Qurbani and Taqwa

27 Thul-Qa’dah 1439/10 August 2018

While the Day of Eid-ul-Adhaa is an exciting day on which many go to farms, relatives’ homes or will have visitors at their own home where the Ibaadat of Qurbani will take place, we should at all times celebrate such excitements and Islamic festivals within the Parameters of the Shari’ah.

When many gather at one place, at many times, the Laws of Deen are easily and openly violated. Hence, it is imperative to obey all the Laws of Deen whether gathered at a place or not.

Some of our Akaabireen would buy animals one year in advance. They would keep it and then do Qurbani the next year.

However, for the Sahabah Radhiyallahu anhum, they would always have animals with them grazing in their farms. Whenever they needed meat, they would simply sacrifice an animal and eat. It was normal. Therefore, when Qurbani became Waajib, they asked Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam, “What is Qurbani?” In other words, what makes it different to a normal sacrifice? Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam responded that it is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim Alaihis salaam. Adam Alaihis salaam also did Qurbani but Ulama explained that the sacrifice of Ibrahim Alaihis salaam was specified due to the magnitude of His submission to Allah Ta’ala. He was willing to sacrifice his own son, that is not a small matter.

This shows us that whilst we should get into the spirit of Qurbani, we must not overlook the purpose of it all. The purpose is to please Allah by sacrificing with Taqwa. Allah himself says that the meat will not reach Him, only the Taqwa in our hearts will. It is this Taqwa that will lead to acceptance. Taqwa means to fear Allah and to follow His commands as a result of it.

Below are six ways that we can ensure our actual Qurbani is done with Taqwa:

1. Protect the gaze: In Qurbani, it is Makrooh for us to allow one animal to see another animal getting slaughtered. Many people are cautious of this, ensuring that the animals are kept separate. Yet we allow our inner ‘animal’ (i.e. Nafs) to see our sister in laws, the neighbour’s daughter and other strange women. If we allow a sheep to see another sheep which is being slaughtered, it is Makrooh, but if we look at another strange woman it is Haraam. The sheep will not get a sin but we will, so be careful in this regard. Protect the gaze at all times especially during this Auspicious Day.

2. Backbiting: This is common on Eid Day. People backbite about the way someone does Qurbani. Remember, we all have our own techniques. It is fine to disagree on a matter, but there is no need to overstep the line and backbite.

3. Boasting and drawing comparisons: People boast about how much they spend on their Qurbani animal, comparing it with others. Your wealth does not reach Allah, so why boast? Furthermore, wealth is merely a gift from Allah and He will give and take as He pleases. So what is there to boast about?

4. Photography and videoing: Stern warnings have been sounded in the Adaahith pertaining to photography (of animated objects). Thus, to be involved in the sin and curse of photography and videoing of animals etc. on Eid Day is undoubtedly lamentable. Allah has allowed for us to take the life of an animal to fulfil our Waajib Qurbani and to earn reward in the process. Why do we turn it into a movie, making videos and sharing it on Facebook, boasting about our knives and slaughtering techniques? Think about it, ask yourself the reason as to why you are recording. It is done to show off and showing off reduces our hard earned rewards.

5. Salaah: Many people miss Salah on Eid day. Some present the excuse that blood fell on their clothing, making it dirty. Thus we were unable to attend Jamaat. However, we know that our clothes will get dirty in the process. Brother, what else were you expecting, a bunch of flowers? Obviously, when you slaughter blood will be all over the place. Therefore, carry a clean set of clothing, change and then attend the Masjid. Do not miss Salaah! That excuse is not valid in the sight of Allah!

6. Anger: Many people fall prey to anger and even become vulgar while carrying out their Qurbani, thus reducing their reward and adding to sin. We should be wary not to fall prey to anger.

May Allah enable us to act with Taqwa and may He accept our sacrifices as a result of it, Aameen.

Remember, Allah Ta’ala announces in His Glorious Kalaam:

“It is not the flesh, nor the blood which reaches Allah, but it is your Taqwa that reaches Him.”