QURBANI

Qurbani or sacrificing animals on the occasion of Eidul Adhaa is obligatory on those on whom Sadqah Fitr is compulsory.

Qurbaani is an Ibaadat of such tremendous significance that even if it is not obligatory, one should endeavour to render it. There is great thawaab in even making Qurbaani on behalf of one's naa-baaligh (under-age) children. Qurbaani made on behalf of the dead is also very beneficial in that the thawaab reaches the dead. Some Qur'aanic aayaat and ahadith will now be narrated in regard to this important sacrifice.

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'aan Shareef:

"Sacrificing (animals) has been ordained on every Ummah so that the Name of Allah is mentioned on these particular animals which Allah has bestowed on them..." (Surah An'aam)

"We have made the sacrifice of camels and cows among the salient features of (the Deen) of Allah. There is benefit in it for you." (Surah Hajj)

According to the Qur'aan Shareef, there are both worldly as well as Deeni (spiritual) benefits in the Ibaadah of Qurbaani. Allah Ta'ala has declared the sacrificing of animals as a salient feature of Islam. In addition to thawaab in the Hereafter, we derive the benefit of consuming their flesh and making use of their skins. The Qurbaani is an Ibaadah that has been instituted solely for our benefit.

Hence, the Qur'aan Shareef says:

"Neither the flesh (of the sacrificed animals) nor their blood reach Allah. But, it is your taqwa (piety and sincerity of heart) which reaches Him. Convey glad tidings to the sincere ones." (Surah Hajj)

Although sheep and goats are also animals for sacrifice, the Qur'aan specifically states that the sacrifice of camels and oxen is a salient feature of the Deen. Sacrificing camels and oxen will, therefore, be of greater merit.

The meaning of sincerity in Qurbaani is to make the sacrifice purely for the sake of Allah Ta'ala and to obtain thawaab. The intention must not be to eat meat. Although it is only natural that the flesh of the sacrificed animals will be eaten, the intention for making the Qurbaani should never be this. If the intention is consumption of meat, the Qurbaani will not be valid.

Allah Ta'ala commands Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam):

"Perform Salaat for your Rabb and sacrifice (animals)."(Surah Kauthar)

The command of Salaat and Qurbaani are given to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in the above-mentioned aayat. Qurbaani being coupled with Salaat and commanded directly to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as an obligatory duty for him to discharge, point to the emphasis which Allah Ta'ala lays on this Ibaadah.

Hadhrat Ayesha (radiallahu anha) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "During the days of Qurbaani there is no deed of man more loved by Allah Ta'ala than sacrificing of animals. On the Day of Qiyaamah the sacrificed animal will arise with its horns, hair and hoofs. Allah Ta’ala accepts the sacrificed animal before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, render the Qurbaani wholeheartedly and happily. (Ibn Majah, Tirmizi, Hakim)

This Hadith in fact states the following: The greatest act of Ibaadah during the Days of Sacrifice is to make Qurbaani of animals. The full reward of the sacrifice will be obtained in the Aakhirah. Thawaab will be obtained for every hair on its body and for every drop of blood in its body. The act of Qurbaani is so dear to Allah Ta'ala that it is accepted immediately the act is rendered even before the first drop of blood reaches the earth.

Muslims should offer the sacrifice with love and with the true spirit of sacrifice. They should not bicker unnecessarily about the price being asked and about the money being spent in obtaining an animal for sacrifice. Qurbaani is a great sacrifice and should not be despoiled by displaying a poor and miserly attitude.

Hadhrat Zaid bin Arqam (radiallahu anhu) narrates that the Sahaabah enquired from Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) about the Qurbaani practice. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "It is the way of your father, Ibraheem (alayhis salaam)." The Sahabah asked: "What will we acquire by it?" Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied: "A good deed (is recorded for you) in return for every hair (on its body)." The Sahaabah asked: "0 Rasulullah! If there is wool on the body?" Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "A good deed in return for every strand (of wool on its body)." (Hakim)

Hadhrat Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to Faatimah (radiallahu anha): "0 Faatimah! Get up and be present at your Qurbaani (when it is about to be slaughtered). All your sins are forgiven as the first drop of its blood reaches the earth. Remember that on the Day of Qurbaani its flesh and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed in your Scale of good deeds." Its flesh and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed in your Scale of good deeds."

