Islâm is a living religion. Its demand is that the spirit of every act be retained. Had Almighty Allâh wished, a statue of Nabî Ibrâhîm u could have been erected on the plains of Minâ, showing him standing with a knife over his beloved son. The Hujjâj could have gathered around his statue, and marvelled at his deed. Almighty Allâh however desired that Islâm remains a living religion, wherein the sacrifices of the lovers of Allâh be remembered, both physically and monetarily.

The sacrifice of Ibrâhîm (a.s.) and his family was to be remembered, physically, by ordering the slaughter of thousands of animals, not only in Minâ, but around the globe. It was to be remembered monetarily, by letting the pinch of this sacrifice be felt by even the extremely affluent. It was to be remembered by the rich, by ordaining it upon them, and by the poor as well, by explaining that their share in the meat of Qurbânî never be forgotten.

The share of the poor does not exist in that meat which one feels unfit for one’s own consumption. Rather, the share of the poor exists in that meat, which one would have loved to keep for himself. Almighty Allâh has clearly announced:

"You shall never attain true piety, unless you are prepared to spend of what you love!"

When Qurbânî (sacrifice) shall be made of one’s time, clothing, hands, nose, kitchen, luxury, honour, etc. then only shall the spirit of sacrifice start taking root. There are those also who ensure every year that they purchase the most expensive animal available for the purpose of Qurbânî. This is indeed quite laudable. However, as long as one is not prepared to take a physical part in the Qurbânî, the mere spending of a large amount of money too shall not be sufficient to light the spirit within one’s life.

Almighty Allâh has reserved three days for Qurbânî, thus the desire is that all three days be utilized for this purpose. There is no need for haste. Blessed be that person who can take time out to spread his Qurbânî over the full three days.

Today unfortunately Qurbânî has become mainly commercial. Parties, get-togethers, braais, etc. have become its main focus, and photography has been included as an essential ingredient of the whole affair. Alas! Through photography the essence of so many of our pure Islâmic rituals have now been lost. It has taken out the life and spirit of our Ibâdât.


In the animals of Qurbânî there are great lessons to be learnt. In looking after them, feeding them, caressing them, etc. great spiritual benefit can be accrued. Items like machines, computers, state-of-the-art technology, fast cars, etc. easily bring pride within one, whereas works such as menial labour, farming, spending time on the ground, looking after sheep and goats, etc. create humility within one’s heart...