Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Eid means joy and delight. Azha means sacrifice. So the meaning of Eid-ul-Azha is rejoicing of sacrifice. The other meaning is coming back by every year which is held on the 10th of Jilhaz. Eid-ul-Azha is a name of worship. The word Kurbani originates from the word Korab which means affiliation, proximity or coming in touch of Almighty God. It is the oldest custom in human civilization. The Eid-ul-Azha is the second largest festival of the Muslim community.
Qurbani must only be performed on the tenth, eleventh and twelfth days of Dhul-Hijjah sacrificing animals like goats, cows, sheep, bulls, buffalos, camels and so on. The health and condition of the animal is very important. Animals that are weak, blind, physically disabled, or those who are young, have broken horns or no teeth- are ineligible. Every wealthy Muslim who has a certain amount of money has to perform the Qurbani. As Islam is the religion of brotherly feeling the animal is not completely consumed by the family. The flash of animal is shared into three equal portions, in three parts; one for the family of the individual offering Qurbani, one for that individual’s relatives and relations (whether wealthy or poor), and one for the poor and needy. The sharing is the best sacrifice to ensure justice and to bridge up the human relations reducing personal clash and egoism. In addition, the money of the skin of the animal sold can be distributed to the poor.
Qurbani teaches us the importance of looking after our neighbours as they too have rights. If a neighbour is Kafir (non-Muslim), it is permissible to give him meat from Qurbani as a way of showing kindness to them and fulfilling our Islamic duty as neighbours. Giving him some meat from the Qurbani comes under the heading of dealing justly and kindly with them, which Allah has permitted to us. It was narrated from Mujaahid that a sheep was slaughtered for ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr by a member of his family, and when he came, he said: Did you give some to our Jewish neighbour, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) say: “Jibreel kept urging me to treat neighbours kindly until I thought that he would make neighbours heirs.” (Jame Tirmiji). The whole universe comes under the umbrella of unity and communism. It speaks fraternity, brotherhood, tolerance and forgiveness. It removes terrorism, corruptions, war, anger, hunger and luxury. There lies a social and economic obligation of human being. It removes the high and low differences of mankind. Through slaughter, purity is attained. Humanity and justice is restored. We get a discrimination free society.
It is a great example of teaching by sacrifice. Again, it is tested case of humanity, loyalty and obedience to God in our life. Almighty has dictated us to follow the ideas of sacrifice. This is because by sacrifice only we can come closer to our creator. Through sacrifice one can remove the cruelty, selfishness and narrowness of mind. One can broaden one’s life expectancy by sacrifice. Islam never allows a man to be an epicurean. Today humanity faces an acute crisis not only due to the corona virus, but also due to the lack of trust between humans. To defeat an epidemic, people need to trust scientific experts, citizens need to trust public authorities, and countries need to trust each other. In this moment of crisis, the crucial struggle takes place within humanity itself. If this pandemic results in greater disunity and mistrust among humans, it will be the virus’s greatest victory. When humans squabble – viruses double. In contrast, if the epidemic results in closer global cooperation, it will be a victory not only against the coronavirus, but against all future pathogens.
Qurbani teaches us the importance of remembering other Muslim brothers and sisters who are living in harsh times and not so fortunate to enjoy Eid like they are. It is a great opportunity to achieve the blessing of Allah by helping each other particularly those who are in need of assistance. Whoever wants to distribute the meat from Qurbani accordingly, he should divide the meats from Qurbani into three parts – one is for his own family, one for the neighbours and one for the poor who are corona victims.
To ensure social welfare is the essence of sacrifice. It leads us to the teaching of humanity and flourishes our national culture. Solidity, brotherhood, discipline and social values are established through it. Slaughter is mere symbolic. The reality is coming to God’s proximity. If our mind is clear only then it will be granted to Almighty. Through it, we get a world of love and peace. The Eid-ul- Azha is knocking at the door. The covid situation is also alarming and panic is prevailing among the mass people. People are suffering especially the marginal are living hand to mouth. In this situation, it is very essential to extend our hands of cordial co-operation, sprit and teaching of Eid-ul-Azha and finally need to be humanitarian to face the cruelty and evil challenges against covid-19.
(Dr. Frqan is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP).
