Eid al Adha and Qurbani

Zayd Chowdhry

Introduction

"The people of the Jahiliyyah had two days each year when they would celebrate. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to Al-Madinah he said: 'You had two days when you would celebrate, but Allah ﷻ has given Muslims something instead that is better than them: the day of Al-Fitr and the day of Al-Adha.'" [Sunan an-Nasa'i 1556]

Eid al Adha is one of the two significant celebrations for Muslims over the year. It is such an important day that it has been prohibited to fast on the days of Eid: 

“I was present for ‘Eid with ‘Umar bin Khattab. He started with the prayer before the sermon, and said: ‘The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting on these two days, the Day of Fitr and the Day of Adha. As for the Day of Fitr, it is the day when you break your fast, and on the Day of Adha you eat the meat of your sacrifices.’” [Sunan Ibn Majah 1722]

Both of the days of Eid follow two great acts of worship. In this case, Eid al Adha, follows the blessed days of Hajj, including the first 10 days of Zul-Hijjah. Many people know that the best 10 nights of the year are the last 10 nights of Ramadan, however the best 10 days of the year are the first 10 days of Zul-Hijjah, as explained by the Prophet ﷺ: 

The Prophet ﷺ said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet ﷺ said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s ﷻ sake) and does not return with any of those things." [Sahih Bukhari 969]

Therefore, Muslims should work hard to do as many good deeds as they can throughout the 10 days and after the hard work of these 10 days, the reward is a day of enjoyment and sacrifice, the day of Eid

The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and it’s lessons.

The story of Ibrahim is a well known one and is key to Eid ul Adha. Allah ﷻ has clearly mentioned the story in the Quran, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a profound dream in which he was commanded by Allah ﷻ to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). This dream was a test of Ibrahim's faith and obedience:

And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast." And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, "O Ibrahim, You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. [Surah As-Saffat 37:102-105]

Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to fulfil the command, Allah ﷻ intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ismail (AS), demonstrating the mercy of Allah ﷻ.  

Many go about their day of Eid enjoying and eating and they disregard the amazing context of the Qurbani and the amazing sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make. It is important to reflect on the lessons learnt from this beautiful story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and how these lessons can be implemented in daily life.

One key lesson learnt from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is the importance of submitting to Allah’s ﷻ commands and having full obedience to Allah ﷻ. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in this case was willing to submit to Allah’s ﷻ command and slaughter his own son. This is an action that no ordinary father would ever consider doing. However, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was ready to fulfil the command of Allah ﷻ without question, relying on Allah ﷻ and knowing that Allah ﷻ knows best and will provide better. Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) trust in Allah ﷻ never wavered. This is a lesson for Muslims that brings to light the importance of having faith and trusting in Allah’s ﷻ wisdom unconditionally, even if what is commanded is beyond our understanding. It serves as a reminder for believers that real faith is often tested through trials and tribulations - showing how much one truly believes is demonstrated by their readiness to surrender to Allah ﷻ without questioning his will.

The importance of surrendering to the command of Allah ﷻ is mentioned in the Holy Quran: 

“Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him].” [Surah Ale-Imran 3:159]

“The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely” [Surah Al-Anfal 8:2]

From these verses the importance of relying on Allah ﷻ can be understood, and this should be implemented in our daily lives. 

Allah ﷻ also tests the faith of those he loves, Allah ﷻ says: 

“…And whoever fears Allāh - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3]

This verse shows the reward for those who rely on Allah ﷻ – especially in times of distress where it appears that there is no solution, Allah ﷻ will provide for that person who relies on him from where he does not expect. 

