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Importance of Qurbani (Sacrifice of Animal) in Islam ABSTRACT: One of the special characteristics that Allah has blessed the Muslim Ummah; are the times of the year, during which, acts of obedience and worship are extremely advantageous. These times of the years are in fact gifts from the Allah that He has given to Muslim Ummah. Allah announces a sale, special tilbud of mercy, blessings and presenting gift of great rewards during these seasons. Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on Lailatul Qadr" Another virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is that the Day of ARAFA (9th day of Dhull Hijja). The Day of ARAFA is a great day during which Allah frees many of his worshippers from the fire of Hell. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "There is no day during which Allah frees more worshippers from the fire of Hell than during the day of ARAFA". "Udhiya", sacrificing of animals is also obligatory in other religions. Allah ordered the obligation of "Udhiya" in the same way as Allah ordered for Fasting. Sacrificing of animal has great great rewards in the eyes of Allah. Hazrat Ayesha reports that the Prophet (PBUH) said,"The son of Adam does not perform any actions on the day of sacrifice which is more pleasing to Allah than the shedding of blood. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves. The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground - (Tirmizi). In another hadith Prophet (PBUH) said "Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice (animal) and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered."

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Dear brothers and sisters, I was reciting some verses of Surah Al-Hajj in which Allah Rabbul-Alamin ordered for "Udhiya", ordered for doing sacrifice of animals in the way of Allah. "Udhiya" is an Arabic world meaning "blood sacrifice" and "Qurban" means an act performed to seek Allah's pleasure. In the ‘Shariah’ of our beloved Prophet (PBUH) the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship during the three days of the month of Zulhijjah.

Dear brothers and sisters, "Udhiya", sacrificing of animals is also obligatory in other religions. Allah ordered the obligation of "Udhiya" in the same way as Allah ordered for Fasting. Allah says in surrah Al-Baqara

In the same way Allah ordered for "Udhiya".

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For every ummah We have prescribed a way of sacrifice so that the people (of that ummah) should pronounce the name of Allah over the cattle which Allah has provided for them.

Dear brothers and sisters, in Jews religious books, word korban are used for a variety of sacrifices offerings including animal sacrifice. Many Jewish sources discuss the deeper meaning behind the word korban. For example, it explains that an individual bringing an animal sacrifice for his sins by understanding that he personally should have been sacrificed as punishment for the rebellion action against God, but God mercifully accepts the sacrifice of animal in his place. Furthermore, it is considered that an animal is used as a sacrifice because at the moment of sin, the individual disregarded his human soul, by effectively acting as an animal.

References to animal sacrifice also appear in the Christianity. Some Christian sects sacrifice animals to Orthodox saints in a practice known as kourbània. Sacrifice of a lamb is a common practice in Armenian Church.

Dear brothers and sisters, before commenting more on "Udhiya" and its importance in Islam, I want to comment something on the importance of first ten days of DhulHijja. Dear brothers and sisters, one of the special characteristics that Allah has

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blessed the Muslim Ummah; are the times of the year, during which, acts of obedience and worship are extremely advantageous. These times of the years are in fact gifts from the Allah that He has given to Muslim Ummah. Allah generously rewarded for even small actions during these specific times. Therefore, these seasons or times of the year are great opportunities for us to free ourselves from the fire of Hell and come under the blessings of Allah. Allah announces a sale, special tilbud of mercy, blessings and presenting gift of great rewards during these seasons.

Dear brothers and sisters, Allah says in Quran.

By the dawn; By the ten nights Similarly Allah says in surrah Al-Hajj verse 28

mention the name of Allah, during the appointed days

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Imaam Ibn katheer and Imaam Bukhaari said that the intended meaning behind this verse is the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, as has been stated by Ibn-Abbas, Ibn AzZubair and many other renowned sahaba.

Ibn Abbaas reported that the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said "There are no days during which righteous actions and deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” Sahaba said, “Oh Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad in the way of Allah?” Prophet (PBUH) said, “Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a person who went (to fight in the way of Allah) by taking his life and his wealth, and he did not return with either of them" (Al-Bukhari) . Means become shaheed in the way of Allah.

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijja. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on Lailatul Qadr" [at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi].

Another virtue of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah is that the Day of ARAFA (9th day of Dhull Hijja). The Day of ARAFA is a great day during which Allah frees

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many of his worshippers from the fire of Hell. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "There is no day during which Allah frees more worshippers from the fire of Hell than during the day of ARAFA" [Sahih Muslim].

