Postingan
The incident known as the Qurban was first
observed more than 3000 years ago, according to a religious report. How did it
come about? What is the meaning behind it? This is the story of Qurban as I
know it.
It began with Prophet Ibrahim (as). He had two wives, Sarah and Hajar. After many years of marriage with Sarah, Ibrahim (as) was not blessed with any child. Then, Sarah, knowing that she was too old to bear a child, suggested to her husband to marry their servant, Hajar, who was a polite, well-mannered and pious Muslim woman. It was hoped that with this marriage, Ibrahim (as) would be blessed with a son. Ibrahim (as) accepted his wife's suggestion. With this marriage, Ibrahim (as) and Hajar were blessed with a son, Ismail (as), which pleased Sarah. She treated Ismail (as) like her own flesh and blood.
But her happiness was short-lived. Soon after, she felt an uneasiness in her, a feeling which she herself did not understand. Because of this Sarah could not eat nor sleep. Later, she couldn't bear to see Hajar and Ismail (as) anymore. This was told to Ibrahim (as) and to take Hajar and Ismail (as) far away, so far that she wouldn't be able to receive any news about them at all. With the grace of Allah, Ibrahim (as) sent them away.
So the three of them: Ibrahim (as), Hajar and Ismail (as), set out on their journey in the desert. They never knew where they went. After weeks of travelling in the hot desert sun, they stopped at a no-man's land. No one was with them. It was just the three of them in the middle of the desert. There, Ibrahim (as) left Hajar and Ismail (as) and with some supplies of food and water.
When Ibrahim (as) rode away on his donkey, Hajar followed him. She grabbed the rein and asked, "O Ibrahim! Where are you going? Why are you leaving us here, in this frightening place?" She hoped for compassion from Ibrahim (as), to care for Ismail (as) who was only a child. But Ibrahim (as) only explained to her that this was Allah's commandment, and told her to accept what Allah has commanded. Hajar agreed to this, and Ibrahim (as) rode out alone in the desert, leaving his wife and beloved son in the hot sun, surrounded by many hills and mountains, with many dangerous obstacles facing them. He turned around once in a while, catching glimpses of them. Ibrahim (as) could only stop on a hill, with tears, he prayed to Allah for guidance for them.
Many years passed, Ibrahim (as) felt an emptiness in his life without Ismail (as) and Hajar. He sent one of his men to visit them, and was delighted to hear that Hajar and Ismail (as) were in good health. Furthermore, he was amused when he learnt that the place where he left them, had a source of water now, with many travellers stopping and staying there. With the blessings of his first wife, Sarah, Ibrahim (as) made his journey south to meet them.
Upon reaching, Ibrahim (as) found that the place was now a city with many settlers, most of whom were traders and merchants. The city was known as Bakkah or Makkah. He learnt that his wife and son were the owners of a well, which became known as The Well of Zamzam, and are respected by the settlers and travellers.
Ibrahim (as) then went to a plain not far from where Hajar and Ismail (as) were staying. At that time around late afternoon, they were looking after their sheep and cattle. An air of happiness surrounded the three of them as they finally met again after many years. Many scholars believed that Ismail (as) was at least seven years old. They hugged, cried and praised Allah by crying "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillaahil Hamd".
That night, Ibrahim (as) had a dream which he had never thought he would have before. He dreamt that Allah commanded him to slaughter his son Ismail (as) as a sacrifice. He woke up in the middle of the night, wondering. But he thought it was only a dream, and did not do it. On the second night, he had the same dream. This time, he gave it some thought. But he couldn't tell his son nor his wife about it because of his love for his son.
On the following night, Ibrahim (as) had the very same dream again. This time, he was very sure that his dream was really a commandment from Allah, and he knew he had to do it. In the morning, Ibrahim (as) told Hajar to bathe Ismail (as) properly, to dress him in the best, to apply oil on his hair and to put fragrances on him. When asked why, Ibrahim (as) only told her that he wanted to go out and play with his son. When it was done, Ibrahim (as) reached for his shortsword and wrapped a long piece of rope on his shoulder. He was asked again by Hajar, but he only told her that he knows what he was doing. He couldn't bear to tell his own wife about his intention on that day as he did not want her to be worried.
