Qurban Bayramı:Festival of Sacrifice

 

This week, Muslims around the world observed the account of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the (near) sacrifice of his son.  The observation comes at the end of Hajj (the annual pilgrimage to Mecca) and typically lasts for around three days.

In Arabic, the observation is referred to as Eid Al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice." During the observation, individuals in Muslim nations often slaughter their own goat, sheep, cow or camel (in accordance to how the prophet taught its people and other animals cannot be used).  In Azerbaijan, it is most commonly sheep.

The ritual symbolizes the life of Ibrahim and his devotion to Allah (the most important and well known story being that of God's request to sacrifice his own son and Ibrahim's willingness to do so).  The story is known in the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths. (Although there is a disparity between which son, Isaac or Ishmael, was called upon to be sacrificed.)

The observation is one of importance (the second most important Muslim "holiday") and one which emphasizes community, sacrifice and giving to others.

Qurban Bayramı can be misunderstood by other nations.  The slaughtering of animals as ritual can be seen as archaic or barbaric.  However, the slaughter of the animal symbolizes the trials faced by Ibrahim and is performed while observing dhabihah, an Islamic law which prescribes the appropriate way to slaughter an animal.  The animal is shown compassion and respect and the rites are intended to ensure as little pain and suffering to the animal as possible.  The name of Allah is spoken in recognition and remembrance that life is sacred.  The meat is then given to others.  Christine Huda Dodge writes:

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

Last year, at this time, I went to my clustermate's house and watched as his family slaughtered a sheep in observance of the holiday.  Following the slaughter, a small bit of blood from the sheep was dabbed on the foreheads of those in attendance.  (After further reading, I discovered this was not due to a rite of Islam, but instead comes from cultural traditions in Azerbaijan.)  Watching the slaughter was, admittedly, difficult, but I also remember thinking how much better it would be if we respected our animals, and their deaths, the same way in the west.  Although there are activist groups which disagree with this ritual (I read something ridiculous by PETA), I can't help but think this is far more humane and respectful than how we do things in the west.

The day, although seemingly strange to Westerners, is one which might be admired; the recognition of life and sacrifice, the giving of food to those less fortunate and the showing of respect and compassion toward an animal which gives its life for our consumption.  These are some things which we could all use a little more of in our lives.

For more information on Eid Al-Adha, visit the Questions on Islam website.  The site answers many of the questions asked about the rituals and rites associated with Qurban Bayramı (and certainly better than I could).