The Larger Meaning of 'Qurbani'

Whenever the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, we remember the ordeal that Ibrahim (as) had to go through during his old age. 

It was a unique event of its kind, and which history has never mentioned one similar to it.

The Quran confirms this fact:

                        

“And when they had both submitted (to the command of Allah) and he put him down upon his forehead, 

We called to him, "O Ibrahim, 

you have fulfilled the vision. Thus do We reward the doers of good.

‘That was indeed a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (37: 104-108).

If Ibrahim (as) was the subject of such a trial, certainly the Supreme Creator does not require from us this heavy burden. But everyone must know that success in the life on earth, and especially that in the hereafter will never happen as long as the concept of sacrifice is not well rooted in the mind and heart of the believer (the servant of Allah).

The sacrifice is not limited to ‘Qurbani’ or ‘Udhiya’ (blood sacrifice) that everyone already knows. But this term has a much broader meaning. And so the term means to sacrifice in a larger than life way, to give oneself and one’s wealth for the cause of Allah (swt) acknowledging that His words are much better than those of mere humans. Islam is a religion that encourages the believer to sacrifice in all ways. The believer is obliged to sacrifice his life and his soul in order to make Islam prevail over all other religions. He must sacrifice out of his wealth and spend it in the way of Allah just like the Supreme Legislator has commanded.

'Eid' Retreat: Message to Kerala Jamaat

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha 2015, Jamaat-Ul-Sahih-Al-Islam-Kerala, South organized a Two-Day Spiritual Retreat Programme at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra. The Amir Jamaat, Jenab R. Jamaluddin Raother Saheb led the discussions and meeting proceedings held on September 24-25, 2015. 

Alhamdulillah, Soumma Alhamdulillah, those who participated in the Retreat, left the Mosque with a renewed sense of spiritual awareness and unique internal contentment/ inner peace. 

The various expositions of Islamic teachings and viewpoints made by the Khalifatullah of our times, Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius-who is a living Renewer of the Faith of Islam and a frequent recipient of Divine revelations- formed the backdrop of the proceedings and discussions at the Retreat. Presented below is the Transcript of the special Message delivered the Khalifatullah (atba) for the benefit of the fledgling Kerala Jamaat. 

MESSAGE TO THE KERALA JAMAAT UL SAHIH AL ISLAM 

My dear Amir Sahib and all my dear disciples in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – Kerala,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

It gives me great pleasure to know that you are holding a two-day special spiritual retreat and maximising your attention and efforts in tarbiyyat and tabligh. May Allah (swt) bless your efforts. Ameen. 

I pray to Allah (swt) that the spiritual retreat may prove a step forward towards realising the aims and objects for which the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam has been founded. The banner of Islam has to be raised aloft, higher than all other banners, and the message of the Holy Quran has to be conveyed to every human being, of every colour (black, brown or white) and race etc. 

The world is groping in darkness. There is a sense of frustration all round. Despite all worldly comforts there is unrest and uneasiness in every heart. This is because people have forsaken religion and lost contact with their Creator.

In this wide world, there is one and only one community – the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam – which is blessed with contentment and satisfaction by the Grace of Allah. The angels descend upon them from heaven and bring solace to their hearts. This is because they firmly believe in a living and Almighty God who manifests profusely His signs of grace, keeps them safe from all dangers and sustains them in all their difficulties.

Eid-Ul-Adha: Sacrificing Our Best Assets

And for all religion We have appointed a rite (of sacrifice) that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, give good tidings to the humble (before their Lord), 

Who, when (the name of) Allah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and (to) the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them. 

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up (for sacrifice); and when they are (lifeless) on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. 

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good. (22: 35-38)

The great advices mentioned in these verses apply to every aspect of human life. First they teach us the meaning of sacrifice. And they teach us that we are dependent on these animals (cattle) because we get all kinds of supplies from them. And there are other benefits that are related to these quadrupeds to facilitate your life. Certainly, it is on these types of animals also that you travel.