So dear brothers and sisters, during first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah give more emphasis and concern to the obligatory prayers and increase in optional prayers, because the prayer is amongst the greatest means of seeking nearness to Allah.

Fasting is also included amongst the righteous deeds during these ten days. It has been authentically reported that the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast the first 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah. It is reported from Hunaydah ibn Khalid that the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast the first nine days of Dhul hijjah and the day of Ashoorah, the three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays [Al-Nasai and Abu Dawood].

Fasting particularly on the day of Arafah has lots of rewards. Abu Qatadah narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said that the one who fasts the day of Arafah, his (minor) sins of the previous year and the year to come are forgiven by Allah [Muslim].

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Dear brothers and sisters, if anyone decides to sacrifice an animal, then, as soon as the month of Dhul-Hijjah begins it is forbidden for him to cut or shorten any hair of the body, or to clip his nails until after he sacrifices the animal. Prophet (PBUH) said, "If you witness the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah by sighting the new moon and any of you intend to sacrifice an animal, then he should not shorten or cut of his hair, nor should he clip his nails (i.e. until after he slaughters the animal).

Dear brothers and sisters, Recite the Quran for it is the best form of Dhikr and the shortest route to become closer to Allah. Prophet (PBUH) also said to increase in Tahleel, Takbeer and Tahmeed during these days. Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allaah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (Laa ilaaha illallaah), takbir (Allaahu Akbar) and tahmid (alhumdulillaah) a lot [on those days]." [Reported by Imam Ahmad]

Imaam Bukhaari said that Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah used to go to the market during the first days of Dhul-Hijja and repeatedly say the Takbeer and the people also used to repeat along with them.

‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ ﻭہﻠﻟ ﺍﻟﺤﻤﺪ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﻭﷲ ﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﻻ ﺇﻟﻪ ﺇﻻ ﷲ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.

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In summary, dear brothers and sisters, it is the responsibility of every Muslim, man and woman, old and young, to revive these ten days until they become for our community, like the last ten nights of Ramadan. Ibn al-Qayim explained that the best nights of the year are the last ten nights of Ramadan while the best days of the year are the first ten days of Dhul hijjah. Our lives are short and our accountability are great. We cannot afford to let golden moments like these pass by without expending ourselves in the worship of Allah.

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Dear brothers and sisters, there are two Ibadat which are obligatory, which are Farz on each and every Muslim, one is Salah and other one is Fasting "As som". These are Ibadat which are Farz on each and every Muslim whether they are poor or rich. Similarly there are two Ibadat which are obligatory only on those Muslims who have some prescribed wealth or who have capacity to do; these are Zakat and Hajj. "Udhiya" sacrificing of animals actually is an extension of Hajj.

Ibn Umar reports that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) lived in Madinah for ten years and performed ‘Qurbani’ every year.

Hazrat Jaber reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) slaughtered on the day of sacrifice two white and black sheep. When he faced them towards the Qibla, Prophet said: "Verily I turn my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, upon the religion of Ibraham, being upright, and I am not one of the disbelievers. Verily my prayer, my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. There is no partner with him and I have been ordered that, and I am one of the Muslims. O Allah, it is from Muhammad (PBUH) and his Ummah: In the name of Allah. Allah is the greatest". He then slaughtered the sheep. (Ahmed, Abu Daud, Ibne Majah).

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Dear brothers and sisters, the sacrifice of animals "Udhiya" was so much important in the eyes of Prophet (PBUH) that he instructed Hazrat Ali to do it after Prophet's (PBUH) death. Hazrat Hanash reported that I saw Hazrat Ali sacrificing two sheep. I asked him, "What is this and why are you sacrificing two animals?" Ali said: "Verily the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) left instruction to me to sacrifice on his behalf, and so I am sacrificing on his behalf.

Dear brothers and sisters, "Udhiya" has great great rewards in the eyes of Allah. Hazrat Ayesha reports that the Prophet (PBUH) said,"The son of Adam does not perform any actions on the day of sacrifice which is more pleasing to Allah than the shedding of blood. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves. The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground - (Tirmizi).

In another hadith Prophet (PBUH) said "Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice (animal) and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Ibn Majah). We can understand the importance of ‘Udhiya’ from the above ‘Hadith’ therefore each and every Muslim who is obliged, who have prescribed wealth should offer it.