Then onto the desert went Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) During the journey, Ibrahim (as) walked behind his son and at the same time, he was thinking about what he was supposed to do. The thought of sacrificing his own son played in his mind over and over again. Ibrahim (as) had faced many challenges before. The most notable one was when he was to be burnt during the reign of King Nimrod or Namrud of Babylon. He had also for many years not been blessed with a child. He then had to send his wife Hajar and Ismail (as) away from him in Palestine to the open desert of Arabia. Now, he had to face his biggest challenge of all; to sacrifice his son with his own hands.
Ibrahim (as) could not get his eyes off Ismail (as) who was walking in front of him. Seeing his beautifully shaped body of a young boy, his antics, his playfulness, his walking, brought about a smile to his face. Tears fell without him noticing them. He knew he had only a few moments left to see his only son alive. He hesitated a few times to stop and slaughter his son, all because he still loved him.
In the middle of the journey, Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) met a man who seemed like a nomad. The man asked Ibrahim (as) his intention of his journey. When Ibrahim (as) explained to him, the man got excited and told him not to do it with many excuses. Ibrahim (as) knew that this man was Iblis, disguised as a man. Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) hurled stones at him till he ran away, in this place now called Jamrotul Uula. They both continued the journey. About 400 metres later, they both met another man. He did the same thing as the first one, and so did another man whom they met another 400 metres later. Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) hurled stones at the both of them till they ran away, at the place where we now know as Jamrotul 'Aqobah and Jamrotul Wusta respectively. [This place is now where the three pillars stand where hajj pilgrims have to hurl stones seven times at the devil].
Iblis, not being satisfied with his three attempts, went up and met Hajar back in Makkah. He explained to Hajar that her husband had received a commandment from Allah to slaughter their son Ismail (as) as a sacrifice. But Hajar, being an obedient and pious wife of Ibrahim (as) only gave her support for her husband, and that she would readily do it herself if it is for Allah. Iblis was shocked by her reply. He left in distress. Iblis has never been distressed before except on two occasions: during the sacrifice of Ismail and the birth of Prophet Muhammad (saw), when he cried loudly.
When Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) had reached the foot of the mountain, now known as Jabal Al-Malaaikah (The Hill of Angels), they stopped. Then Ibrahim (as) spoke to his son, as stated in the Qur-aan,
"O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view! (The son) said: O my father! Do as thou art commanded: Thou wilt find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"
(Quran 37: 102)
It was a wonder that Ismail (as), at such a young age would give a very straight reply. Any layman would think that Ibrahim (as) was mad. But the faith of both father and son was difficult to break and they proceeded with their duty. They reached a rock at the foot of the hill and Ismail (as) was ready to be slaughtered. Seeing the sadness in his father, Ismail requested Ibrahim (as) to do a few things.
"O my father!," Ismail (as) said, "Before I am sacrificed, tie my hands and legs, and let me face the ground, so that I would not struggle! O my father! Please take off my shirt and cover my face, so that you would not see the suffering of death on my face, and so that no blood would spill on your face and clothes! O my father! Please do as I told you quickly, so that we will not waste time!" Ibrahim (as) did as his son requested. Then Ismail (as) added, "O my father! Before I am sacrificed, make sure that the blade of your sword is sharp, and to point at my neck correctly, so that the slaughter would be finished quickly!"
Such are the words of an obedient son. Ibrahim (as) sadly did as he was told. Then, Ismail (as) added further, "O my father! Please hand my shirt to my mother, so that she could smell the air of my body when she would miss me! O my father! Let my shirt be my mother's treasure when I am gone!"
