7 meaningful ways Muslims can embrace modern-day sacrifices during Eid al-Adha
Muslims can embody the spirit of qurban in daily life by letting go of ego, material comforts, and personal desires in pursuit of spiritual growth and social responsibility. By DANIAL HAKIM
07 Jun 2025 11:00am
The spirit of Qurban and Aidiladha is about the willingness to give up on something that is 'valuable' for the sake of Allah and what is 'valuable' ultimately falls to one's own interpretation of the matter. Photo: Canva.
The meaning of Qurban has grown beyond the simple act of sacrifice, touching deeper parts of our faith and lives.The essence of qurban and Aidiladha lies in the willingness to part with what one holds most valuable for the sake of Allah SWT, recognising that 'value' is deeply personal and defined by each individual's heart and sacrifice.While Aidiladha is traditionally marked by the sacrifice of livestock to honour the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, its essence goes far beyond ritual as today, Muslims can embody the spirit of qurban in daily life by letting go of ego, material comforts, and personal desires in pursuit of spiritual growth and social responsibility.UiTM Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS) senior lecturer Dr Aishah Mohd Nor, offers deep insights into how modern Muslims can live out the values of qurban beyond the slaughterhouse, through sacrifice of self, time, comfort, and even silence. According to Dr Aishah, personal sacrifices that reflect the spirit of qurban include letting go of one's ego, desires, and attachments to material comforts. Photo: Canva.
Letting go of material comforts Modern qurban can be as simple and as difficult as choosing compassion over convenience.According to Aishah, personal sacrifices that reflect the spirit of qurban include letting go of one's ego, desires, and attachments to material comforts.
This can include spending time caring for aging parents rather than pursuing leisure, or cutting down on unnecessary spending to channel funds to those in need. Like Prophet Ibrahim's immense willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, these acts reflect giving up what is "dear" for the sake of Allah.
Refusing unethical wealth Earning wealth ethically is a sacred responsibility that extends anytime and anywhere, even during Aidiladha.'Refusing unethical business opportunities for the sake of halal income is a powerful act of modern sacrifice,' Aisyah said.In a world where shortcuts and unethical gain are often glorified, choosing the halal path (though it may be slower or harder) reflects devotion to Allah and a conscious commitment to integrity.
Submission to selflessness According to Aisyah, the concept of qurban can be seen in the concept of submission to Allah and the willingness to be selfless.Today's youth are encouraged to make decisions not just for fame or fortune but with the intention to benefit the ummah.'Submission can be seen in how youth align their ambitions and decisions with Islamic values for example, choosing a career path not just for fame or fortune but also for benefit to the ummah,' she clarified.Whether it's choosing a socially impactful career or helping peers with studies out of pure kindness, these sacrifices reflect selflessness, one of the core values of Aidiladha. In light of the modern world witnessing the atrocities that are currently befalling innocent yet silenced muslims around the world, the truest sacrifice can be seen in giving up fear, comfort, or social approval to uphold what is right. Photo: Canva.
Taming the Ego 'Perhaps ego is also something to consider,' Aishah noted as she highlights a worrying trend among some youth who believe they are always right.'They often believe they are always right, and cannot be corrected, whatever relates to them is seen as true regardless whether they are right or wrong,' she said.Letting go of ego and accepting one's own flaws is an act that muslims now can consider a modern spiritual sacrifice akin to taming and slaughtering cattle during Aidiladha.As such, this also includes sacrificing one's ego in pursuing true verified knowledge, not just information trending on social media.'Modern qurban means sacrificing our time and effort to seek true knowledge, acknowledging our ego and striving to be better,' she added.
Reducing digital indulgence In today's hyperconnected world, giving up screen time is a real sacrifice.'In today's world, attention is the new currency,' Aishah quipped.Thus, reducing time spent on addictive digital habits in favour of salah, Qur'an recitation, or quality family moments is a form of modern qurban.Aishah noted that charity and sacrifice extends beyond money, it includes giving time, kind words, or emotional support.'In digital habits, it means resisting toxic content, avoiding online gossip or arrogance, and using platforms to spread positivity and knowledge.'In time management, it means prioritising salah, quran recitation, and family responsibilities, even if it means reducing personal screen time or gaming hours,' she added. Letting go of ego and accepting one's own flaws is an act that muslims now can consider a modern spiritual sacrifice akin to taming and slaughtering cattle during Aidiladha. Photo: Canva.
Standing for justice and truth One of the noblest forms of qurban today is speaking truth in the face of injustice.'To stand for justice means we cannot stay silent on issues like, for example, Palestine,' Aishah stated.In light of the modern world witnessing the atrocities that are currently befalling innocent yet silenced muslims around the world, the truest sacrifice can be seen in giving up fear, comfort, or social approval to uphold what is right.As Aishah mused, just as Prophet Ibrahim made an unimaginable sacrifice, we too are called to be brave to speak, to act, and to resist silence when it matters most.
Being present for others Volunteering, mentoring juniors, or helping without expecting anything in return may seem ordinary, but in the eyes of Allah, they are extraordinary.According to Aishah selflessness can be practiced by volunteering regularly during humanitarian crises, helping friends or siblings with their studies, or mentoring others without expecting anything in return.These acts, no matter how small, carry the spirit of qurban, choosing others over ourselves for Allah's sake.
Aidiladha is a reminder that sacrifice isn't just about blood and flesh. It's about sincere submission, humility, and giving up what we love most for a higher purpose. Whether it's wealth, ego, time, or silence, the deeper meaning of qurban lies in our willingness to choose Allah over ourselves.
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