When Qurbani Teaches the Economics of Justice

By: Setiawan Budi Utomo, observer of Islamic finance and economics, Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Association of Islamic Economists.

Jakarta — Eid al-Adha arrives each year with a distinct atmosphere. The sound of takbir echoes across mosques and open fields, while sacrificial animals are prepared for slaughter. Yet beyond the ritual observed by Muslims worldwide lies a deeper social and economic message. Qurbani is not merely an act of devotion; it offers a framework for understanding how Islam promotes economic justice through consumption, distribution, and social resilience.

At a time when the world faces widening inequality, rising food inflation, and weakening social solidarity, the principles embedded in qurbani are increasingly relevant. While some communities live in abundance, others still struggle to access nutritious food. In this context, qurbani serves not only as a symbol of spiritual sacrifice but also as a mechanism for redistributing welfare.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said:

نَهَيتَ أن تُؤكَلَ لُحومُ الضَّحايا بَعدَ ثَلاثٍ، فقال: إنَّما نَهَيتُكُم مِن أجلِ الدَّافَّةِ التي دَفَّت؛ فكُلوا وادَّخِروا وتَصدَّقوا

“They asked: ‘Did you not previously forbid us from eating the meat of sacrificial animals after three days?’ He replied: ‘I only forbade you because there were many people in need at that time. Now, eat, store, and give in charity.’” (Narrated by Muslim from Abdullah bin Waqid and Aisha)

This hadith reflects three essential pillars of Islamic economics: consumption, storage, and social distribution—concepts that remain central in contemporary economic discourse.

Dignified Consumption

The Prophet’s first instruction was “eat.” Islam does not prohibit the enjoyment of lawful sustenance. In fact, within the framework of maqashid al-sharia (the objectives of Islamic law), consumption supports the preservation of life (hifz al-nafs). However, it is bounded by ethical limits to prevent excess and greed.

In today’s global economy, consumption is often driven by excess rather than necessity. Goods are purchased not out of need but for status and instant gratification, contributing to social inequality and environmental degradation.

Qurbani introduces a different paradigm—consumption rooted in gratitude and purpose. Eating sacrificial meat is not merely about satisfaction but also about appreciating divine blessings while improving nutritional access within society.

This lesson is particularly relevant in Indonesia. Despite steady economic growth, disparities in access to nutritious food persist. Data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows that as of September 2025, approximately 23.36 million Indonesians still live below the poverty line. At the same time, issues such as stunting and limited access to animal protein remain prevalent in several regions.

In this context, qurbani becomes a vital moment for redistributing nutritious food to communities that rarely consume animal protein.

Storage and Food Resilience

The Prophet’s second instruction was “store it.” While seemingly simple, this reflects a sophisticated economic principle: the importance of logistical reserves and food security.

Today’s world is increasingly vulnerable to global crises. Geopolitical conflicts, climate change, supply chain disruptions, and volatile food prices highlight that economic resilience depends not only on production but also on the ability to store and manage resources effectively.

Islam introduced this principle centuries ago. Storing a portion of sacrificial meat demonstrates preparedness for future uncertainty. In modern economic terms, this aligns with food security strategies and social risk management.

This lesson is particularly relevant as global food prices remain unstable and economic uncertainty persists. National resilience is not measured solely by economic growth but also by a society’s ability to maintain food stability and social cohesion.

Charity and Fair Distribution

The Prophet’s third instruction was “give in charity.” This is where the essence of economic justice in Islam becomes most evident.

Islamic economics does not allow wealth to circulate exclusively among the privileged. Resources must flow to generate broader social benefit. Qurbani, therefore, functions not only as an individual act of worship but also as a tool for equitable distribution.

When sacrificial meat is shared with the poor, it fosters more than temporary relief—it strengthens social bonds. Qurbani creates a collective experience in which prosperity is not monopolized by the wealthy.

Modern economic theory similarly recognizes that excessive inequality can trigger social instability and weaken economic resilience. Governments often rely on taxation, subsidies, and social assistance to maintain balance.

Islam, however, introduced social distribution mechanisms long ago through zakat, infaq, sadaqah, waqf, and qurbani. Unlike state-driven systems, these mechanisms are reinforced by spiritual and moral obligations.

Qurbani also stimulates grassroots economic activity. Farmers, livestock traders, feed suppliers, transport services, and small enterprises all benefit from increased demand. Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture estimated that the national supply of sacrificial animals in 2025 exceeded 3.2 million—surpassing projected demand.

This indicates that qurbani is not only a religious observance but also a driver of community-based economic activity.

The Spirit of Economic Justice

In an increasingly individualistic world, qurbani serves as a reminder that economics is not solely about growth figures but also about human values. Islam does not separate spirituality from social welfare.

Acts of worship must produce tangible social impact.

Qurbani represents a comprehensive model of Islamic economics: dignified consumption, logistical preparedness, and equitable distribution. It teaches that wealth gains meaning when it benefits others, and that piety extends beyond ritual into social responsibility.

Ultimately, as qurbani illustrates the principles of economic justice, it underscores a broader message: prosperity is not achieved through accumulation alone, but through the ability to create shared value, solidarity, and hope within society.

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