Muslims celebrate the month of Ibrahim

THE Muslim community is offering various forms of sacrifices as they celebrate the ‘month of Ibrahim’ or Udhiya/ Qurbani.

Prophet Ibrahim is one of the most revered leaders in Islam.

Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe chair Sheikh Ishamail Duwa said the month of Ibrahim was an important event on the Islamic calendar.

“During this time of the year, we offer sacrifices through killing of animals as a way of re-enacting what Prophet Ibrahim did (by following Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Ismail),” he said.

“This is a very sensitive time during which we meditate on what it means to be Muslim.

“Beyond pleasing the Creator, the process of sacrificing is a way of cleaning our hearts from issues like insincerity and hypocrisy.

“In Islamic religion, we believe everyone is responsible for what they do in their lives. This means that we make choices in lives through the faculty of intention that Allah gave us.

“Our intentions are, therefore, the driving force behind our outward actions.”

Sheikh Duwa said the Qur’anic declaration summarises the mission of Muslims which makes the sacrificing period critical as it mends their relations with Allah.

“When our actions, decisions and sacrifices flow from a sincere heart with a desire to please Allah, it will enable us to flourish spiritually.

“Within our communities we have Muslim brothers who have established organisations to do charity work in marginalised areas. Muslims who are better off financially channel resources to the less privileged in our society.

“This work includes carrying out udhyia or Qurbani on behalf of those who provide funds to these organisations.”

Sheikh Duwa said meat from the sacrificed animals should be distributed among the Muslim community.

“Unfortunately we are aware of some of the underhand tactics that have been going on when it comes to Qurbani time. Sharing of meat has been done selectively but it must be done without discrimination.

“This is the only way that we can ensure proper distribution of the meat for those Muslim brothers and sisters who provide funds for Qurbani.

“Observers will check how the sacrifices and distributions will be conducted.

“We believe we should be tolerant of others if our intention is to please our Creator, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Tolerance help us develop the quality of kindness towards others.

“While Prophet Ibrahim dedicated his life to dismantling idol worship. Nowadays we have different forms of idols and some come in form of selfishness, rot in the society and defiling sacrifices.”