In a remote village, there was a large enclosure in the middle of the green fields. Many animals lived there and among them was a beautiful white cow, whose name was “Rani”.

Rani was given this name because of her shiny white skin and gentle nature. She had big and innocent eyes. The children loved her very much, and she also loved to hang around with the children, and play with them. Rani’s life was full of happiness. Her owner, Uncle Karim Deen, loved her very much. Every morning, he would feed Rani with his own hands, bathe her and talk to her as if she were his own daughter.

Time passed. One morning, Rani felt that the atmosphere in the village had changed. There was hustle and bustle everywhere; people were going to the market and there was talk of cattle markets.

She heard, children talking happily. “Dad, we have to get a big cow!”

“Mum! We will have our picture taken with the sacrificial animal!”

Such phrases were ringing in Rani’s ears. Rani was a bit worried; she asked her fellow bull, Kaalu: “What is all this happening? Why are people so excited?”

Kaalu took a deep breath and said, “Rani! Don’t you know about Eidul Azha? This is the great festival of Muslims, in which a sacrifice is made to Allah.”

Rani widened her eyes. “Sacrifice? Of what?”

“This is the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Allah tested him, and he decided to sacrifice his son. Seeing his intention, Allah sent an animal in his place. In memory of this incident, Muslims sacrifice animals every year,” Kaalu replied softly.

Rani fell silent. For the first time, a question emerged in her innocent eyes and she asked Kaalu: “Can I also be chosen for sacrifice?”

Kaalu looked at her and was about to say something when suddenly, Uncle Karim Din arrived. With him was his grandson Ali, who had completed his studies in the city last year.

Uncle Karim stroked Rani’s head and said, “Ali, son! Look at her, what a beautiful cow she is. I have decided, this year we will sacrifice Rani.”

Ali asked in shock, “Grandpa! Rani? This is your most beloved cow.”

Uncle smiled and said, “That’s why, son! Only what is most dear to us is sacrificed for Allah.”

Rani had heard everything. She sat quietly in a corner.

Kaalu came close to her and asked, “Are you scared, Rani?”

“No, Kaalu! I’m just thinking that I always felt like I was just a cow, but today I found out that I am special to someone,” Rani said softly.

In the following days, people from all over the village came to see Rani. Children took pictures with her. She was decorated, and new necklaces were made for her. Ali would sit next to Rani every evening, lovingly feed her and talk to her.

One day as Rani was sitting, Ali came to Rani with tear in his eyes, he petted her, then whispered, “Rani! There will be a lot of pain. You have been with me since childhood. But grandpa says that sacrifice is not just about slaughtering an animal; it is about surrendering your love, your desire and yourself to Allah.

Rani listened.

Finally, Eidul Azha arrived. At dawn, everyone went to the mosque, and after the prayer, everyone returned to their households.

Uncle Karim Din and Ali hugged Rani lovingly and said, “Rani! You are not just a cow; you are our sacrifice. Your sacrifice includes our love, devotion and faith.”

The sacrifice was done peacefully.

Friends! This story teaches children and young people that sacrifice does not mean just slaughtering an animal. The real sacrifice is giving up what you love for the sake of Allah, eradicating your wrong habits, selfishness and pride.

Rani, by giving her life, taught everyone that the true purpose of life is to live for others and to seek the pleasure of Allah.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 6th, 2025