As a parent, it is a lifelong duty to ensure your family is resilient and united. The leadership role that you play is important to teach and help children understand significant values of life.
Qurbani is a very important time to educate your children about in order to raise their awareness of the act of giving. Sacrificing livestock has substantial meaning in Islam as the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim is what marks the very reason we sacrifice during Qurbani.
The act is a symbolisation of equality amongst all Muslims. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts; one part for yourself, one for close members of your family and one for those in need.
It teaches children the valuable act of giving and shows them that as people, we are all equal. Many around us cannot afford good meat; this occasion allows them the opportunity to enjoy the food we often take for granted.
The word Qurbani itself means ‘sacrifice’ and it serves as a strong reminder to children that anything that is precious can be sacrificed. The animals that are subject to sacrifice are cared for and looked after and seen as valuable and important assets.
Just as Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) sacrificed a ram in obedience to Allah SWT, we perform this act to demonstrate our dedication and commitment. It is a good way to teach your children about the realities and value of life. Educate your children that the most important thing in sacrifice is the sense of purpose and the sincerity of that act.
The sacrifice that is performed signifies a willing obedience towards our Creator. It ingrains worship and respect to your children’s life values and helps them to grow up understanding their religious obligations. Qurbani symbolises that loyalty we have for our Creator and that we are willing to follow all His commandments.
Reverence is an important part of faith and this act is only a small part of our overall obligation. Involving and educating your children in all parts of Islam ensures they understand the importance and respect the purpose.
In today's modern world, it is possible that your children could grow up eating meat and never actually see where it comes from. Processed meats, fast food and modern society have taken away the lessons of the natural ecosystem for our children and this, in turn, takes away their opportunity to feel compassion for every sentient being.
The generation that is growing up buying meat in the form of a fast food burger will likely never gain the sense of what it actually means when an animal gives up its life in order for it to become our food. The act of Qurbani can teach our children not to take certain privileges for granted and to value the process of how food actually reaches our table in the first place.
This Qurbani, let’s teach our youngsters the real importance of Qurbani and the values and importance of giving to those less fortunate.
Donate your Qurbani with Muslim Aid today.