Raqif Makhdoomi
Muslims across the world are preparing to perform Qurbani. Every Muslim who can afford a sacrificial animal is obligated to offer one as prescribed in Islam. Many people associate this ritual merely with money and the purchasing of animals. While money certainly plays a role, Qurbani is about something far deeper.
To truly understand its meaning, we must go back to where this tradition began.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) remained childless until the age of 86. Yet despite his old age, he continued praying to Allah for a child. From a worldly and scientific perspective, having a child at that age appeared impossible. Even his wife, Hazrat Sarah (RA), wondered how they could become parents at such an advanced age. But Allah is not bound by human limitations.
At the age of 86, Allah blessed Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) with his first son, Hazrat Ismail (AS), through Hazrat Hajra (RA). Later, when Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was 100 years old, Allah blessed him again with another son, Hazrat Ishaq (AS), through Hazrat Sarah (RA).
There is an important lesson in this: when faith is firm and sincere, miracles can happen. But true belief requires complete trust in Allah alone.
After blessing Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) with a son, Allah put him through a series of tests. He was commanded to leave his wife Hazrat Hajra (RA) and his infant son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in the barren and uninhabited valley of Makkah. At that time, the valley had no water, vegetation, or human settlement. He left them with only a small amount of food and water before returning to فلسطين.
This act of obedience eventually led to the settlement of Makkah and later the construction of the Kaaba.
After completing the construction of the Kaaba, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah to call people for Hajj. Looking at the empty desert around him, he asked, “Ya Allah, who will hear my call?” Allah replied, “You call them, and leave the rest to Me.”
Today, millions of Muslims responding to the call of Hajj are believed to be answering that very call of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), and this will continue until the Day of Judgment.
One of the essential rituals of Hajj is the running between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This commemorates the struggle of Hazrat Hajra (RA), who ran desperately between the two hills searching for water for her infant son after they were left alone in the desert. It was during this struggle that the blessed Zamzam water emerged by the mercy of Allah.
We must pause here and reflect deeply.
A man waits 86 years for a son, only to be commanded to leave that beloved child in an empty desert. What lesson does this teach us?
It teaches us that Allah tests those whom He loves. Tests are not always signs of punishment; often they are a means of raising the status and rewards of believers.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was first tested through years of waiting. Then he was tested through separation from his wife and child. Yet the greatest test was still to come.
Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) saw in a dream that Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (AS). When he informed his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS) replied with complete submission: “If it is the command of Allah, then do what you are commanded. You will find me patient, InshaAllah.”
It is also narrated that Shaitan approached Hazrat Hajra (RA) and attempted to discourage her by saying that her husband intended to sacrifice their son. But her response reflected unwavering faith: “If this is Allah’s command, then I will not stop them.”
All these events ultimately point toward one central lesson — complete trust in Allah.
When Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) placed Hazrat Ismail (AS) down and attempted to sacrifice him, Allah replaced Hazrat Ismail (AS) with an animal. The sacrifice was accepted because Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) had already proven his obedience and sincerity.
This is the true essence of Qurbani.
The sacrifice of an animal is not merely a ritual to fulfil a religious obligation. Its deeper purpose is to teach believers that when Allah commands something, a Muslim must be ready to sacrifice even what is most beloved to them — without hesitation.
The Holy Quran reminds us that if we love our wealth, businesses, lands, children, spouses, or families more than Allah and His commands, then we are spiritually misguided.
Today, many people perform Qurbani every year, but few truly reflect upon its message. Qurbani is not only about slaughtering an animal; it is about slaughtering arrogance, selfishness, greed, and attachment to worldly things above faith.
As Muslims, the command of Allah should always remain above our desires, emotions, and worldly attachments. That is the real lesson the sacrifice teaches us.
Raqif Makhdoomi is a law student and human rights activist.
