Qurubaan

Qurubaan (also spelled Qurban or Kurban, depending on transliteration conventions) is an Arabic term (قربان) that generally signifies a sacrifice or offering made to a deity or higher power. It carries connotations of drawing closer to God through an act of devotion. The concept of Qurubaan is present in several Abrahamic faiths, including Islam and Judaism, although the specific rituals and interpretations differ.

In Islam, Qurbani specifically refers to the sacrifice of an animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel) during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). This sacrifice commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute. The meat from the Qurbani is typically divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. The act of Qurbani is considered a Sunnah mu'akkadah (strongly recommended practice) for Muslims who are able to afford it. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and sharing blessings with the less fortunate.

Outside of the specific context of Eid al-Adha in Islam, the word "Qurubaan" can sometimes be used more broadly to refer to any act of offering or self-sacrifice done out of devotion.

In Judaism, the word Korban (קרבן) shares the same linguistic root and signifies an offering or sacrifice brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. The specifics of Korbanot (plural) are detailed in the Torah and other Jewish texts, outlining different types of offerings and their purposes, such as atonement for sins, thanksgiving, or dedication. While animal sacrifices are no longer practiced in mainstream Judaism following the destruction of the Second Temple, the concept of Korban continues to hold significance in Jewish thought, often understood metaphorically as acts of prayer, repentance, and charitable giving that serve to draw closer to God.