Shaikhul Hind, Moulana Mahmoodul Hasan (rahimahullah), was a renowned saint and ‘aalim of the previous century who lived in India. He was the very first student of Darul ‘Uloom Deoband and later became its principal. He was widely respected for his piety, knowledge and prominent role in the struggle for the independence of India. Moulana (rahimahullah) passed away on 18th Rabee‘ul Awwal 1339 (30th November 1920).
It was his habit to rear a cow for qurbaani every year. He would personally tend to it throughout the year; washing it, feeding it and showing great affection towards it. He would treat it like his own child, and the cow would also become deeply attached to him. Once, the cow became so attached to him that whenever he would leave home to teach at Darul ‘Uloom Deoband, it would follow him to the madrasah and remain there until he completed his lessons. Thereafter, when he returned home, it would once again follow him.
As the days of qurbaani drew closer, Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) would reduce its normal feed of grass and instead give it bucketsful of milk and jalebi. Just before qurbaani, he would apply mehndi (henna) to it and adorn it with flowers, because Allah Ta‘ala commands that one spends one’s most beloved wealth in His path. In this manner, he would develop a deep attachment to the animal. Then, on the day of ‘Eid, he would sacrifice it and even shed a few tears. (Tazkirah Shaikhul Hind pg. 125 and Malfoozaat Faqeehul Ummat vol. 4, pg. 105)
On another occasion, Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) raised a cow for qurbaani with similar care and attention. He fed it grain and cared for it throughout the year. After ‘Asr, he would take it to the field and make it run so that its body would fill out well and become stout. It became so stout and healthy that he received offers of up to eighty rupees for it, whereas a fairly good cow in those days could be purchased for a mere ten to fifteen rupees. Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah), however, did not accept any of the offers and sacrificed it on the day of ‘Eid. At the time of the sacrifice, tears welled up in his eyes. (Khutubaat-e-Hakeemul Ummat vol. 17, pg. 145)
Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) was imprisoned in Malta by the British for rising against their oppressive rule and fighting for independence. He possessed such passion and zeal for qurbaani that, just as it had been his habit at home to offer a few animals for qurbaani every year, he desired to do the same even while imprisoned. Although prisoners were not permitted to slaughter animals, Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) nevertheless requested the authorities to make an animal available to him and allow him to slaughter it. Anything done for Allah Ta‘ala certainly has an effect. Hence, the authorities relented and permitted him to perform qurbaani. A sheep was purchased for seven guineas — an exorbitant price — which Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) happily paid.
On the 10th of Zul Hijjah, Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) performed the qurbaani while calling out the takbeer in a loud voice in that land of kufr, where the sunnah of Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) had perhaps not been practised since the fall of the Islamic rule. (Hayaat-e-Shaikhul Hind pg. 118)
Lessons:
1. Qurbaani is meant to be witnessed, felt and personally experienced. While arranging qurbaani in places where people are suffering from hunger is undoubtedly rewarding and beneficial, one should not allow the actual practice of qurbaani to disappear from one’s own home and community. If someone possesses the means, it would be better for him to carry out his waajib qurbaani locally and perform as many nafl qurbaani as possible in poverty-stricken areas. When children grow up never seeing an animal selected, cared for and sacrificed for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala, the reality and spirit of this great sunnah gradually fades from their hearts until it risks becoming nothing more than an online transaction. The spirit of qurbaani is revived when a person personally witnesses the sacrifice with the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala upon his tongue. Such was the spirit of our pious predecessors that even in imprisonment, in a land of kufr, they could not bear to let the days of qurbaani pass without reviving this great sunnah.
2. Qurbaani is not merely the slaughtering of an animal; it is the sacrificing of one’s desires, attachments and beloved possessions for the sake of Allah Ta‘ala. The manner in which Shaikhul Hind (rahimahullah) nurtured and cherished his animals throughout the year, only to sacrifice them with tears in his eyes, reflected the true spirit of qurbaani taught by Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam). Nowadays, qurbaani has unfortunately become a dry ritual carried out without feeling or reflection, whereas the essence of this great act of worship lies in loving Allah Ta‘ala, honouring His command and willingly giving up that which is beloved solely for His pleasure.
