Qurbani
This Eid al-Adha, let us embrace the spirit of Qurbani with sincerity and humility. Remember that the true essence of sacrifice lies not in the physical act but in the intention behind it. As you prepare to fulfill this obligation, consider partnering with As-Salaam Humanitarian Foundation to ensure your Qurbani reaches those who need it most.
Here’s how you can place your order:
- Visit our secure payment page to select your preferred Qurbani package.
- Provide the required details, including the name of the donor. If multiple donors share a large animal, only one person’s contact information is needed.
- Rest assured knowing that our dedicated teams will handle everything, from purchasing and sacrificing the animal to distributing the meat to deserving families.
Together, let’s spread the blessings of Eid and honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim by submitting ourselves humbly to Allah.
For more information or to donate your Qurbani, visit As-Salaam Humanitarian Foundation’s Qurbani page. Let’s come together to make this Eid al-Adha a source of joy and sustenance for families around the world.
