Needy benefit during tributes to God Almighty
THE month of Dhul-hijjah on the Islamic lunar calendar is categorised as the illustrious month of pilgrimage, sincere repentance, blessings, sacrifice and obedience to the commandments of God.
Although the institution of sacrifice is not classified as a Pillar of Islam, it is a divinely ordained incumbent practice incorporated into the Pillar of Hajj (pilgrimage).
Muslims are commanded by God Almighty to undertake the obligatory practice of sacrificing an animal as prescribed by Islamic law (sharia) if they are in a position to afford it.
This is celebrated as the Eidul-adha, one of the two most important celebrations on the Islamic Calendar.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was questioned by his followers about the practice of sacrifice, to which he replied: This is the commemorative practice of your forefather Abraham. God Almighty proclaims in the Holy Qur’an: Say: Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, My life and my death, Are for Allah, The Cherisher of the Worlds. (Qur’an, 6:162)
The objective of sacrifice in Islam is in accordance to what the divine dictates. The Qur’an strikes at the root of the misconception of sacrifice in Islam by eloquently pronouncing that it is neither the flesh nor the blood of (animals) that reaches Allah, but it is your piety (God consciousness) that reaches Him.
In Islam, sacrifice is a natural expression of homage and gratitude to the Creator which symbolises devotion to God Almighty.
The man who offers sacrifice should keep this fact uppermost in his mind, that the most important motive behind this is the willing submission to God Almighty, nobility of the soul and righteous conduct.
The practical proof of man’s devotion to Almighty God is the sacrifice of wealth, desires and sharing of sustenance with the underprivileged, and this is what Eid-ul-adha is also about.
Caring, sharing and the propagation of the universal brotherhood of Muslims propounded by the Prophet Muhammad are classified as Human Rights in Islam. Muslims are not only expected to attend to the welfare of their immediate communities, but are also obliged to extend a helping hand to the needy and destitute at a global level.
In Durban, and nationwide, a number of organisations also contribute to Eid-ul-adha drives abroad. For over four decades the South African National Zakah Fund (Sanzaf) has undertaken Operation Qurbani (sacrifice) as a major project outside the borders of South Africa, viz Malawi and Mozambique, where livestock is slaughtered and distributed outside the country based on contributions from South Africans.
Locally, the organisation takes the concept of sacrifice to rural areas. A talk is given by the imam (priest), animals are slaughtered and the meat is distributed to the community.
Meat parcels are also given to the community and organisations for distribution.
The meat is used to prepare hot meals for the needy, refugees and street children. Sanzaf also distributes part of the meat to recipients with their monthly hampers.
This article was supplied by Sanzaf, one of the largest Islamic charities in South Africa.