What is the story of Qurbani/Udhiyah?
The Qurbani/Udhiyah story is a profound reflection of faith, rooted in the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, for Allah’s sake.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS):
In the Quran this is described as such in Surah As-Saffat
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِين
Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”
[ 34: 102]
Quran states that Ibrahim (AS) experienced a dream one night in which Allah (SWT) told him to sacrifice Ismail (AS), his beloved son. At first, Ibrahim(as) believed this was the shaitan playing tricks on him, and he immediately disregarded it.
However, he had the same dream again the following night, commanding him to do the same. Ibrahim (AS) then came to realize that this was no fluke and but in fact, was a message from Allah(swt).
Ibrahim (AS) loved his son, Ismail (AS), whom Allah had also blessed with insight and love for the obedience of Allah and was fully prepared to follow the command of his father or Allah(swt)without a doubt.
Therefore Ibrahim(as) took Ismail to the top of Mount Arafat and brought with him a knife and rope. Being an obedient son, Prophet Ismail (AS) immediately obliged the wishes of Allah (SWT) and his father and asked that his hands and legs be tied so that he may not struggle and that his father blindfold himself so that he does not have to witness him suffer.
Ibrahim (AS) did as Ismail (AS) had said. Blindfolded and with the knife in his hands, he intended to do as Allah (SWT) had asked of him. But before the blade would cut young Ismail, Allah(swt) reached out to Ibrahim by divine mercy, having replaced the son with ram, so that Ismail was unharmed.
Unaware of the miracle that had just taken place, prophet Ibrahim fearing the worst, removed his blindfold, to see that his son was unharmed and that in his stead was a ram instead. This how Allah spared young Ismail and gave Ibrahim(as) a ram to sacrifice in his son’s place.
فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِ
Then when they submitted ˹to Allah’s Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺,
وَنَـٰدَيْنَـٰهُ أَن يَـٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ
We called out to him, “O Abraham!
قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِين
You have already fulfilled the vision. Indeed this if how we reward good-doers.
[34: 103-105]
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) had just passed a difficult test from Allah (SWT) by His divine grace. And forever become a pinnacle of what it means to sacrifice and submit to Allah(swt) And to honor them- Allah(swt) bestowed the gift of Qurbani as an obligation for Muslims to fulfill each year.
What are the lessons from the story of Ibrahim(as) and Ismail's story of Qurbani?
Prophet Ibrahim’s story is one of unshakeable belief. His dedication to Allah (swt), was unwavering, and his life’s journey — one marked by trials and divine interventions, including the story of nearly sacrificing his son, - solidified his stature as among the greatest of Prophet’s and men.
His conviction was rooted in Allah (swt) as such that he never doubted Allah’s (swt) existence no matter what befell him. By seeing the world around him, the cycle of nature, his belief in Allah(swt) only increased, and he parted that lesson into his son Ismail from an early age.
Therefore by giving Qurbani every year Muslims reflect upon their own devotion and readiness to sacrifice in the path of the Almighty.
What does the Quran say about Qurbani?
According to the Quran, the act of Qurbani symbolizes obedience and righteousness, with an emphasis on the piety of the believers rather than the sacrificed animal's flesh or blood.
Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reached Him is piety from you.′
[22:37]
Why is Qurbani performed during Eid ul Adha?
Qurbani is performed during Eid ul Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah, exemplifying deep devotion and obedience. It is an integral part of the celebration and reflection during the holy pilgrimage- known as Hajj.
How did Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) practice Qurbani?
Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) practiced Qurbani by sacrificing two rams on Eid -ul Adha, one to fulfil his obligation and other for those who cannot give qurbani. You can learn more about prophet qurbani in our blog.
The story of Qurbani is a timeless narrative of faith, sacrifice, and devotion. From the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim to the compassionate traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and the very first qurbani given by the brother's Habil and Kabil and guiding verses of the Quran, Qurbani encompasses the essential virtues of Islam. It is a practice that calls upon Muslims to reflect on their own spiritual journey, to measure the depth of their devotion, and to reaffirm their commitment to the path of Allah.
As the day of Qurbani draws near, donate your Qurbani with Muslim Hands to showcase the of spirit of selfless giving, communal harmony, and the relentless pursuit of piety. May Allah accept our sacrifices this Qurbani. Ameen.
