inclined towards goodness. Our intellects will not be weak or have imperfections, and our thoughts shall be positive.  

Similarly, the meat of animals that remember Allah will become a part of our bodies and our nature. This will remove our heedlessness and allow us to become those who remember Allah in abundance.^[1]

After mentioning this, Ibn Rajab Ḥanbali رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه continued by saying:

These animals obey Allah and make dhikr of Him. If someone was to sacrifice them, eat their meat, gain strength from this, and spend this strength in sin; such a person has inverted this virtuous matter. Instead of thankfulness, he has shown ingratitude. Animals are far superior to such an unwise person.^[2]

O those who love Allah’s Messenger! This should serve as a lesson for us. The meat of animals sacrificed on the day of qurbani, is eaten by the rich and the poor alike. The strength and energy we gain from it should be spent in the dhikr of Allah. It should incline our hearts towards performing good deeds. We should use this energy in salah, recitation of the Quran, and inviting others towards righteousness. This is the right of the qurbani meat we consume.

Unfortunately, there are some who sacrifice expensive animals and eat their meat, but do not learn any lessons. They miss their salah even on the day of qurbani, and spend the day of Eid watching films and attending various sinful functions. In this manner, the day of Eid becomes a day of waʿīd (admonition) for them.

People who do this should fear Allah. Ibn Rajab Ḥanbali رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه also said, “Animals are better than such ignorant individuals, as the former