THE URGENCY OF SAVING FOR QURBAN

A Reflection on the 1447 H Qurbani Service

By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ir. Eddiwan, M.Sc.
Head of the Fisheries and Marine College, Pandan

The qurbani service is a form of obedience, gratitude, and sacrifice by a Muslim to Allah SWT. Through qurbani, a servant expresses thankfulness for the blessings bestowed by Allah while emulating the sincerity and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) in carrying out Allah’s command.

However, many Muslims are unable to perform qurbani because they feel they do not have sufficient funds. Indeed, each person’s sustenance and financial ability are different. Nevertheless, the desire to perform qurbani should not disappear simply because of financial limitations. It should instead encourage us to prepare earlier, plan better, and build the habit of saving for worship.

Therefore, saving for qurbani is an important step that needs to be cultivated. By saving well in advance, the cost of qurbani, which may initially seem burdensome, will, God willing, become lighter and more manageable. Saving also trains discipline, patience, and the ability to manage finances according to the right scale of priorities. Every rupiah set aside is not merely a financial saving, but also a reflection of sincerity in preparing oneself to worship Allah SWT.

Allah SWT says:

“So perform prayer for your Lord and offer sacrifice.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Kawthar: 2)

Let us make a simple calculation. If someone saves Rp7,000 every day, they will accumulate approximately Rp210,000 in one month. If this is done consistently for one year, the amount will reach around Rp2,520,000. Another option is to save Rp200,000 every month, which will amount to Rp2,400,000 in 12 months. This amount is already very helpful as an initial saving for qurbani, with only a little more needed to complete the required cost.

Similarly, if someone saves Rp5,000 per day, they will collect around Rp150,000 in one month and Rp1,800,000 in one year. Even if the amount is not yet sufficient for qurbani this year, continuing the habit will, God willing, make it possible to perform qurbani in the following year.

The question is: why do we often find it difficult to set aside Rp7,000 or Rp5,000 for qurbani, while in daily life we may easily spend money on various non-urgent needs? Many people are able to buy cigarettes, internet data packages, bottled drinks, snacks, or other routine expenses every day. If calculated over one year, these expenses may far exceed the amount needed for qurbani savings.

This does not mean that daily needs should not be fulfilled. However, as Muslims, we need to learn to prioritize worship. If we are able to allocate money for worldly needs and desires, then we should also be able to set aside part of our wealth as an investment for the hereafter through qurbani.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“There is no deed performed by the children of Adam on the Day of Nahr that is more beloved to Allah than slaughtering the sacrificial animal.”
(Narrated by Tirmidhi)

Besides being an act of obedience to Allah, qurbani also contains great social value. The sacrificial meat is shared with family members, neighbors, the poor, and those in need. The happiness they feel becomes a source of continuing reward for those who perform the sacrifice.

Therefore, saving for qurbani is not only about preparing funds. More than that, it is about preparing oneself to share happiness, strengthen solidarity, and bring benefit to others.

Do not wait until you are rich to begin preparing for qurbani. Do not wait until you have abundant wealth before intending to sacrifice. Start with small steps that can be taken today. Set aside Rp7,000 or Rp5,000 per day, or any amount according to your individual ability. Little by little, with consistency and sincerity, it will grow into something meaningful.

With sincere intention, disciplined saving, and the help of Allah SWT, God willing, the desire to perform qurbani can become a reality.

Let us make saving for qurbani part of our family financial planning. If we can regularly afford cigarettes, mobile data packages, snacks, drinks, or other daily expenses, then God willing, we can also save for qurbani.

What is needed is not merely financial ability, but intention, willingness, commitment, and awareness that qurbani is a noble act of worship in the sight of Allah SWT.