Hadhrat Abu Saeed (radiallahu anhu) asked: "0 Rasulullah! Is this reward exclusive for the Family of Muhammad? Truly, they deserve such great thawaab-or is this thawaab for all Muslims as well?"

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "For the Family of Muhammad as well as for all Muslims in general." (Isbahaani)

Hadhrat Husain Ibn Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The Qurbaani rendered wholeheartedly, happily and with sincerity of intention will on the Day of Qiyaamah be a shield against Jahannum for the sacrificer." (Tibrani)

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "He who is by the means but does not render the Qurbaani, should not come to our place of Eid Salaah." (Targheeb)

One may realise the great displeasure which Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) voiced against those who neglect this great act of Ibaadah. This grave warning mentioned in this Hadith applies only to those who fail in offering the sacrifice despite them having the means of sacrificing.

Hadhrat Ali (radiallahu anhu) sacrificed two sheep. When asked about this sacrifice, he said that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commanded him to render these sacrifices. One sheep was for himself and the other was sacrificed on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has tremendous rights (huqooq) over the Ummah. It is not possible for us to fulfil adequately those rights. A Qurbaani offered every year by a Mu'min on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is in fact nothing great and no sacrifice. We should not allow this wonderful opportunity to slip by without having taken advantage of this great act of Ibaadah by means of which colossal thawaab is obtained so very easily. Those who are by the means, should not be miserly and neglectful.

Hadhrat Abu Talha (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed one sheep for himself and one sheep on behalf of his Ummah. In this regard Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "This Qurbaani is for the one in my Ummah who believes in me and who acknowledges me." (Musali, Kabiri, Ausat)

This sacrifice on behalf of the Ummah demonstrates the love that Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had for his Ummah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remembered us in his act of sacrifice. It is indeed regretful that members of the Ummah, in spite of having the means, will forget to offer Qurbaani on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The meaning of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) having made a Qurbaani on behalf of the Ummah is that he included the Ummah in the thawaab of the sacrifice. It does not mean that one sheep can be sacrificed in the names of more than one person. A sheep and a goat can be sacrificed only for one person while a cow and camel can be sacrificed for seven persons.

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Fatten your animals (of sacrifice-feed them well), for they will be your mounts on the Siraat (the Bridge over Jahannum)." (Kanzul Ummaal)

This Hadith has two interpretations.

1. The animals will become the mounts on which people will safely cross over Siraat. If a single person sacrificed a number of animals, he will receive in return a wonderful and strong animal of the greatest swiftness. The mounts may also be changed at various stages in the journey across the Siraat.

2. The second interpretation is that by virtue of the barakah and thawaab of having made Qurbaani, one's crossing over the Siraat will be swift and in great comfort. In Kanzul Ummaal there is a Hadith which states that the best Qurbaani is that of an animal which is strong and healthy---physically it should be free of all deficiencies.

VIRTUES OF QURBANI

·        Qurbani is a practice commanded by Allah: So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals). (108.2)

·        There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). Allah accepts the sacrifice before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (Tirmizi, Ibne Majah)

·        Zayd lbne Arqam radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Companions (radhiyallahu anhum) asked, "O Rasulullah! (Sallallahu Alayhi wasallam) What is Qurbani?" He replied, "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibraheem (alayhis salaam)." They asked again, "What benefit do we get from it?" He answered, "A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal)." "And (what reward is there for animals with) wool, 0 Rasulullah (sallallahu Alayhi wasallam)?" they asked. "A reward", he said, "for every fibre of the wool." (Ibne Majah)

·        When a person slaughters a Qurbani animal, he is forgiven at the fall of the first drop of blood, and verily, the animal shall be brought forward on the Day of Judgement with its blood, meat etc, and shall be increased in weight seventy times more than its own weight, and thereafter it will be placed on the scale of deeds. (Kanzul'Ummal)

ON WHOM IS QURBANI WAJIB?

Qurbani is waajib on every Muslim who is of sound mind, mature (who has reached the age of puberty), muqeem (i.e. he is not a Shar'ee traveller) and possesses the amount of fifty two and half tolas of silver (612-36 grams) or wealth equivalent to that value which is in excess of one's aslee (basic) needs.

