The performance of Qurbani is an act which is a Sunnah of the Prophets of Islam, and through its action it becomes Waajib in its performance upon all those who have the means. Abu Hurairah related: the Prophet (SAW) stated: ‘Whosoever has the means to perform Qurbani and does not do so, should not come near Eid Gaah (place of performing Eid Salah) at all.’ In this Hadith Prophet (SAW) has expressed his displeasure at those who have the means to perform Qurbani and do not do so. Qurbani is a great worship for the Ummah of the Prophet (SAW). This is proven from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Ibn Umar relates: ‘When the Prophet made Hijrah to Madinah Munawarrah, for ten years he performed Qurbani every year.’ (Jami Tirmidhi) The Prophet (SAW) performed Eid Salah in the 2nd year of Hijra and then performed Qurbani. Rasulullah stated: ‘O people, verily every household should perform the sacrifice every year.’ (Ibn Majah) Allah has stated in the Qur’an: And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah). So look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of As-Sabirun (the patient).” And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon him forehead, We called to him, “O Ibrahim, 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. And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations. “Salam peace be upon Ibrahim”(Surah As-Saffat).
In remembrance of the love, obedience and belief both Ibrahim and Ismail showed to Allah on this occasion; the sacrifice is enacted by Muslims all over the world and will be performed until the Day of Judgment following the example of Ibrahim. The performance of this action of Ibrahim, namely, the willingness to sacrifice his son shows that a person’s logic should not always be used to justify the orders of Allah. It was for this reason that his obedience was so loved by Allah that the mention of which is also found in Qur’an.
Allah tested the Prophet Ibrahim with many difficulties and orders to prove his obedience. On one occasion Ibrahim (AS) was shown a dream wherein he was sacrificing his son Ismail (AS). The Prophets dreams are treated as revelation and both father and son proceeded to carry out the order of Allah .When the time came for the sacrifice and Ibrahim fulfilled the order of Allah; Allah substituted the sacrifice with a Raem. In remembrance of the love, obedience and belief both Ibrahim and Ismail showed to Allah on this occasion; the sacrifice is enacted by Muslims all over the world and will be performed until the Day of Judgment following the example of Ibrahim. The performance of this action of Ibrahim, namely, the willingness to sacrifice his son shows that a person’s logic should not always be used to justify the orders of Allah. It was for this reason that his obedience was so loved by Allah that the mention of which is also found in Qur’an. Zayd Ibn Arqam (RA) relates that the Companions of Prophet (SAW) asked, “O Rasulullah (SAW)! What is Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS).” They asked again, “What benefit do we get from it?” He answered, “A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal).” “And (what reward is there for animals with) wool, O Rasulullah (SAW)?” they asked. “A reward,” he said, “for every fibre of the wool.”