And the beloved Prophet  ﷺ has also instructed the Muslims regarding relying on Allah ﷻ, and the benefits of doing so: 

Verily the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Seventy thousand men of my Ummah would enter Paradise without rendering account. They (the companions of the Holy Prophet) said: Who would be those, Messenger of Allah ﷺ? He (the Holy Prophet) said: They would be those who neither practise charm, not take omens, nor do they cauterise, but they repose their trust in their Lord. [Sahih Muslim 218]

Therefore, in the current society, where Muslims are suffering many trials, tribulations and different fitna from every direction, we should remember this lesson from the story of Ibrahim (AS), that despite what is going on in the world and what each of us suffer through, we should rely on Allah ﷻ and in Allah’s ﷻ plan, as he mentions that:

“…But they plan, and Allāh plans. And Allāh is the best of planners.” [Surah Anfal 8:30]

Another lesson learnt is that of the concept of ultimate obedience and sacrifice. Ibrahim's (AS) readiness to sacrifice his son represents the pinnacle of submission to Allah’s ﷻ will. For Muslims, this act symbolizes the need to prioritize our commitment to Allah ﷻ above all worldly attachments. 

The hadith of Prophet ﷺ reminds us of this: 

“A servant says, My wealth. my wealth, but out of his wealth three things are only his: whatever he eats and makes use of or by means of which he dresses himself and it wears out or he gives as charity, and this is what he stored for himself (as a reward for the Hereafter), and what is beyond this (it is of no use to you) because you are to depart and leave it for other people.” [Sahih Muslim 2959]

This reminds us that all those things in the dunya that we strive for whether it is wealth, fame, looks etc, will be useless to us in the hereafter, the only thing of use to us is the good deeds and actions we do for the sake of Allah ﷻ. 

Whilst the story of Ibrahim teaches us to prioritise deen over dunya, it is also important to look at the life of our beloved Prophet ﷺ and the difficulties he went through with his family and his companions: 

Never had the family of Muhammad ﷺ eaten to the fill since their, arrival in Madinah with the bread of wheat for three successive nights until his (Holy Prophet's) death. [Sahih Muslim 2970]

From this we can see the difficult life the Prophet ﷺ had. Despite this difficult situation, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions fought for Islam and focused on the hereafter and had little in the dunya and we should follow their example. 

Finally, the story of Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) emphasizes the values of patience and perseverance. Both father and son showed remarkable patience and steadfastness in the face of an extraordinary trial. For Muslims, this teaches the importance of remaining patient and steadfast in their faith, regardless of the challenges they encounter. The benefits of being patient is numerous: 

O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient. [Surah Baqarah 2:153]

And be patient, [O Muḥammad], and your patience is not but through Allāh. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire. [Surah An-Nahl 16:127]

The Prophet ﷺ said,

"The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity." [Sahih Bukhari 1302]

“The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 4032]

All these references from Quran and Sunnah teach us the importance and the rewards of being patient.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS), is filled with teachings of faith, obedience, sacrifice, divine mercy, patience, and perseverance. These are not only meant to enhance the Muslim's knowledge of their religious duties but also inspire the practice of these values in their daily lives— so they draw closer to Allah ﷻ and attaining Jannah.

The importance of the Qurbani

One of the most importance aspects learnt from the story of Ibrahim (AS) is the Qurbani.  

The Quran emphasizes the significance of Qurbani as a means of drawing closer to Allah ﷻ and expressing gratitude for his blessings. Allah ﷻ says: 

“And for every [religious] community We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice]1 that they may mention the name of Allāh over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muḥammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]” [Surah Al-Hajj 22:34 ]

This verse highlights that the practice of sacrifice is not only a ritual but a form of worship and thanksgiving to Allah ﷻ. 

Allah ﷻ also says:

Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allāh, Lord of the worlds. [Surah Al-An’am 6:162]

This verse of the Quran highlights the importance of the Qurbani, as Allah ﷻ has mentioned it in the same verse as prayer, living and dying and that all these things are for Allah ﷻ. 

Allah ﷻ clarifies the spiritual essence of Qurbani: 

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him." [Surah Al-Hajj 22:37]

Allah ﷻ, being the creator and almighty has no need for the meat, but in fact, Allah ﷻ will recognise intention and sincerity behind the qurbani which is in the form of piety. This means that the sacrifice is a very important form of worship and this kind of action is also explained in the hadith: 

Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds. [Sahih Muslim 2564]

The true purpose of Qurbani is to invoke Allah’s ﷻ name and follow his commands with heartfelt devotion. This principle extends to all forms of worship. For instance, the essence of prayer is not just the physical movements, nor is fasting simply about refraining from food and drink. The aim of these acts of worship is to adhere to Allah’s ﷻ commands with complete sincerity. Without this sincerity, these rites of worship are hollow.

