World – With Qurbani just a few days away, much excitement has set in. Qurbani holds deep significance and offers an opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate their devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT) commands.
Qurbani is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word Qurban which literally means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. Qurbani is closely associated with the sacred month of Ramadan and the subsequent celebration of Eid. As Ramadan fills our lives with spirituality, we eagerly await the arrival of Eid and the beginning of the Hajj season. While the fortunate ones embark on their journey to the holy lands, the rest of us focus on Qurbani—a significant aspect of this period.
A symbol of unity and compassion
The act of Qurbani encompasses more than just sacrifice. It is an expression of love, unity, and compassion towards the less fortunate, explained Abdul Aleem Gamza, Head of Fund Development at Islamic Relief South Africa. By partaking in Qurbani, Muslims come together as a community, transcending boundaries and joining hands to support vulnerable individuals and families worldwide.
“Everything is about submission. First and foremost, you need to have an intention. Our intention is to slaughter an animal over those days of Hajj to gain closeness to Allah (SWT). It is not the blood or the meat that reaches Allah (SWT) but it is our intention of doing good for that period of time. The sacrifice means we can make a difference to the lives of our most vulnerable communities across the globe who may never see a piece of meat until it gets to this time of the year. Here is an opportunity for us to do good, to protect ourselves and our families from calamities.”
Qurbani is a powerful symbol of our shared responsibility to uplift those in need and make a positive impact in their lives.
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Islamic Relief’s Qurbani program
Islamic Relief, with its extensive experience and commitment to charitable work, has been actively involved in Qurbani initiatives for over 30 years. The organisation ensures that Qurbani is carried out in accordance with Islamic guidelines and principles, maintaining precision and transparency throughout the process. Last year alone, Islamic Relief’s Qurbani program benefited over 4 million people globally, a testament to the collective power of compassionate individuals.
“We take this act of Qurbani seriously and we fulfil the amanah (trust) of those entrusting us with a Qurbani. We sort the animals that meet the various criteria to make sure they are healthy. We have trained and qualified individuals to perform the slaughter. It is not a haphazard process. It’s a process that is thought, planned and executed to the best of our abilities as laid down by the guidelines of Nabi (SAW).”
The meat thereafter is then distributed to deserving recipients. Transparency in the distribution of meat is a priority, with marginalised families and communities receiving the utmost consideration.
Among the stories of those whose lives have been positively impacted by Qurbani, one that stands out is the plight of a single mother striving to provide for her family. Despite the challenges she faces, meat remains a luxury in their diet due to affordability issues. However, through the Qurbani program, Islamic Relief has brought about a significant transformation in their lives, ensuring that they can partake in the joyous occasion of Eid and relish the nutritional benefits of meat.
For individuals seeking to make a meaningful contribution, Qurbani offers an opportunity to positively impact the lives of others. By purifying their intentions and dedicating their actions to helping at least one person, the ripple effect of their generosity can create a wave of change.
In a captivating conversation, Abdul Aleem Gamza engaged with Julie Alli on the profound significance of Qurbani, the inspiring tale of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and the potential for transformative impact in the lives of others. Listen to the discussion here:
