1.Preserving Symbols of Allah
Qurban, emphasized in Islam, symbolizes sacrifice and devotion to Allah. It’s a public act of worship, as highlighted in the Quran, and performing it locally maintains its significance within your community, keeping the spirit of Eid al-Adha alive.
It is a great show of sacrifice in the name of Allah, and an even greater act of worship. It is one of the few act of worship to be done openly, for all to see.
Allah says in the Quran:
وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍۢ جَعَلْنَا مَنسَكًۭا لِّيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّنۢ بَهِيمَةِ ٱلْأَنْعَـٰمِ
And for every [religious] community We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allāh over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals.
[al-Hajj 22:34]
If you were to do Qurban, away from your locality, this would mean that you have extinguish a great act of open worship in your own country, you have removed a great distinguishing sign of this day of Eid from your land.
2.The Prophet’s Way
The essence of Qurban lies in personally slaughtering the animal, as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Being present during the sacrifice, invoking Allah’s name, aligns with the Sunnah. Doing it abroad may distance you from this authentic practice.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
قَوْمِي إِلَى أُضْحِيَّتِكَ فَاشْهَدِيهَا فَإِنَّ لَكِ بِأَوَّلِ قَطْرَةٍ تَقْطُرُ مِنْ دَمِهَا يُغْفَرُ لَكِ مَا سَلَفَ مِنْ ذُنُوبُكَ
Get up and go to the place of sacrifice and witness it yourself for with the first drop of blood your sins are forgiven
[al-Mustadrak]
3.BEYOND CHARITY
While it’s noble to consider poorer regions for Qurban, the primary intention should be seeking Allah’s pleasure and closeness. Qurban transcends mere charity; it’s a profound act of worship. Hence, performing it in your own country, even if not personally, ensures adherence to its spiritual essence and the Prophet’s example.
The Prophet ﷺ had always slaughtered the animals with his own hands, and in the place he was living in:
ضَحَّى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِكَبْشَيْنِ أَمْلَحَيْنِ أَقْرَنَيْنِ، ذَبَحَهُمَا بِيَدِهِ، وَسَمَّى وَكَبَّرَ وَوَضَعَ رِجْلَهُ عَلَى صِفَاحِهِمَا
The Prophet (ﷺ) offered as sacrifices, two horned rams, black and white in colour. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned Allah’s Name over them and said Takbir and put his foot on their sides.
[Bukhari & Muslim]