The holy Prophet ﷺ has also taught us the importance of performing the Qurbani: 

“Whoever can afford it, but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3123]

Therefore, those who can afford to offer the Qurbani must do so. The Qurbani is wajib upon every adult Muslim who has owns the nisab amount at the time of qurbani. 

The Prophet ﷺ has also informed us of the amazing rewards of performing qurbani: 

“The son of Adam does not do any deed on the Day of Sacrifice that is dearer to Allah than shedding blood. It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns and cloven hoofs and hair. Its blood is accepted by Allah before it reaches the ground. So be content when you do it.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3126]

“The Companions of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what are these sacrifices?’ He said: ‘The Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.’ They said: ‘What is there for us in them, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘For every hair, one merit.’ They said: ‘What about wool, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said: ‘For every hair of wool, one merit.’”[ Sunan Ibn Majah 3127]

Therefore we should excitedly rush to perform the Qurbani and reap these amazing rewards.

What to do with the Qurbani meat

One should strive to perform the Qurbani in their own country if possible so that they can utilise the qurbani meat in the sunnah procedure. 

Allah ﷻ mentions in the Quran:

That they may witness [i.e., attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allāh on known [i.e., specific] days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. [Surah Al-Hajj 22:28] 

And indeed, our beloved Prophet ﷺ has advised similar: 

“…you may eat, preserve and give -in charity.” [Sahih Muslim 1971] 

Therefore, it is agreed, that the best practise for the qurbani should be to: 

• Eat a third with friends and family

• Preserve a third

• And donate a third to charity

Doing so will reap many rewards:

A man asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ: what aspect of Islam is best? He replied: that you should provide food and greet both those you know and those you do not know. [Sunan Abu Dwud 5194]

So feeding others including family and friends is considered one of the best actions of Islam. However it is also encouraged to invite your brothers and sisters who you may not know to eat food and this will be a highly rewardable act. 

Feeding the needy and the poor is a very rewardable act and is known the be very rewardable, and it comes in the hadith: 

The Prophet ﷺ said,

"The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah’s Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day." [Sahih al-Bukhari 5353]

Therefore, we should strive and try our hardest to offer the qurbani and to distribute in the sunnah manner to attain these amazing benefits mentioned in the Quran and hadith. 

Celebrating Eid al Adha

It is very important that we stick to the sunnah method of celebrating Eid. Over the years, many innovations have creeped into our celebrations which are against Quran and Sunnah and should not be done. The punishment of innovation is severe:

“…The worst of things are those that are newly invented; every newly-invented thing is an innovation and every innovation is going astray, and every going astray is in the Fire…” [Sunan An-Nasai 1578] 

Therefore, we must stick to the sunnah when celebrating Eid and avoid adding in unnecessary celebrations. 

Many people have also started to mimic what other nations and religions do at their time of celebration. This is a dangerous thing to do, and our prophet ﷺ has warned us about doing so: 

“Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Sunan Abu Dawud 4031]

Why should we have to resort on another nations/religions celebration to define ours? Allah ﷻ and his Rasul ﷺ has provided us a beautiful way of life within Islam and we should stick to that in all aspects of life including our celebration during Eid.  

Finally, Eid al Adha is a time to foster strong community ties. Engaging with your local mosque’s events, organizing neighbourhood gatherings, and participating in the Eid prayer as well as the five daily prayer in congregation are excellent ways to enhance the sense of unity. Furthermore, we should never exclude any group of Muslims and should invite everyone equally to all invitations, as our Prophet ﷺ has commanded: 

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action." [Musnad Ahmad 22978]

Therefore, it is encouraged to share the joy of Eid with everyone, and invite those brothers and sisters who you usually wouldn’t and those who you don’t yet know. Indeed Islam is for everyone, and we are all brothers and sisters so let’s treat each other as such. 

May Allah ﷻ grant us the ability to utilise the first 10 days of Zul Hijjah effectively and grant us a blessed Eid.

Zayd Chowdhry

Alimiyyah Graduate, Accountant

and student of Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz حفظه الله