Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Central to this occasion is the practice of Korban (also spelled Qurbani or Udhiyah), the ritual sacrifice of an animal, which embodies profound spiritual, historical, and communal values. This blog explores the history behind the Korban, who is obligated to perform it, and who is entitled to receive its blessings, offering a deeper understanding of this sacred tradition.
The History Behind the Korban
The practice of Korban is deeply rooted in Islamic theology and traces back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) and his son, Prophet Ismail (Ishmael, peace be upon him). According to Islamic tradition, Allah commanded Ibrahim in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son as a test of his faith and obedience. Ibrahim, known for his unwavering devotion, shared the dream with Ismail, who willingly agreed to submit to Allah’s will, demonstrating his own faith and trust.
As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, Allah, in His mercy, intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place. This event, recorded in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, 37:100-107), symbolizes the ultimate act of submission to Allah’s command and the importance of trust in divine wisdom. The Korban performed during Eid al-Adha commemorates this profound moment, reminding Muslims of the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, and gratitude.
Historically, the practice of animal sacrifice predates Islam and is found in various forms across Abrahamic traditions. However, in Islam, the Korban is a structured act of worship performed specifically during Eid al-Adha, which occurs on the 10th to 13th days of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The ritual was formalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized its spiritual and communal significance, encouraging Muslims to share the meat of the sacrificed animal with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
Who Should Perform the Korban?
The Korban is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who meet specific criteria, reflecting their financial capacity and religious responsibility. The conditions for performing Korban are as follows:
- Muslim: The individual must be a Muslim, as the Korban is an Islamic act of worship.
- Adult and Sane: The person must be of sound mind and have reached the age of puberty.
- Financially Capable: The individual must possess wealth above the nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth that makes one liable to pay Zakat, typically equivalent to the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver). This wealth must be in excess of their basic needs, such as housing, food, and clothing.
- Resident: The obligation applies to Muslims who are residents, not travelers, during the days of Eid al-Adha.
The Korban is typically performed by the head of the household on behalf of themselves and their family. A single animal, such as a sheep or goat, can suffice for one person or a household, while larger animals like cattle or camels can be shared among up to seven individuals. This flexibility allows families or communities to collaborate in fulfilling the obligation, making it accessible to a wider group.
While the Korban is obligatory for those who meet the criteria, it is also a voluntary act of charity for those who wish to perform it additionally as a means of drawing closer to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged generosity in this regard, stating that the reward for the sacrifice is immense, with every hair of the animal accounting for a good deed (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Who is Entitled to Receive the Korban?
The meat from the Korban is divided into three equal portions, each serving a distinct purpose to foster community, charity, and gratitude:
- For the Family: One-third of the meat is reserved for the household performing the Korban. This portion allows the family to partake in the blessings of the sacrifice and enjoy the fruits of their act of worship.
- For Relatives and Friends: One-third is distributed among relatives, friends, and neighbors. This strengthens familial and social bonds, promoting unity and generosity within the community.
- For the Poor and Needy: The final third is given to the poor and those in need, ensuring that the less fortunate can partake in the joy of Eid al-Adha. This act of charity embodies the Islamic principle of caring for the vulnerable and sharing blessings with others.
In many communities, the distribution of Korban meat is organized to reach those in remote or impoverished areas, often through mosques, charities, or local organizations. In modern times, Muslims living in urban areas or countries where performing the sacrifice is challenging may delegate the Korban to trusted organizations that conduct the sacrifice in other regions and distribute the meat to those in need, ensuring the spirit of the ritual is upheld.
The Spiritual and Social Significance of Korban
Beyond its historical roots, the Korban is a multifaceted act of worship that carries deep spiritual and social meaning. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrificing one’s desires and attachments for the sake of Allah. It encourages Muslims to reflect on their priorities, letting go of materialism and focusing on devotion and gratitude.
Socially, the Korban fosters a sense of community and compassion. By sharing the meat with others, Muslims strengthen bonds with family, friends, and neighbors while addressing the needs of the less fortunate. In a world where hunger and poverty persist, the Korban ensures that the joy of Eid al-Adha is inclusive, reaching those who might otherwise be excluded.
Conclusion
The Korban of Eid al-Adha is a powerful tradition that encapsulates the essence of faith, sacrifice, and charity. Rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, it serves as a reminder of the importance of submission to Allah’s will and the value of sharing blessings with others. By performing the Korban, Muslims not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to a culture of generosity and unity that transcends borders and backgrounds.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, let us embrace the spirit of Korban by reflecting on our faith, supporting those in need, and strengthening our communities. May this sacred act bring us closer to Allah and to one another.