It is not necessary that this amount be in one's possession for a complete lunar year. It's possession during the three days of Qurbani will make Qurbani obligatory. Qurbani is not incumbent on a child or an insane person whether they own wealth equivalent to the amount above or not, nor is it waajib upon their guardians to perform it on their behalf. Similarly, it is not waajib on a Shar'ee traveller.

NOTE: A Shar'ee traveller is he who goes on a journey with an intention of travelling forty-eight miles. He will be treated as a traveller as soon as he goes out of his town.

It is highly virtuous for one on whom Qurbani is not waajib to offer sacrifice for the Pleasure of Allah. He will be eligible for all the reward mentioned in the Ahadeeth.

During the days of Qurbani, sadaqah and charity cannot compensate for Qurbani nor fulfil the waajib. Qurbani is a unique Ibaadah. Just as Zakah cannot compensate for Hajj or Sawm (Fasting) cannot compensate for Salaat, similarly charity cannot compensate for Qurbani. However, if the days of Qurbani had passed, and the Qurbani was not offered due to not knowing, negligence or for some other valid reason, then it becomes waajib to give in sadaqah the price of Qurbani animal or the animal itself to the poor.

If a traveller returned home or a person acquired the required wealth on the 12th of Zul Hijjah before sunset, it will be waajib upon him to perform Qurbani.

A traveller, who makes intention of staying at a certain place for fifteen days or more, no longer remains a traveller. He must offer Qurbani if he possesses the prescribed amount.

DAYS OF QURBANI

The days of Qurbani are the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of Zul Hijjah. The first day is better than the second and the second better than the last.

TIME FOR QURBANI

In towns and cities where jumu'ah and 'Eid are performed, Qurbani is not permissible before the 'Eid Salat. If the Qurbani has been offered before the 'Eid Salat, it will have to be repeated. Therefore, the time for Qurbani commences after 'Eid Salat on 1Oth Zul Hijjah until before sunset of 12th Zul Hijjah.

It is permissible, but not preferable to perform Qurbani at night.

THE QURBANI ANIMAL

·        It is permissible to offer in sacrifice a goat or she-goat, sheep of all kinds, cow, bull, buffalo or camel.

·        It is necessary that the goat is one (full) year old, whether male or female. A cow, bull or buffalo will have to be two years old and a camel five years. Animals that are younger are not suitable for Qurbani.

·        A sheep (of any kind) not less than six months old, so strong and fat that it appears to be one year old will suffice for Qurbani, otherwise it will have to be one (full) year old.

·        A cow, bull, buffalo or camel will suffice for seven persons provided no one's share is less than one seventh and the niyyah (intention) of all partners is to attain thawaab (for Qurbani), and not merely to obtain meat.

·        The Qurbani of only one person can be performed from a goat, sheep or ram.

·        If an animal seller says that the animal has reached the required age, and outwardly there is no sign to disprove it, then it is permissible to rely on his statement.

·        Animals that are castrated can be used for Qurbani. In fact this type of animal is preferable.

·        The following cannot he used for Qurbani:

-          Animals that are blind, one-eyed or has lost one-third or more of its eyesight.

·        -Animals that have lost a third of the ear or the tail. Similarly, the animal which has no ear from its very birth.

-          Animals whose horn has been broken off from the root.

-          Animals which have one leg lame to the extent that it walks on three legs only and is unable to use the fourth leg.

-          Animals so lean and thin that its bones have no marrow.

-          Animals so weak that it cannot walk to the place of slaughtering on its own.

-          Animals completely toothless or one that has lost most of its teeth.

·        It is virtuous to purchase the animal for Qurbani a few days prior to slaughtering and care must be taken in feeding and nursing it.

·        MASNOON METHOD OF SACRIFICE

·        It is more virtuous to slaughter the animal with one's own hands. If one does not know how to slaughter, it is preferred that he remain present while someone else is sacrificing the animal. It is not necessary to make the niyyah (intention) of Qurbani with the tongue, however it is necessary to say Bismillahi Allahu Akbar when slaughtering.

·        Use a sharp knife and slaughter the animal quickly so that it does not suffer.

·        Do not sharpen the knife in front of the animal.

·        After slaughtering, do not skin the animal before it becomes completely cold.

