Qurbani: Losing the Spirit of Sacrifice

 Qurbani: Losing the Spirit of Sacrifice

Waris Nissar 

As Eid-ul-Adha draws near, markets fill with sacrificial animals and homes prepare for Qurbani. Yet alongside the spirit of devotion, another reality has increasingly become visible: the sacred act of sacrifice is often overshadowed by social pressure, competition, and display.

The essence of Qurbani was never about status, quantity, or public recognition. It is rooted in the timeless Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who wholeheartedly obeyed the command of Allah. The sacrifice symbolises obedience, sincerity, and taqwa — not wealth or prestige.

Today, many families feel pressured to purchase more animals than they can comfortably afford, not out of devotion, but to meet expectations and avoid judgment. In many places, the focus shifts from worship to display: how many animals were bought, how widely the meat was distributed, or how grand the arrangements appeared before relatives and neighbours.

A growing social custom has also added further pressure. When a close relative gets married or engaged, families often feel obligated to send special portions of meat, particularly the leg portion, commonly known as “raan”, during Eid-ul-Adha. What may once have been a gesture of affection has, in many cases, turned into an expectation. People begin to worry about whom the “raan” must be sent to, how many relatives should be included, and whether society will judge them if certain customs are not followed. Gradually, a deeply spiritual act risks becoming a social exercise shaped by pressure rather than sincerity.

This trend distances many people from the true message of Eid-ul-Adha. The Holy Qur’an clearly reminds believers:

“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is your taqwa.”

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that Allah values sincerity and righteousness over outward appearance. A single sacrifice offered with pure intention carries greater worth than multiple animals sacrificed merely for recognition or social approval.

Islam certainly encourages sharing Qurbani meat, especially with the poor and needy, so that everyone can partake in the joy of Eid-ul-Adha. Sharing with relatives and neighbours is also encouraged, as it strengthens bonds and spreads goodwill. However, Islam does not endorse extravagance, arrogance, or burdening oneself to satisfy social expectations. The beauty of Qurbani lies in humility, gratitude, compassion, and sincere devotion to Allah.

As Muslims prepare for Eid-ul-Adha this year, there is a need to return to the true spirit of the Sunnah — simple, sincere, and centred on faith. Qurbani should unite hearts, help the poor, and strengthen taqwa, not become a measure of status or competition.

In a time when appearances often dominate intentions, perhaps the greatest sacrifice today is sacrificing the desire to impress people and choosing instead to seek only the pleasure of Allah.

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