What is Qurbani? and EidulAzha?

Qurbani is the annual sacrifice performed by Muslims in commemoration of Abraham's intention to offer God his only son, Ishmael. Such ultimate dedication was accepted by God through a dream in the form of a lamb. Abraham instead sacrificed lambs and distributed the meat as per his norm of being charitable. Later on, this tradition took roots in Mecca, the city of his making.

Today, in keeping with Islam's origin to Abrahamic Culture, - pilgrimage, circumcision and a host of other religious acts, Muslims who can afford this donation are obligated to. For the most part the price of a sheep or a goat or even 1/7 of a cow is paid and the meat distributed to the poor and needy.

While many are not privileged to have the time and access to actually perform the slaughter, especially in modern societies, many bona fide charitable organizations will accept the amount and have the act performed in some underprivileged place in the world. The price is about CDN 230.00 for a sheep and the meat can be consumed by oneself, by friends and neighbors, albeit the destitute deservingly are mostly the recipients.

The prayer at the time of the sacrifice remains one as in making any domesticated animal halal for consumption-blessing the meat by mentioning God's name (Bismillah), the source of life and the prayer for acceptance finalizes the act- Oh Allah accept from us as you did from Abraham! The intention of the devotee is considered made at the time of paying the amount and hence there is no need for publication of names and lengthy litanies, however, the mention of it doesn't invalidate the act.

Finally this is not a senseless ritualistic ruin of animals but rather an act of charity that has deeper roots into an historical act, done by a Prophet shared by world religions, of great self sacrifice. Today he remains an emblem of unity and icon for alleviation of poverty through this pro bono act of religious charity. Muslims should therefore think of those daily food banks when planning their Qurbani as this meat is good for all humanity.

EidulAzha is the festival when this act is performed, mostly three days, commencing just after the performance of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hijra calendar marks it as 10th of ZilHijja and this year it may fall on Tuesday, December 9th, as per calculated predictions.

Be what day it is, this time of Eid doesn’t usually get the same fanfare like the Eid of Feast. But shouldn't Eid be festive and filled with jubilation? After all this is also thanksgiving for having Ishmael's life saved and God making it easy that purchasing a simple goat is enough to display rather fulfill the need for divine approval in the devotee-God circle of love.