Qurbani, also know as Udhiya during Eid-ul Adha – is an act to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice as mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Qurbani in Islamic terms means the slaughtering of an animal with the intention of getting close to Allah (SWT) by giving some or all of the meat to the poor and destitute.
Animals that can be sacrificed are goats, cows and camels. They are sacrificed on the day of Eid-ul-Adha and also on the three days after (the 11, 12 and 13th of Dhulhijjah).
”And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’ Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead. And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers).Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. (Sura Saffat, verses 102-108.)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught Muslims the way of remembering the act of Ibrahim. He stayed 10 years in Madina and performed sacrifice at Eid-ul-Adha. (Tirmidhi)
Benefits of Qurbani?
Giving meat to the poor as required when doing Qurbani, spreads happiness so they may also enjoy the event of Eid-ul-Adha as it is a time of celebration and festivities for all Muslims.
Who should give Qurbani?
Persons who possess Nisab (minimum amount of wealth requiring them to pay Zakat) should give Qurbani. It is not obligatory (fard) but is highly recommended. Qurbani is a Sunnah act according to the Shafi, Hanbali, Maliki, and Jafari schools of thought.
Requirements for Qurbani?
The animals slaughtered must be either a goat, sheep, cattle, cow, ox, water buffalo, or camel. However for sheep, they must be at least one year old. For cows the age must be at least two years old. Camels must be at least five years old. Goats and sheep count as one share per animal. Cattle and camels count as seven shares per animal.
They must be free from any form of handicap such as blind, sick, limp and undernourished.
The animals must be slaughtered in the appropriate humane ways. It has to be done by a Muslim adhering to the Islamic way of slaughtering the animal.
When Should one perform Qurbani?
Sunrise after the performance of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
The first thing that we do on the day of Eid is to perform the prayers. Then we go home and carry out our Qurbani.Thus whoever does those acts has conformed to our sunnah. And for those who slaughtered before it, then the meat is for the family members and not as an act of Qurbani. (Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 82) So it’s very important to do this at the right time.
Distribution of the Qurbani?
Qurbani meat should be divided in three equal parts: one for the home, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. The meat from qurbani can be distributed to the poor, rich, Muslim or non-Muslim.
Many charities perform Qurbani on behalf of donors, and distribute the meat to the poor for you. This can go as far as around the world.
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