When worship creates livelihood
Dr Lalarukh Maqbool
There are moments in life when simple scenes open doors to deeper reflection. A few days before the Eid-ul-Adha, I stepped out of my house, I saw a worker washing sacrificial animals. He was earning Rs 300 per animal. That simple sight stirred a thought within me and made me reflect on the profound wisdom behind Qurbani in Islam.
Many times, I used to wonder: Why animal sacrifice? Why not simply give money to the poor instead? At the first glance, giving money may seem easier and perhaps even more direct. But with time and contemplation, I began to understand the far-reaching wisdom behind Allah’s command.
If money alone were distributed, it might benefit only one or a few individuals. But Allah ordained animal sacrifice on Eid-ul-Adha, and within this act lies a remarkable social, economic, and spiritual system.
The purpose of Qurbani is not limited to sacrificing an animal. Its vision is broad, compassionate, and deeply connected to society. During Eid-ul-Adha, countless people find opportunities for earning and sustenance. Transporters carry animals from place to place, traders sell livestock, feed suppliers provide animal food, caretakers and washers earn through their services, butchers utilize their skills, knife sharpeners become busy, meat cutters and laborers all become part of this circle of livelihood.
As I observed more closely, another beautiful dimension unfolded before me – the happiness spread across faces everywhere.
Someone was happy because they had sold their animal. Someone was excited to prepare barbecue with family and friends. Transporters were busy carrying animals to homes, earning through their effort and service. Butchers were occupied taking orders, their schedules full with work and purpose. Qeema makers were making arrangements with enthusiasm.
Even a shopper seller boy I met was glowing with excitement. Smiling, he said, “I sold 500 shoppers today.” His joy carried a message deeper than words.
Housemaids looked forward to receiving meat and preparing delicious dishes for their children. Coal sellers were busy meeting demand, while children eagerly planned barbecue gatherings filled with laughter and anticipation.
For many, this becomes an additional source of income and a dignified means of earning. As we often say, hard work carries dignity and blessing. Islam does not merely encourage receiving; it encourages striving, movement, and honorable earning. Through this system, people come out, search for work, and earn through effort and skill.
Equally touching is the spirit of sharing that accompanies sacrifice. Many underprivileged families receive meat, sometimes enough to eat and store for days. For some, Eid may be the only occasion in the year when they are able to enjoy meat. Their joy, dignity, and inclusion are also part of the beauty of this tradition. And then I understood something that once puzzled me.
Perhaps if money alone were given, one individual might benefit directly. But through Qurbani, an entire circle of livelihood begins to move. Opportunities spread, effort is rewarded, and Rizq reaches many hands. Worship becomes connected to society, and devotion becomes a means of collective welfare.
This reflection made me realize that Allah’s commands contain wisdom far beyond what we may initially perceive. Worship in Islam is never isolated from human welfare. Rather, it beautifully combines spirituality with compassion, devotion with dignity, and faith with social responsibility.
What a beautiful religion we have – a faith whose teachings nourish both the soul and society, and whose wisdom continues to reveal itself with reflection. It is not merely an animal being sacrificed; it is a system of compassion, livelihood, dignity, and collective wellbeing unfolding before our eyes. What a beautiful religion Islam is.
The writer is a consultant gynecologist, based in Peshawar.
Related Posts
Comments