Now, the both of them were ready. Ibrahim (as) had fulfilled his son's wishes before his death, and it was now time to perform what Allah had commanded. Looking at his son, Ibrahim (as) felt tears run down his cheek. He held his sword tightly, getting ready to slash the neck of his son. Soon, his tears were joined in with cries in the sky. As he was about to slaughter his son, Allah removed the veil of the sky. Present were Angels from Heaven, crying loudly, grieving for Ibrahim (as) who had to slash Ismail's (as) neck.
Then, unable to control his sadness, Jibraiil, in his loud voice, cried "Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar!" Ibrahim (as), in his tears, closing his eyes, cried, "Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar!" Then Ismail (as) continued, "Allaahu Akbar Walillaahil Hamd!" At the same time, Ibrahim (as) felt his hand slashing the neck of his son. Blood came spurting out onto his clothes. Then he opened his eyes and was shocked to see a ram in front of him, slaughtered. He turned his face and saw Ismail (as) standing beside him, unhurt. Both father and son hugged each other, happiness that no one could express. The feeling of gaining his son from being slaughtered was a feeling unsurpassed.
Then came a voice from Heaven, Allah said,
"We called out to him, 'O Abraham! Thou hast already fulfilled the vision! - thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial: And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: Peace and salutation to Abraham! Thus indeed do We reward those who do right: For he was one of Our believing Servants."
(Quran 37:104-111)
This is how we now know of the history of the Qurban. Every year, Muslims all around the world sacrifice rams, sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Eid-ul Adha, on the 10th of Zulhijjah. This act of sacrifice is compulsory for those who perform the Hajj which is from the 10th to the 13th of Zulhijjah, and sunnah muakkadah (recommended act) for those who are not performing it.
Let us reflect on this magnificent story. Let us reflect on the challenges faced by these two great prophets when we say the takbir (glorifying Allah [swt]) on 'Eid ul-Adha. Let us remind ourselves of this story when wetakbir, and understand the reasons behind 'Eid ul-Adha. Let us dedicate our takbir on the four days of 'Eid ul-Adha to these two men. Any Muslim who performs the sacrifice, it is as if he is redeeming the life of Ismail (as) It is a sacrifice far greater than any other in the life of a Muslim.
It began with Prophet Ibrahim (as). He had two wives, Sarah and Hajar. After many years of marriage with Sarah, Ibrahim (as) was not blessed with any child. Then, Sarah, knowing that she was too old to bear a child, suggested to her husband to marry their servant, Hajar, who was a polite, well-mannered and pious Muslim woman. It was hoped that with this marriage, Ibrahim (as) would be blessed with a son. Ibrahim (as) accepted his wife's suggestion. With this marriage, Ibrahim (as) and Hajar were blessed with a son, Ismail (as), which pleased Sarah. She treated Ismail (as) like her own flesh and blood.
But her happiness was short-lived. Soon after, she felt an uneasiness in her, a feeling which she herself did not understand. Because of this Sarah could not eat nor sleep. Later, she couldn't bear to see Hajar and Ismail (as) anymore. This was told to Ibrahim (as) and to take Hajar and Ismail (as) far away, so far that she wouldn't be able to receive any news about them at all. With the grace of Allah, Ibrahim (as) sent them away.
So the three of them: Ibrahim (as), Hajar and Ismail (as), set out on their journey in the desert. They never knew where they went. After weeks of travelling in the hot desert sun, they stopped at a no-man's land. No one was with them. It was just the three of them in the middle of the desert. There, Ibrahim (as) left Hajar and Ismail (as) and with some supplies of food and water.
When Ibrahim (as) rode away on his donkey, Hajar followed him. She grabbed the rein and asked, "O Ibrahim! Where are you going? Why are you leaving us here, in this frightening place?" She hoped for compassion from Ibrahim (as), to care for Ismail (as) who was only a child. But Ibrahim (as) only explained to her that this was Allah's commandment, and told her to accept what Allah has commanded. Hajar agreed to this, and Ibrahim (as) rode out alone in the desert, leaving his wife and beloved son in the hot sun, surrounded by many hills and mountains, with many dangerous obstacles facing them. He turned around once in a while, catching glimpses of them. Ibrahim (as) could only stop on a hill, with tears, he prayed to Allah for guidance for them.