·        Do not slaughter one animal in the presence of another.

·        It is mustahab (desirable) for one who intends to perform Qurbani to refrain from cutting hair or clipping nails from 1st Zul Hijjah to 10th Zul Hijjah,(i.e. until after Qurbani).

THE QURBANI MEAT AND SKIN

·        It is permissible to eat the Qurbani meat.

·        It can also be distributed to relatives and friends whether wealthy or poor, Muslims or non-Muslims. It is better to divide it into three parts. One for the family, one for relatives and friends and one for the poor and needy.

·        The skin of the Qurbani animal can be kept for personal use, e.g. using it as a prayer-mat, water bag, etc.

·        If the skin of the Qurbani animal is sold, then it is waajib to give that amount in sadaqah to the poor (i.e. those who are eligible for Zakah).

·        It is not permissible to give meat, fat, etc. of the sacrificed animal to the butcher as his wages.

·        The meat of the animal slaughtered by partners should be shared by weight and not by estimation.

·        The rope, cover, etc. of the animal should be given away as sadaqah.

QURBANI ON BEHALF OF THE DECEASED

If one has been favoured by Allah with wealth, then he should also perform Qurbani on behalf of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), his Sahabah, his Ummah, the Prophets and for his own living or deceased relatives, friends and teachers who have conveyed Deeni knowledge.

One should always remember and never overlook our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and perform Qurbani on his behalf. Abu Talha (radhiyallahu anhu) has related that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed one ram and while sacrificing the other he said, "This is on behalf of every one of my Ummah who believed in me and testified (to my prophethood)." (Tabrani)

It is a matter for deep thought and consideration that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) kept his Ummah in his mind while offering the sacrifice and it is deplorable for the Ummah not to remember him at the time of Qurbani.

Qurbaani: a Subservient Submission

All praise is due to Allâh The Sustainer, and Protective Guardian of humanity. May His choicest blessings be upon our Master Sayyidina Muhammad and upon his illustrious galaxy of Companions.

We once again commemorate the heroic submission of Ibrahim and the valiant compliance of Ismail u on this day of Eidul Adha.

The life of Ibrahim (AS) serves as an epitome of faith, courage, and compassion. His conduct, conviction, and submission are the vital traits patently absent from a society characterised by its indifferent, selfish, self-centred and voracious ethic.

"The Knife"

"It is neither the flesh, nor the blood [of the animal] that reaches Allâh, but it is your Taqwa (Allâh-consciousness) that reaches Him."

The concept of Qurbani has a profound impact on, our lives. It is relevant today, as it was in the day and age of Ibrahim (AS).

The "Knife" as an implement, has the potential to disconnect, remove, and extricate. Qurbani, is really a symbolic declaration to sever, unfetter, cut off and dispense with extravagant, self-centred ostentation.

The "knife" needs to go beyond the throat of the animal, it has to be placed onto the heart, and sever the arteries that sustain sentiments of greed, hatred, cowardice, hypocrisy, and malice.

The melodies of the heart have to ooze out like blood that flows from the sacrificed animal.

Allâh needs neither the flesh nor the blood of the sacrificed animal; He simply ascertains the "Knife" has to be placed on the beast within you so that it may extricate the venom and brute passion.

"The Family"

When he left his wife and infant son at the foot of mount Safa and Marwa, she simply responded saying that: "He [Allâh] will certainly never leave us to perish."

Likewise, when he concurred with his son about the dream and its implication, his son responded by saying: "O My beloved father, do as you have been commanded! Allâh-willing you will find me from among the patient."

What kind of relationship existed between husband, wife, and son? How did Ibrahim (AS) command such implicit trust and dedication from his family? How did they so easily identify with his values and purpose?

Demeanor! Communication! Compassion! Three fundamental requirements for the healthy development of a vibrant, happy, and healthy, family. How often do you communicate, teach, and display love, to those around you? Does your conduct warrant emulation?

"The Submission"

"Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my very life, and death is for Allâh The Sustainer of the Worlds. He has no partner, and with that (belief) have I been commanded, and I am the foremost of those who submit."

The unparalleled submission of Ibrahim, Hajira, and Ismail (AS) lays the basis for our relation with Allâh. It highlights the need to identify with the precept of "Divine Rights and Human Obligations" No command of Allâh can be made subject to man-made laws.

