2. Qurbani - a means of virtuous ability

Dear Islamic brothers! Some ask the following questions: If qurbani is an expression of gratitude, can we not express this gratitude in a different way? For example, by offering salah, fasting or giving charity? Why is it necessary to specifically sacrifice animals?

Scholars of Islam have provided many answers to these questions. Ibn Rajab Ḥanbali رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه provides amazing answers to this. For example, he writes:

Animals make dhikr of Allah in great amounts. Allah declares in the Quran: وَ اِنۡ مِّنۡ شَیۡءٍ  اِلَّا یُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِہٖ -“And there is not a thing that does not proclaim His Purity whilst praising Him.”^[1]

The summary of a hadith is: “Many animals are better than humans and remember Allah more than them.”^[2]

Generally speaking, animals make dhikr of Allah more than humans. Although some of mankind make dhikr in abundance, there is also a large contingent who are negligent of this. Yet, all animals make dhikr overall.

Allah has commanded us to sacrifice animals. The wisdom behind this is consuming their meat increases intelligence and enhances physical strength. A special point to bear in mind is how meat also affects the nature of whoever consumes it.

The qurbani of halal animals was then made obligatory upon us. This was so we can consume the meat of animals who make dhikr of Allah. This will increase our intelligence and intellect. And when our intelligence is increased through consuming the meat of animals that remember Allah, we will feel more mentally