THE QURBAN OF GAZA
One of the main features of the Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca is ‘Qurban’ or Animal Sacrifice. It has its origin in the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmael). Undertaking this task was no easy affair. It takes a great deal of faith (iman) to undertake such a task.
Abraham (a.s.) turned to his son, Isma’il (a.s.) and asked him his opinion concerning it. Isma’il (a.s.) replied with firmness that his father should proceed as he was commanded to do by Allah. Allah out of His Mercy, replaced Isma’il with an animal sacrifice, thus, making a ritual of the Hajj.
Korban in a Wider Context
Korban in a wider context depicts sacrifices we all have to make in life for Allah’s sake. This act on the part of Isma’il has established the need for Muslims worldwide to undertake efforts to uphold the concept of sacrifice when it comes to defending Islam.
There is a need to ask ourselves what prevents us from being loyal to Allah Almighty? Is it because we succumb to our ‘nafs’ (selfish, egoistic, corrupt desires?) We seem to be deeply engrossed in worldly life instead of the hereafter. As a result of it our hearts have hardened, our acts of worship have become a burden, and instead have been replaced with sinful deeds, which now appear to be normal and alright. Even the Arab Global Leadership has become indifferent to the Genocide of Gaza. We should now refer to it as THE QURBAN OF GAZA to make all those MUNAFIQ feel bad.
The Flame of Faith Will Always Burn Within Muslims
Muslims need to reawaken to the reality of existence. What we witnessing going on in Palestine began the day Israel was created as a result of American and European consent. It now represents a perfect example to us of what “Qurban” means in a human context. The deceit and lies, the deception and manipulation of the truth covering decades of illegal settlements, endless assignations and the denial of Palestinian Statehood under the pretext of ‘Isreal’s right to defend itself’ has only witness the Genocide of Gaza. This is what QURBAN means today.
Muslims need to be aware that no matter what the world does to Muslims, they will never be able to remove the flame of faith within every beating heart of every Muslim worldwide. The Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca bears witness to this. Muslims worldwide raised their hands at Arafah demanding justice from Allah. It is a matter of time when that justice will arrive; not today, not tomorrow, but it will finally arrive!
Muslims should always be aware that Allah always supports those who uphold the truth. The hypocrites and lukewarm Muslims will suffer as they did during the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.). In the end they will weep with regret alongside all those who denied Muslims their rights when Allah determines ‘enough is enough’. When that time arrives, we will witness widespread destruction inline with social decadence and injustices. The world is indeed moving in that direction and this time nuclear destruction will be on the agenda.
In view of this reality, Muslims need to turn to Allah to obtain firmness of faith, perfection in character so that every Muslim death in Gaza is one filled with submission to Allah and not based on hatred or anger. [Mokhtar Stork, 7 May 2025]