No command of Allâh can be measured against the benchmark of common law. How consistent is the Qurbani of Ismail, the apparent abandonment of Hajira in the burning sand dunes of Arabia with the incoherent concept of Human Rights and Gender Equality?

"The Consequences"

The courage, determination, and faith of single women paved the history of the desolate sand dunes of Arabia.

The steadfastness of Hajira (AS) served as the foundation for the eventual establishment of Makkah.

The scorching thirst of an infant led to the miraculous well of zam zam. What apparently seemed to be a waste of human life gave rise to the annual pilgrimage where millions of Muslims converge to pay homage to Ibrahim

Too often, we stand petrified of the thunder, oblivious of the potential rain it brings. We forget that dark clouds herald torrential rain.

The Law and workings of Allâh are perfect, full of wisdom and are premised on His Mercy and Benevolence. What at first seems to be difficult, crude and burdensome, may really be the beginning of lasting prosperity.

Allâh says: "Perhaps you may dislike many a thing, whilst Allâh has placed abundant good therein."

Qurbâni is the very antitheses of subjective obedience or convenient compliance.

May Allâh Ta'âla imbue our darkened souls with the true spirit of Qurbâni - Âmîn.

PHILOSOPHY OF QURBAANI

The Urdu and Persian word "Qurbaani" is derived from the Arabic word 'Qurban'. It means an act performed to seek nearness to Almighty Allah and to seek His good pleasure. Originally, the word 'Qurban' included all acts of charity because the purpose of charity is nothing but to seek Allah's pleasure. But, in precise religious terminology, the word was later confined to the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.

The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated as a recognised form of worship in all religious orders originating from a divine book. Even in pagan societies, the sacrifice of an animal is recognised as a form of worship, but it is done in the name of some idols and not in the name of Allah, a practice totally rejected by Islam.

In the Shariáh of our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi Wasallam) the sacrifice of an animal has been recognised as a form of worship only during three days of the month of Dhul Hijjah, namely the 10th, 11th and 12th of the month.

This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by Prophet Sayyidina Ibrahim (alayhis salaam). He, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son Sayyidina Ismail (alayhis salaam) and actually did so.

But Allah Almighty, after testing the ultimate limits of his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every Muslim, possessing wealth in excess of Nisaab.

Qurbani is a demonstration to Allah and proof of complete obedience to Allah's will or command. When a Muslim offers Qurbani, this is exactly what he intends to prove.

Thus, the Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is the slave of Allah and that he would not hesitate, even for a moment, once he receives an absolute command from his Creator, to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even be it at the price of his life and possessions.

When a true Muslim receives such a command from Allah, his natural instincts stop him from indulging in the futile search for the reasoning behind the command; nor does he make his obedience dependent upon the command's 'reasonableness' as perceived through his limited understanding. He knows that Allah is All-Knowing, All- Wise and that his own ability to reason cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom underlying the divine command, even if he cannot find any reason or wisdom behind it.

This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim (alayhis salaam) did. Apparently, there was no reason why a father should slaughter his innocent son. But, when came the command of Allah, he never asked about the reason for that command, nor did he hesitate to obey it. Even his minor son, when asked by his father about the dream he had seen, never questioned the legitimacy of the command, nor did he pine or whine about it, nor did he ask for one good reason why he was being slaughtered. The one only response he made was:

"Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You shall find me, God willing, among the patient".

The present-day Qurbani is offered in memory of this great model of submission set before us by the great father and the great son. Qurbani must be offered in our time emulating the same ideal and attitude of submission.

This then is the true philosophy of Qurbani. With this in mind, one can easily unveil the fallacy of those who raise objections against Qurbani on the basis of economic calculations and lounge statistics and make it out to be a wastage of money, resource and livestock.

Unable to see beyond mundane benefits, they cannot understand the spirit Islam wants to implant and nourish among its followers, the spirit of total submission to Allah's will equips man with the most superior qualities so necessary to keep humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.

Qurbani is nothing but a powerful symbol of the required human conduct vis-à-vis the divine commands, however, "irrational" or "uneconomic" they may seem to be in their appearance. Thus, the distrustful quest for mundane economic benefits behind Qurbani is, in fact, the negation of its real philosophy, and the very spirit underlying it.

