Of course, as Muslims, we want to always emulate the Prophet Muhammad and follow all of his sunnah in order to receive many blessings in the hereafter. To that end, here are some arguments for the command to perform qurbani in verses from the Quran and hadith so that we can understand and appreciate the meaning of the qurbani ritual in depth.
The Quran and Hadith contain many references to the command to perform qurbani. Although qurbani is not an obligatory act of worship, it is a sunnah muakad or a sunnah that is highly recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW to his followers. Moreover, qurbani also has many wisdoms and benefits.
Quranic Arguments Regarding the Command to Perform Qurbani
The Quran contains many references to the command to perform qurbani. The act of qurbani has been practiced since the time of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail AS. However, qurbani was also continued by the Prophet Muhammad SAW and taught to Muslims. The following are Quranic arguments regarding qurbani.
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Qurbani Brings You Closer to Allah SWT
“So pray to your Lord and do qurbani (sacrifice) (as an act of worship to bring you closer to Allah).” (QS. Al-Kautsar: 2)
In Surah Al-Kautsar verse 2, it is mentioned that the act of qurbani is an act of worship to draw closer to Allah after the reminder to perform prayer. Although it is a sunnah act of worship, the act of qurbani is also a means for us to remember Allah, as the creator and ruler of all human life.
Qurbani is a Form of Piety and Submission to Allah SWT
“And for every nation We have prescribed a form of sacrifice, that they may mention the name of Allah over the livestock He has provided for them. Your God is One God, so submit yourselves to Him, and give good news to those who submit themselves to Allah.” (QS: Al-Hajj: 34)
In the above verse, it is mentioned that the slaughter of sacrificial animals oriented towards Allah SWT is a form of our gratitude and submission to Allah SWT. Qurbani animals are a form of sustenance that Allah has given us. Slaughtering just one animal per Muslim will certainly not reduce the sustenance that Allah has given us.
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In addition, verses 36-37 continue, “Then eat some of it (the sacrificial meat) and feed those who are content with what they have (those who do not beg) and those who ask. The meat and blood of the sacrifice cannot reach Allah’s pleasure, but it is your piety that can reach it.”
The command to sacrifice does not diminish gratitude and enjoyment, because as a person who sacrifices, one is also entitled to enjoy some of it, and of course it is also a pleasure for the beneficiaries who receive it. The output of the sacrifice worship is piety, for that reason, as the verse above mentions, it is not the blood of the meat that reaches Allah’s pleasure, but how we are pious to Him.
Forms of Obedience and Unifying Allah
“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner, and I am the first to submit.” (QS. Al-An’am: 162)
In the above verse, it is shown that the Prophet Muhammad testified that his prayers and sacrificeswere a form of self-acknowledgment that there is no one other than Allah SWT to surrender to. Allah is the place to return to and the Lord of the Universe. What humans sacrifice is certainly not comparable to what Allah has given us. For this reason, the sacrifice is highly recommended.
The Command to Qurbani in the Hadith
In addition to the Quran, the command to sacrifice is also mentioned in many hadiths. Of course, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also regularly sacrificed while performing the pilgrimage. For example, in the following hadith,
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sacrificed two fat, horned goats. I saw the Prophet SAW place his feet on the shoulders of the goats, then the Prophet SAW recited the basmalah, takbir, and slaughtered them with his own hands.” (HR Bukhari)
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This hadith shows that the Messenger also sacrificed and slaughtered with his own hands while mentioning the name of Allah. Because of the importance and many virtues of the sacrifice, anyone who has the means is strongly encouraged to perform the sacrifice. As stated in the hadith below,
“Whoever has the means but does not perform the sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majah)
In addition, the act of sacrifice will also be our witness in the hereafter because every strand of hair, blood, and meat that is distributed will weigh heavily on our deeds. Of course, this is for those who are sincere in carrying it out, as stated in the following hadith.
From Aisha, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There is no deed of the children of Adam on the day of Eid al-Adha that is more beloved to Allah than the shedding of blood (slaughtering sacrificial animals). Indeed, on the Day of Resurrection, these animals will come complete with their horns, hooves, and fur. Indeed, its blood will reach Allah—as a sacrifice—wherever the animal is slaughtered before its blood reaches the ground, so be sincere in slaughtering it.” (HR. Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi)
Therefore, from the above hadith, we can learn many lessons that the command to sacrifice is a command that is strongly emphasized by Allah SWT through the Quran and hadiths that reflect the example of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. If we have excess wealth and the means to sacrifice this year, then let us do so immediately so that it will be of great benefit to others and good for us in this world and the hereafter.
Especially if our sacrifice can reach many people in need and bring smiles of happiness to them. May Allah ease our sacrifice this year.
