How Qurbani Strengthens Economy and Benefits the Poor
By: M. Burhanuddin Qasmi
1. During the days of Qurbani, millions of animals are sold and purchased, thus money flows back into the market in the form of liquidity, which greatly benefits all economies in the world.
2. A tax is paid to the government on the sale and purchases of animals, which directly helps any country’s economy.
3. Throughout the year, the impoverished farmer diligently tends to his livestocks, patiently awaiting the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha when he can sell them at a premium price, providing with much-needed relief and sustenance to his family.
4. By providing food, transportation, and other essential arrangements for the livestocks, a number of impoverished communities earn monetary benefits for themselves and others.
5. In a testament to its emphasis on social justice and compassion, Islam mandates the division of sacrificial meat into three parts, ensuring that two portions are specifically allocated for the relatives and the less fortunate ones of the local community, thereby fostering their inclusion and participation in the joyous Eid festivities.
6. The byproducts of sacrificial animals, such as leather and bones, find diverse applications in modern industries, contributing to the smooth functioning of the economy and benefiting everyone from the government to the common citizen.
7. Nature’s intricate web of life, governed by the delicate balance of the ecosystem, manifests in the varying productivity of different animal species. Herbivores, the grazing animals, have been divinely ordained by Allah (swt) to serve as sustenance for other creatures, including humans. Disrupting this natural ecosystem can lead to demographic and environmental challenges, a fact firmly established by scientific researches. Hence, the practice of sacrificing certain animals during Eid al-Adha not only upholds a time-honored tradition but also contributes to maintaining a sustainable ecosystem for the human population, as supported by scientific evidence.
8. Islam, the embodiment of surrendering one’s will to the divine decrees of the Creator of this Universe, encompasses both heartfelt acceptance and unwavering adherence to His commandments. Among these divine mandates is the sacred act of sacrifice, a solemn obligation incumbent upon every financially capable Muslim.
9. A devout Muslim holds the unwavering conviction that no decree ordained by the Creator of this Universe could ever bring harm to His creation, even if the wisdom and benefits behind such commandments may elude human comprehension.
10. Islam stands as a universal and eternal way of life, transcending the confines of specific locations, eras, or circumstances. Therefore, evaluating any Islamic practice through the lens of a particular location or context would be an inadequate and utterly inaccurate approach.