Many years passed, Ibrahim (as) felt an emptiness in his life without Ismail (as) and Hajar. He sent one of his men to visit them, and was delighted to hear that Hajar and Ismail (as) were in good health. Furthermore, he was amused when he learnt that the place where he left them, had a source of water now, with many travellers stopping and staying there. With the blessings of his first wife, Sarah, Ibrahim (as) made his journey south to meet them.
Upon reaching, Ibrahim (as) found that the place was now a city with many settlers, most of whom were traders and merchants. The city was known as Bakkah or Makkah. He learnt that his wife and son were the owners of a well, which became known as The Well of Zamzam, and are respected by the settlers and travellers.
Ibrahim (as) then went to a plain not far from where Hajar and Ismail (as) were staying. At that time around late afternoon, they were looking after their sheep and cattle. An air of happiness surrounded the three of them as they finally met again after many years. Many scholars believed that Ismail (as) was at least seven years old. They hugged, cried and praised Allah by crying "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillaahil Hamd".
That night, Ibrahim (as) had a dream which he had never thought he would have before. He dreamt that Allah commanded him to slaughter his son Ismail (as) as a sacrifice. He woke up in the middle of the night, wondering. But he thought it was only a dream, and did not do it. On the second night, he had the same dream. This time, he gave it some thought. But he couldn't tell his son nor his wife about it because of his love for his son.
On the following night, Ibrahim (as) had the very same dream again. This time, he was very sure that his dream was really a commandment from Allah, and he knew he had to do it. In the morning, Ibrahim (as) told Hajar to bathe Ismail (as) properly, to dress him in the best, to apply oil on his hair and to put fragrances on him. When asked why, Ibrahim (as) only told her that he wanted to go out and play with his son. When it was done, Ibrahim (as) reached for his shortsword and wrapped a long piece of rope on his shoulder. He was asked again by Hajar, but he only told her that he knows what he was doing. He couldn't bear to tell his own wife about his intention on that day as he did not want her to be worried.
Then onto the desert went Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) During the journey, Ibrahim (as) walked behind his son and at the same time, he was thinking about what he was supposed to do. The thought of sacrificing his own son played in his mind over and over again. Ibrahim (as) had faced many challenges before. The most notable one was when he was to be burnt during the reign of King Nimrod or Namrud of Babylon. He had also for many years not been blessed with a child. He then had to send his wife Hajar and Ismail (as) away from him in Palestine to the open desert of Arabia. Now, he had to face his biggest challenge of all; to sacrifice his son with his own hands.
Ibrahim (as) could not get his eyes off Ismail (as) who was walking in front of him. Seeing his beautifully shaped body of a young boy, his antics, his playfulness, his walking, brought about a smile to his face. Tears fell without him noticing them. He knew he had only a few moments left to see his only son alive. He hesitated a few times to stop and slaughter his son, all because he still loved him.
In the middle of the journey, Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) met a man who seemed like a nomad. The man asked Ibrahim (as) his intention of his journey. When Ibrahim (as) explained to him, the man got excited and told him not to do it with many excuses. Ibrahim (as) knew that this man was Iblis, disguised as a man. Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) hurled stones at him till he ran away, in this place now called Jamrotul Uula. They both continued the journey. About 400 metres later, they both met another man. He did the same thing as the first one, and so did another man whom they met another 400 metres later. Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) hurled stones at the both of them till they ran away, at the place where we now know as Jamrotul 'Aqobah and Jamrotul Wusta respectively. [This place is now where the three pillars stand where hajj pilgrims have to hurl stones seven times at the devil].
Iblis, not being satisfied with his three attempts, went up and met Hajar back in Makkah. He explained to Hajar that her husband had received a commandment from Allah to slaughter their son Ismail (as) as a sacrifice. But Hajar, being an obedient and pious wife of Ibrahim (as) only gave her support for her husband, and that she would readily do it herself if it is for Allah. Iblis was shocked by her reply. He left in distress. Iblis has never been distressed before except on two occasions: during the sacrifice of Ismail and the birth of Prophet Muhammad (saw), when he cried loudly.
When Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as) had reached the foot of the mountain, now known as Jabal Al-Malaaikah (The Hill of Angels), they stopped. Then Ibrahim (as) spoke to his son, as stated in the Qur-aan,
"O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view! (The son) said: O my father! Do as thou art commanded: Thou wilt find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"
(Quran 37: 102)
It was a wonder that Ismail (as), at such a young age would give a very straight reply. Any layman would think that Ibrahim (as) was mad. But the faith of both father and son was difficult to break and they proceeded with their duty. They reached a rock at the foot of the hill and Ismail (as) was ready to be slaughtered. Seeing the sadness in his father, Ismail requested Ibrahim (as) to do a few things.
"O my father!," Ismail (as) said, "Before I am sacrificed, tie my hands and legs, and let me face the ground, so that I would not struggle! O my father! Please take off my shirt and cover my face, so that you would not see the suffering of death on my face, and so that no blood would spill on your face and clothes! O my father! Please do as I told you quickly, so that we will not waste time!" Ibrahim (as) did as his son requested. Then Ismail (as) added, "O my father! Before I am sacrificed, make sure that the blade of your sword is sharp, and to point at my neck correctly, so that the slaughter would be finished quickly!"
Such are the words of an obedient son. Ibrahim (as) sadly did as he was told. Then, Ismail (as) added further, "O my father! Please hand my shirt to my mother, so that she could smell the air of my body when she would miss me! O my father! Let my shirt be my mother's treasure when I am gone!"
Now, the both of them were ready. Ibrahim (as) had fulfilled his son's wishes before his death, and it was now time to perform what Allah had commanded. Looking at his son, Ibrahim (as) felt tears run down his cheek. He held his sword tightly, getting ready to slash the neck of his son. Soon, his tears were joined in with cries in the sky. As he was about to slaughter his son, Allah removed the veil of the sky. Present were Angels from Heaven, crying loudly, grieving for Ibrahim (as) who had to slash Ismail's (as) neck.
Then, unable to control his sadness, Jibraiil, in his loud voice, cried "Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar!" Ibrahim (as), in his tears, closing his eyes, cried, "Laa Ilaaha Illallaahu Wallaahu Akbar!" Then Ismail (as) continued, "Allaahu Akbar Walillaahil Hamd!" At the same time, Ibrahim (as) felt his hand slashing the neck of his son. Blood came spurting out onto his clothes. Then he opened his eyes and was shocked to see a ram in front of him, slaughtered. He turned his face and saw Ismail (as) standing beside him, unhurt. Both father and son hugged each other, happiness that no one could express. The feeling of gaining his son from being slaughtered was a feeling unsurpassed.
Then came a voice from Heaven, Allah said,
"We called out to him, 'O Abraham! Thou hast already fulfilled the vision! - thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial: And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times: Peace and salutation to Abraham! Thus indeed do We reward those who do right: For he was one of Our believing Servants."
(Quran 37:104-111)
This is how we now know of the history of the Qurban. Every year, Muslims all around the world sacrifice rams, sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Eid-ul Adha, on the 10th of Zulhijjah. This act of sacrifice is compulsory for those who perform the Hajj which is from the 10th to the 13th of Zulhijjah, and sunnah muakkadah (recommended act) for those who are not performing it.
Let us reflect on this magnificent story. Let us reflect on the challenges faced by these two great prophets when we say the takbir (glorifying Allah [swt]) on 'Eid ul-Adha. Let us remind ourselves of this story when wetakbir, and understand the reasons behind 'Eid ul-Adha. Let us dedicate our takbir on the four days of 'Eid ul-Adha to these two men. Any Muslim who performs the sacrifice, it is as if he is redeeming the life of Ismail (as) It is a sacrifice far greater than any other in the life of a Muslim.
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