Qurban is an Islamic act of worship held on the special occasion or day of "celebration" known as Eidul Adha literally meant "Day of Sacrifice".
It is a day in commemoration of an event rooted from old times as archived even in the Old/ New Testament: Abraham and his son - Isaac.
Although, the Islamic traditions believes that it was Ismael rather than Isaac that was involved.
The tradition goes that God had asked Abraham to sacrifice his son whom he loved so much. This obviously saddens the father as was clear when (based on the Qur'an) he had asked his son's opinion of this. Abraham was basically torn between fulfilling the command of God and the love for his son.
Consider if that were to happen today in the modern (or post modern) family - the possible reply would be: are you freaking nuts!
Hence, consider again the reply from the Ismael that was articulated by the latter in the most calmest of tone - of one who is as devoted and dedicated to the Divine as his father: "fulfill it my dear father, insya allah, you will find me as amongst those with patience".
After some time, Abraham brought his son to the ground where he was to fulfill God's command and at the moment he was about to strike his son - the intervention from the Divine came with the appearance of a lamb.
God's command was now clear: You have done profoundly well as to manifest your devotion to the Divine. Hear is the reward - strike the lamb instead (God is truly most merciful and kind towards the believers).
In commemorating this deed of devotion, Muslim sacrifice a lamb/ sheep/ goat (whatever you wanna call it) on the Eidul Adha from their own wealth in the name of God.
The meat is then distributed to the poor, those in need and close relatives.
In this similar spirit of devotion exhibited by Abraham and his son, let us today attend our focus to those in need in the refugee camps of Lebanon and Central Africa that houses Palestinian and Sudanese (from Darfur) whom till this day have very little resource for daily livings.
Fulfill your qurban with us: call Sis Afifah (6513 2305) or emails us at
afifah@perdaus.org.sg Insya Allah your Qurban does go a long way.
Much Obliged,
Khairu Rejal
Saff Perdaus
