In the heart of Pakistan Sweet Home, where the laughter of our children fills every corner, and their love wraps around us like a warm embrace. Another beautiful day rises to keep their love and smiles radiant. This day became even more memorable as Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) decided to visit Bakra Mandi with his angels to buy 100 goats/sheep for Eid al-Adha.
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) and his beloved children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Eid-ul-Adha. Like every Muslim, they await this major Islamic event, which recalls the Sunnah of Ibrahim (AS) and the profound lessons of sacrifice and devotion to Allah. Therefore, each year before the start of Zul Hajj, the PSH management, accompanied by Zamurrad Khan and his sons, dedicates a day to visiting the Qurbani animal market, or "mandi," to purchase animals for Qurbani.
As any father would, Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) takes his children to the Mandi, ensuring that sheep/goats are purchased well in advance of Eid Al-Adha. Throughout the years since the founding of Pakistan Sweet Home, he has ensured that the animals remain on the campus for several days before Eid. This practice allows the children to spend time with the animals and understand the significance of the sacrifice.
The children develop a deep sense of sacrifice and obedience to Allah by engaging in this tradition. They learn the importance of controlling their desires and not holding on to materialistic things, embracing the spirit of giving and the true meaning of Eid-ul-Adha.
The morning of their visit to the Qurbani animal market (Mandi) was filled with excitement. The children's eyes sparkled with wonder as they dressed in their finest clothes, their hearts pounding with anticipation for the adventure ahead.
For our children, this adventure wasn't just about buying animals for Qurbani; it was a chance to explore, learn, and create cherished memories with their beloved Papa Jani. He took his beloved angels Islamabad's largest Qurbani animal market, Mandi, at Saidpur Village. Here, sacrificial animals from all over Pakistan have been gathered for sale.
Upon arriving at the Mandi, the boys were excited to roam around and observe every animal. The market was alive with activity — vendors calling out prices, Qurbani animals bleating, and families negotiating the best deals. The air was thick with anticipation and the earthy scent of livestock.
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) led the children through the crowd, explaining each step of the way. He also trained the children in checking the teeth of goats and sheep, encouraging them to inspect the teeth themselves. This was important as, for Qurbani, the age of the sheep or goat should be a minimum of one year.
"Do you know why we perform Qurbani?" Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) asked, his voice gentle yet purposeful. Our angels shook their heads, eager to learn.
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) began to tell the story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). He stated:
"Long ago, Allah tested the faith of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) by commanding him to sacrifice his beloved son, Hazrat Ismail (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was willing to comply, showing his unwavering faith. But at the last moment, Allah replaced Hazrat Ismail (AS) with a sheep, demonstrating His (SWT) mercy. This act of obedience and sacrifice is what we remember during Eid-ul-Adha."
After sharing the story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and the significance of Qurbani, Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) asked the children about the moral of the story. One of our angels explains", "When we sacrifice something beloved in the way of Allah, He (SWT) rewards us and grants us the blessings we desire, both in this life and the hereafter."
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) appreciated and then asked", "Aside from Qurbani animals, what other things that are dear to us can we give in the way of Allah?" Another angel of Papa Jani replied", "Money... because money is very dear to us, and when we give it in the way of Allah, He (SWT) is pleased and blesses us even more, promising rewards in the hereafter too."
Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) smiled and realized that his children listened to the story intently.
As the children walked through the market, they saw goats and sheep of all sizes and colors. The children posed happily beside the goat, their faces lit with joy. They took turns petting the goats, laughing as the goats nibbled curiously at their clothes. As the sun rose, casting a brighter light over the market, our children finally selected sheep and goats. With the deals finalized, the PSH team brought those sheep and goats to the campus.
In conclusion, amidst laughter and learning, our children joyfully accompanied Papa Jani, absorbing the profound story behind their religious acts. Their journey to the Qurbani animal market was an enjoyable outing and a meaningful opportunity to deepen their understanding of faith and tradition."
"Since 2009, when I took the first child under my care, I was determined to provide the best quality education. However, making them exemplary Muslims and valuable members of the Ummah was equally important to me.
I've established an environment across all PSH campuses that prioritizes religious education, ensuring my children remain deeply connected to their Islamic roles." - Zamurrad Khan (Hilal-e-Imtiaz)
Like every year, Pakistan Sweet Home is collecting Qurbani donations to ensure that the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha reaches not only orphaned children and their families but also the deserving and needy families around us. Due to limited capacity and managing staff, we sacrifice small animals like sheep and goats, guaranteeing proper Islamic practices and distribution.
Under Zamurrad Khan's (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) vision, we provide both cooked and uncooked meat. Since cooking involves significant expenses, the meat is prepared under the direct supervision of the Sweet Home management and distributed over all three days of Eid. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can partake in the joy of Eid and enjoy a nutritious meal.
Dedicated butchers and meat-handling staff are hired for three days to perform the sacrifice at our headquarters in Islamabad. You can send your Qurbani (Fi Sabilliah) either online or through bank transfer, ensuring that the most deserving members of our community can join in the joys of Eid Al-Adha!