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Now dear brothers and sisters, why this "Udhiya" this sacrifice of animals is so important in Islam. Allah says in the Ayah.

(but one and the main object in all these sacrifices is one and that is). Your Allah is One Allah: surrender to Him alone. And, O Prophet, give good news to those who adopt a humble way. This is the main reason of sacrificing animals that to accept Allah only and only one God. It is demonstration of total submission to Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah's will, orders and commands.

Dear brothers and sisters, doing "Udhiya" sacrificing of animals, actually brings us in confrontation, brings us in fight with false gods which lives inside our hearts, and those small gods which are outside us in our countries and in our societies. Is it possible that on one side we sacrificed animals on the name of Allah and on the other side we also involve in writting and uttering false statements, presenting wrong documents, deceiving other people, telling lie, involve in backbiting and other filthy deeds. Dear brother and sisters, is it possible that we shed the blood of animals by keeping in mind the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim but at the same time we

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do not offer even five times daily prayers, we get income by unlawful means and by dirty businesses, we even do not think how to spread the message of Allah and his messenger.

Once sahaba asked Prophet (PBUH)" Ya Rasulullah, what is this sacrifice?" He said: "it is the way of your fore father Ibrahim." And Dear brothers and sisters what is the way of Ibrahim. Allah says

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Abraham said: “I am going to my Allah; He will guide me. Allah, grant me a righteous son. (In response to this prayer) We gave him the good news of a forbearing boy. And when he (the son) was old enough to go about and work with him, (one day) Abraham said to him: “My son, I see in my dream that I am slaughtering you. So consider (and tell me) what you think.” He (His son) said: “Do as you are commanded. If Allah so wills, you will find me, among the steadfast people.

And when they both submitted to the Will of God, and Ibrahim had thrown him (his son) down on his forehead. We called to him: ‘O Abraham". You have indeed fulfilled your dream. Thus do We reward the good-doers. This was indeed a marked trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left for him a good name among the following generations. ‘Peace be upon Abraham!’ Thus do We reward those who do good. Surely, he was one of Our believing servants.

Many scholars have stated that the origin of the ‘Takbeer-e-Tasreeq’ is when the Prophet Ibrahim made Hazrat Ismail lie down, Allah ordered Hazrat Jibraeel to take along a ‘fidyah’(ransom) and when Hazrat Jibraeel arrived there, he feared that Hazrat Ibrahim would slaughter Ismail and so he began shouting "Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar." Hearing his voice, Prophet Ibrahim became happy and said, "Laa

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ilaaha illallahu wallahu akbar." Hazrat Ismail also came to know that the ‘fidyah’ arrived and he got up by saying, "Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd," and began to praises and thanks Allah.

Dear brothers and sisters, the real lesson from sacrificing of animals, from "Udhiya" is to get passion of sacrificing our wealth, our lives, our desires and everything in the way of Allah Rabbul-Alamin. I wish this time on Eid, when we will sacrifice animals in our countries or elsewhere, we also make one promise with ourselves that we will try to become good and true Muslims. We also make one promise with our Allah that we will never tell lie, never deceive any person, never collect money by illegal means, never break our agreements, never disobey our parents, never cut the relations with our family and friends, never givr harm to any person, never become miser and coward. On this Eid, we will sacrifice animals but we will also try to sacrifice the desires of our Nafs.

Dear brothers and sisters, Islam ordered us to go out for Eid prayer in the form of groups of people by saying loudly.

‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ ﻭہﻠﻟ ﺍﻟﺤﻤﺪ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﻻ ﺇﻟﻪ ﺇﻻ ﷲ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.‫ ﷲ ﺃﻛﺒﺮ‬.

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This is a way to tell the people that we do not accept orders of any god accept Allah. Eid is not only the gathering of people, it is actually the way to praise the name of Allah, it is actually the way to raise the name of our religion. It is actually the way to tell the people that the religion of Allah is independent. It is actually the way to spread the teachings of Islam. It is the best time to spread the culture of Islam. The famous Islamic poet presented this in very beautiful way.

He said the Eid of independent people is a way to spread knowledge and religion but the Eid of surrendered, captured and week people are nothing but just the gathering of people.

May Allah give us wisdom, strength and courage to present ourselves and our religion in the best and beautiful way to the people in this Non-Muslim society.