Idi Kurbon: Religious Beliefs, Tradition, And Traditions

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Of Tajikistan’s 8 million people, 90% are Muslim (Central Intelligence Agency). For Muslims, their faith is a central part of their daily lives. Muslims have many religious rituals, traditions, and holidays that are a key part of their faith. Islam’s second most important holiday is Idi Kurbon, which is also known as The Festival of Sacrifice and Eid- al-Adha. The festival of Idi Kurbon is a significant religious celebration in Tajikistan’s culture.
The history of Idi Kurbon has major significance in the customs of the holiday. The history of Idi Kurbon started with Abraham, 2,500 years before Muhammad’s birth. Abraham had two wives named Sarah and Hagar (Winchester, 17). Abraham had one son with Sarah named Isaac. He also had another son with Hagar named Ishmael. One day, Abraham heard a message from Allah telling him to sacrifice Ishmael. Abraham loved Allah enough to kill his son for him. Immediately before Abraham was going to cut Ishmael’s throat open, a lamb miraculously appeared instead of Ishmael. The lamb was sacrificed and Ishmael was saved. This miracle story is written in the Old Testament and the Qur’an. This story demonstrates to Muslims that Allah does not need human sacrifice. It also teaches that obedience and commitment to Allah are significant. Overall, the history of Idi Kurbon contributes to the holiday’s traditions.
The variety of foods eaten during Idi Kurbon play an important role in the holiday. All Muslim cultures honor Abraham’s actions by slaughtering an animal and giving the needy the meat from the sacrificed animal. Giving meat to the needy was a popular form of almsgiving a thousand years ago. Muslims believe that slaughtering an animal is only a way to help others, not to gratify Allah. Meat is a...

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... they now have religious freedoms. Celebrating Idi Kurbon gives the people of Tajikistan a sense of nationalism. Overall, the holiday of Idi Kurbon has a lot of importance in Tajikistan.
Idi Kurbon plays in important role in the culture of Tajikistan. The history and religious significance of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son plays an important role in the customs of the holiday. The sacrificial animals as well as the various customs like bathing, prayer, and visiting family and dead relatives make the holiday unique. The dates Idi Kurbon takes place change each year based on when the holy month of Ramadan is celebrated. Idi Kurbon also influences the culture of Tajikistan because schools, government, and businesses are closed; increased tourism, almsgiving, and a sense of nationalism. Idi Kurbon is an important religious holiday celebrated throughout Tajikistan.

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