MD SOHEL MONDAL
A UK based charity organization, Human Appeal, calculated in its annual report of ‘Qurbani 2021: Impact and Achievements’ in India. Astonishingly, this was in time of disruptions caused by COVID-19 resurgence. The report read: “We provided fresh, nutritious meat to 174,400 Muslim families enduring food insecurity in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.” It's the case of one single charity organization. Calculation would be much greater in regards to unregulated distribution across regions.
‘Eid-ul-Adha’, ‘Bakrid’ and ‘Qurbani’ interchangeably used with the Islam enunciated second grand Eid i.e. festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Though regionally vary in naming, the common mark is that all denote a single theme and practice of sacrifice. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha normally is observed on the 10th day of the lunar month Dhu al-Hijjah which is itself epitomized for the greatest event of brotherhood in the annual pilgrimage of Hajj. In this feast of sacrifice, we can identify a unique balancing of Islam that turns a festive celebration into sincere devotion while benefiting the soul and society and awakening historical remembrance, societal consciousness, necessity of piety and practicality of equality.
Practicality of Equality
Equality and non-discrimination have been boldly proclaimed as primary principles by all human right watch-dogs around the world including the United Nations. However, while assessing the practical impact it's nothing rather than mere mirage. Even after emancipation from arbitrary discrimination of colonialism, ultimately the diversionary theory of nationalism promoted inequalities in political, economical and other social spheres. Human right to food is non-negotiable; inherent to all human beings (UN 1948). However, due to rising population and varying biophysical endowments, inequality in food access has become a reality of antiquity. However, the appalling fact is that ‘caste based food disparity and inequalities’ is rampant in various traditions and societies.
In this regard of food scarcity and inequality, Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha administers an effective remedy showing a grand celebration of human rights to food. Addressing the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in general, the Qur’an describes the obligation of sacrifice: “Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar (Abundance). So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].”
In accordance with the Hanafi School of Thought - “udhiyya (sacrifice) is wajib (incumbent) upon every free muslim, who is resident and financially well off, on the day of Adha.” It is worth mentioning that ‘needy’ are exempt from this imposition. Further the former is not allowed to enjoy his sacrifice alone but, should ‘distribute not less than one third of it’ separately to friends, neighbours or relatives and deprived for a collective celebration so that he would ‘eat from the meat of the sacrifice’ as well as ‘feed to those who are in need.’ What a wonder when all, withstanding any difference, taste the meal of the same feast - of rich meat! Has any man-made system achieved this height of equality and human rights celebration?
Looking into some assessments will help to reveal its wider welfare aspects as mentioned above. Another practical scene of universal equality is manifested on the very day in its pre-sacrificial prayer with a huge number of worshipers from different social strata when they line up along, do special actions in an array and embrace together with the message of salaam - peace and blessings be upon you.
Piety is Central
This mass dedication integrated in a festival is not out of compulsion or showmanship; but fitted with sincerity and a definite purpose. A dual purpose that oscillates and syncs between humanity and divinity. First one is as aforementioned. The latter follows hereby.
Warning against arrogance of abundance, Allah says: “Their meat will not reach Allāh, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” The verse clarifies that it’s the state of heart that's measured. Taqwa literally piety is, as opined by scholars, the subject of heart or soul in compliance with Allah's commands and avoiding His prohibitions which is instrumental in observing any operation of Islam.
Similarly, Eid al-Adha gives a strong impetus to spirituality. Connecting with the day-special activities like feeding the poor, recounting lessons of history, attending the pre-sacrificial prayer, spreading greetings of salaam and hug of shoulders to others, engaging in supplications and reviving the prophetic traditions, etc. helps a man boost his spirituality and inner energy for the religion.
Historical Remembrance
Almost everyone is left with a never-forgotten memory of the coming of Qurbani, not of the last two days or two months or years. The history of that Abrahamic era - the story of the greatest sacrifice that the world has ever seen. Qur’an has recounted it as one of the best epitome set by a servant to please his god. “And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations.”
The story of sacrifice is narrated in the holy Qur’an between 102-107 verses of surah as-Saffat. It goes on: “And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.” And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, “O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”
After describing the accepted sacrifice of Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his son Ismael (عليه السلام), Allah addresses him before human beings with promises of grandeur rewards to those who follow this purity of divine love.
Along this, a hadith is also reported celebrating the memory of Ibrahim-Ismail (عليهما السلام). Zaid bin Arqam (رضي الله عنه) said: The companions of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ asked: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! What are these adahi (sacrifices) and he ﷺ replied, “It is a sunnah (tradition) of your father Ibrahim (عليه السلام).” They asked: What (reward) we will have, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ? He replied ﷺ, “For every hair, there is a reward (hasanah).” They asked: What about wool, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ? He ﷺ, “For every hair of wool, there will be a reward.”
Around these all, it’s clear that veneration towards Ibrahim (عليه السلام) in relation to this universal event is an appraisal for his unwavering faith in Allah, complete obedience for His commands without compromise and sincere submission to His willingness. Thus Eid al-Adha as a Festival of Sacrifice unfolds these lessons to all human beings from humility to equality to piety and sincerity. With celebrating the Eid to come, let the Feast be dyed with these aspects.
Author:
The author is from Jharkhand. He is a PG Scholar at Department of Civilizational Studies, Darul Huda Islamic University, Kerala. The author regularly writes in English and Bengali on a range of topics focusing on Islam and current affairs. His recent book is ‘15 Characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad’. Email: mdsohelmondal60@gmail.com
Key References
Qura'an (English Translation: Saheeh International)
Hadith (Ahmad, Ibn Majah.Mishkat al-Masabij)
D’Odorico, P. (2019, March). Food Inequality, Injustice, and Rights. BioScience, 69. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz002
Khajuria, A. (2020, August). Digesting Caste: Graded Inequality in Food Habits. https://mpp.nls.ac.in/blog/digesting-caste-graded-inequality-in-food-habits/
Qudūrī, A. b. M. (2012). Mukhtaṣar al-Qudūrī. Ta-Ha Publishers.
Qurbani 2021: Impact and Achievements. (2021, August). humanappeal.org.uk.
Solt, F. (2011, July). Diversionary Nationalism: Economic Inequality and the Formation of National Pride. The Journal of Politics, 73. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002238161100048X
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