Allah (SWT) gave clear instructions about the fulfillment of Qurbani in Surah Al-Kawthar:

فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَر

“Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only).” (Al-Kawthar: 2)

Qurbani as it is usually referred to is a very important religious undertaking in which Muslims sacrifice an animal after Eid-ul-Adha prayers to fulfill the Sunnah of Abraham (A.S). It is a joyous occasion that brings happiness along with a few pearls of wisdom. In today’s post we will outline a few things that Qurbani teaches us.

Just like performing Salah benefits Muslims, Qurbani holds great benefits for those who sacrifice on the day of Eid-ul-Adha on the tenth, or the two days that follow Dhul-Hijjah. When Allah (SWT) tested his beloved prophet Ibrahim (A.S), asking him to sacrifice his only beloved child Ismail (A.S), Allah (SWT) only had beneficial plans for prophet Ibrahim (A.S) as well as the whole of humanity.

Looking After the Neighbor and the Needy

Once the animal has been sacrificed, the meat is divided into three parts; one for the family, one for the neighbor and one for the poor. Qurbani teaches us the importance of looking after our neighbors as they too have rights. As Muslims it is our responsibility to make sure they are in good health and spirits. On the same note, people who are poor, homeless or financially unable to support themselves or their families also deserve a share of the Qurbani meat. It is just one way of looking out for our Muslim brothers and sisters in need.

Obedience and Unconditional Love

The Qurbani ritual is essentially a re-enactment of the famous incident involving Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) and his son Ismail (A.S). Allah SWT had commanded Ibrahim (A.S) to sacrifice his son to please Him. Ibrahim (A.S) didn’t flinch and did as he was told. Allah (SWT) instantly replaced his son with a lamb leaving Ismail (A.S) completely unharmed. It was an amazing display of obedience and unconditional love; obedience to Allah (SWT) and unconditional love to follow His every command without flinching. Every year, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims honor that sense of commitment by performing Qurbani.