Slaughtering an animal in Islam represents an act of devotion, obedience, and sharing. It holds religious significance, and when performed following Islamic principles, it is considered a virtuous and fulfilling act of worship.
The slaughtering, otherwise known as Qurbani, is an essential ritual for every Muslim to perform if they are by the means to do so, as it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) obedience, devotion and submission to the will of God.
Head of Fund Development at Islamic Relief South Africa, Abdul Aleem Gamza, said, “[God] reminds us in the Quran, it is not the meat or the blood that reaches Allah, but it is merely the sincere intention … It is not about people saying ‘I slaughtered so many sheep’, it’s not about those things … It is about doing it for the pleasure of [God].”
During the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, particularly on the day of Eid-al-Adha, known as the festival of sacrifice, permissible animals such as goats, sheep, cows, and others are allowed as sacrifices.
The Significance of Qurbani
In addition to the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to obey God’s command of sacrificing his son, which was ultimately replaced by a ram through divine intervention, Qurbani serves as a means for Muslims to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.
By offering a sacrificial animal, Muslims acknowledge that their wealth is a gift that should be shared with the less fortunate. Consequently, Islam guides individuals to donate one-third of the animal to needy individuals.
Moreover, humanitarian organisations like Islamic Relief play a crucial role in collecting Qurbani donations and distributing them to disadvantaged communities locally and internationally. According to information on their website, approximately 28 countries have witnessed the benefits of these donations, reaching around four million people.
“Islamic Relief has been doing this for over three decades, where we’ve been looking after many communities around the globe … When we speak about our brothers and sisters far afield, such as Syria and Yemen, this may be the only time of the year they will have a piece of red meat to eat until next year,” said Gamza.
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Importance During the Hajj Period
During Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims embark on the annual pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia, a significant and challenging journey. This pilgrimage entails the fulfilment of various rites and rituals as per the Islamic faith.
Hajj, the pilgrimage, is a period that involves sacrifice on multiple levels. It requires individuals to dedicate their time, health, wealth, and personal desires to undertake this journey. As a result, Eid-al-Adha is seen as the pinnacle of this spiritual expedition, the final act of sacrifice.
“Our families and friends are leaving the shores of South Africa. They are embarking on this all-important journey of Hajj. A once-in-a-lifetime journey … A sacrifice second to none. [They are] leaving their homes behind and their beloved. Here [God] is asking us to share what we love the most … How do we share that? By slaughtering an animal … And give it to those who are destitute.”