No doubt, there are, in every form of worship ordained by Allah, certain worldly benefits too, but they are not the main purpose of these prescribed duties, nor should they be treated as preconditions to submission and obedience. All acts of worship, including Qurbani, must be carried out with the spirit of total submission to Allah, irrespective of their economic, social or political benefits. This is what Ibrahim (Álayhis salaam) did, and this is what every true Muslim is required to do.

WARNING FOR THOSE WHO IGNORE QURBANI

There is a Hadith from Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, 'That person who has the means of performing Qurbani but does not do so should not even come near the Eidgah (Place of Eid Salaat).

Frequently Asked Questions on Qurbani

Philosophy of Qurbani

Ibrahim (A.S.
) abandoned his life of solitude to confront a world steeped in tyranny and rebellion against Allâh.

He boldly challenged the icons of power and openly denounced falsehood, which pitted him in a grim struggle against the barons of deceit, disbelief, evil, and injustice.

He was ostracised by his father, banished from his homeland, flung into the fire by Nimrûd and physically threatened for raising the banner of truth.

At every stage during this long and heart-rending struggle between truth and falsehood, Ibrahim (A.S) displayed the fortitude of a devout and obedient slave of Allâh who braved the unending flow of oppression and terror. He became a stranger within his own home, a refugee in his own country, and a dissident within the religious elite.

Nabi (SAW
) has stated: “Islam began in a strange manner, and it will revert to become strange again, so glad tidings to the Strangers.”

Islam began against a background of shirk, superstition, violence, immorality and oppression. The teachings and value system of Islam seemed unnatural, queer, incompatible, dogmatic, and bizarre within the given social, political and economic context.

Those who embraced the teachings of Islam were thus viewed as strangers and had to pay a heavy price to maintain their identity and preserve their faith. The Holy Prophet (
SAW) has prophesised that Islam and Muslims would once again be subjected to the same kind of treatment.

Muslims will be treated with contempt, viewed as strangers and misfits within the global context of emerging values. Muslims will once again have to experience Badr, Uhud, Hunayn and Tabuk. They will once again have to contend with the likes of Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab, the Hypocrites, and the Jews.

Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, and Kashmir are but a prelude to this global onslaught against Islam and the Muslims. How often have we heard Bush saying: “either you with us or against us.” Coupled to this demand of joining the unholy alliance is the image portrayed of Muslims as blood thirsty, trigger happy, bearded fanatics ready to kill every infidel.

Muslims are going to become increasingly unsure of their past and uncertain of their future. The very values and teachings of the Qur’an are going to be questioned, ridiculed and labelled as fanatical, fundamentalist dogma.

Allâh Ta’ala Says: “You shall certainly be tried and tested in your persons and possessions, and indeed you shall hear many hurtful things from those to whom revelation was granted before your time, as well as from those who have come to ascribe divinity to other beings besides Allâh. But if you remain patient in adversity and conscious of Him– this behold is from fortitude.”

Qurbani is not a cold ritual based on an ancient medieval fable. It is an affirmation of total submission to the commands of Allâh. The true spirit of Qurbani demands that you align yourself with the “Strangers,” embrace the Deen whole-heartedly even if it is at the cost of your very existence.

Qurbani is an unwavering commitment to the following verse: “Truly my prayer, my sacrifice, My life and death, are all for Allâh; the Rabb of the Worlds.”

It is not possible, to appreciate the spirit of Qurbani without ever stepping into the battlefield of faith, without suffering, without passing through any stage of the struggle, without feeling pain and anguish. Allâh Ta’ala says: “We will certainly test you with instances of fear, hunger, a decrease in wealth, loss of lives and the fruits (of your toil)".

Nabi (
SAW) has said: “The Ambiya (Prophets) were subject to the greatest of trails, thereafter those who are closest to them, thereafter those who are closest to them”.

We need to reaffirm our commitment, revitalise our Imaan, and understand that this Day is a grim reminder that life is a journey of trails and hardships, that Muslims are going to be treated like social lepers, that Islam is going to be subject to derision and ridicule. Glad tidings to the “Strangers” who find refuge in Allâh and His Rasul (
SAW)!