The evolution of Qurban, and where it is today

However, the second most auspicious Islamic festival is Hari Raya Aidiladha or Hari Raya Haji, celebrated during Zulhijjah; the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Hari Raya Haji is also celebrated at the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage), 70 days after the fasting month.

The significance of Aidiladha While Aidilfitri celebrates the end of the Ramadan fasting month, Aidiladha stems from the concept of sacrifice. It is based on a recurring dream that Prophet Ibrahim A.S had of slaughtering his son, Ismael, to fulfil God’s wishes. God saw his devotion and sent the angel Gabriel (Jibreel) with a sheep for the slaughter in place of his son.

Since then, Aidiladha celebrations are commemorated with the slaughtering of a goat, sheep, or cow in the spirit of sacrifice. Muslims will purchase the cattle for the ritual, however, we are not the sole beneficiaries of the meat. The meat from the sacrificed livestock is then distributed to the needy. Qurban in Singapore

In Singapore, the qurban is typically conducted in local mosques under strict guidelines by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Shipments of sheep usually arrive in Singapore from Australia, and are inspected by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) to ensure they’re healthy prior to transferring to the approved qurban centres - usually mosques.

Joint training sessions on various aspects of animal care and handling are conducted for qurban volunteers to ensure that all the centres adopt the same high level of standards as well as to ensure the qurban process be carried out smoothly. During the qurban, only individuals and families participating are allowed to witness the slaughter of their allocated sheep. Members of the public are not allowed to perform the qurban themselves, and only authorised and trained personnel have access to the qurban operation areas.

This year, the SalamSG Korban sub-committee announced that 52 mosques would offer overseas Korban services. Each qurban sheep ranges between S$360 to S$380 depending on the weight of the sheep and the vendor chosen.

Evolution of Qurban During COVID-19, to honour the significance of the qurban but still maintain the safety of the public, no livestock could be imported. Instead, mosques arranged for the ritual to be performed in Australia. The meat was then chilled and shipped to Singapore subsequently before being distributed to the individuals who have purchased sheep, as well as the needy.

However, other new qurban methods have surfaced. Influencer, Hyder, explains why their role as influencers can help target a different generation and spread the importance of qurban. “The traditional way will always ensure regular customers or donors. For example, this Pakcik uses the same Qurban service each year. Promotional materials are also limited to the traditional way - at the masjid. Selling through influencers, we’re able to get attention from new people who don’t focus on traditional promotion, or even always go to the masjid. We’re also able to provide some insight into Qurban. It’s quite a healthy way to educate and expand knowledge.” Don Jany seconds the opinion that Qurban promotion and selling done by influencers is beneficial.

“Influencers provide a sense of trust as we are more relatable, people are more comfortable (with us) as they feel more connected. First timers who opted to do Qurban with us said that it’s due to trust. We also have videos educating the public, TikTok live selling to discuss the do’s and don’ts of Qurban so people can interact and get their questions answered. Engagement-wise, we’re also able to reach out to more people, especially the younger demographic.”

Influencer Nyla (@wildefox_) also adds that this new method of Qurban adds a new comfort level to those who did not have the opportunity to grow up in an environment where they are not educated about the process, or unable to visit mosques.

She states that the younger generation follow influencers and trends online more than bulletin boards at mosques. “They become curious and want to know more. In turn, they’re becoming more educated about it and can relate to it better since it’s coming from people they like, support, or look up to. When I was selling it, I received many DMs asking me about it. They would explain that it’s their first time, and ask me to guide them through the process.”

Pros and cons of influencer korban Speaking to an ustaz, he is agreeable that influencers are needed to spread the message and engage the younger generation. However, he emphasises that influencers might not have the in-depth knowledge about ibadah korban to ensure that it is done the accurate way. “As asatizahs, we view the ritual as an act of ibadah. However, it’s now more of a business model than an ibadah. Using fakir to gain views and numbers, both influencers and customers could be falling to scams that companies may be running. The intention has to be right.”