Qurbani
Qurbani is a significant and profound practice within the Islamic faith. The Arabic word Qurbani means “sacrifice” in English. Today we perform an animal sacrifice, but Qurbani is rooted in the history of the Prophet Ibrahim, and his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah (SWT), Qurbani is a symbol of faith, devotion, and compassion that echoes throughout the history of Islam.
Qurbani: The Essence of Sacrifice
Qurbani, at its core, represents the concept of sacrifice. The act of offering an animal for Qurbani during Eid al-Adha symbolises the willingness of Muslims to give up something they hold dear as a demonstration of their devotion to Allah (SWT).
The prophetic Qurbani practice traces its origins to the time when Prophet Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. When Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the act, Allah intervened, providing a ram as a substitute. His unwavering obedience and submission to Allah’s will earned him the title of “Khalilullah”, or “Friend of Allah”. This profound act highlights the importance of faith and obedience and is commemorated annually during Eid al-Adha through Qurbani.
The essence of Qurbani is deeply rooted in the concept of surrendering one’s desires and possessions for the sake of Allah. This act mirrors Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, as he was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail who was also his source of joy and comfort. Qurbani serves as a reminder to Muslims that our devotion to Allah (SWT) should supersede all attachments to the material world.
The Blessed Days of Dhul Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah hold great significance in Islam, so much so that they are often referred to as the best days of the year.
The Prophet Muhammad said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days” – [Bukhari]
This hadith highlights the significance of the blessed ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Good deeds performed during this period hold immense rewards, and supplications (duas) made during these days have a higher likelihood to reach Allah.
The Qurbani sacrifice is preferably made on the first day of Eid al-Adha, which is the tenth day of the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah. So rewards received for performing Qurbani and sharing the meat on this day will be multiplied greatly through the generosity of Allah (SWT).
Eid al-Adha: A Time of Celebration
Eid al-Adha (or Eid ul-Adha), often referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed from the 10th to the 13th day of the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This celebration marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to obey Allah’s command.
Muslims around the world gather for the Eid prayer, exchanging heartfelt greetings. After Eid prayers have been offered families and friends gather to celebrate Eid, make new memories and eat meat during festive Eid meals. Eid al-Adha showcases the unity of the global Muslim Ummah as they collectively remember the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
The significance of Eid al-Adha goes beyond mere rituals; it is a time for deep reflection on the lessons of sacrifice, faith, and obedience. As we come together to perform the Qurbani ritual and engage in acts of worship, we commemorate the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and his unyielding devotion to Allah (SWT). Eid underscores the shared values that bind Muslims worldwide, promoting a sense of empathy and solidarity.
Performing Qurbani
The act of performing Qurbani requires adhering to specific guidelines outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. Those who are eligible to pay Zakat must make the Qurbani sacrifice. Muslims who can afford to do so are encouraged to offer Qurbani, involving the sacrifice of an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel.
The fresh Qurbani meat is then divided into three parts: one third is given to the vulnerable families and communities in need, one third is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining third goes to the person offering Qurbani. This practice not only upholds the spirit of sharing but also supports vulnerable communities by providing them with quality meat.
Qurbani is a multi-faceted ritual that encompasses various aspects of faith, compassion, and community engagement. The process begins with selecting an eligible animal, which should meet specific criteria outlined by Islamic teachings. The act of slaughtering sacrificial animals is carried out with meticulous care, following Islamic guidelines to ensure the Qurbani meat is halal, and that the animal feels minimal suffering.
Qurbani Donations
It is often the case that Muslims make Qurbani donations to an Islamic charity that will use the funds to buy a Qurbani animal. The charity then makes the sacrifice, and then distributes the Qurbani meat to those who cannot afford to perform Qurbani themselves.
Qurbani’s Significance and Impact
Qurbani serves as a testament to our commitment to Allah’s commands and embodies the concept of selflessness. The Prophet Muhammad, through his teachings and actions, emphasised the importance of performing the Qurbani sacrifice as an expression of faith and a way to draw closer to Allah (SWT). The act of Qurbani holds a dual purpose: while it is a religious obligation for those who are eligible, it also provides an opportunity for Muslims to contribute to charitable causes and uplift marginalised communities.
The significance of Qurbani extends beyond its ritualistic aspect; it encompasses a broader vision of social responsibility and compassion. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions – one for the needy, one for family and friends, and one for personal consumption. This distribution model ensures that the practice of Qurbani addresses both the spiritual and humanitarian aspects of Islam.
Qurbani Rules
There are certain rules in place for the Qurbani sacrifice that ensure that the ritual is performed in the correct way, as the last messenger of Allah did over a millennium ago. These rules ensure that impoverished believers are fed, and that the animals are sacrificed humanely and in accordance with the will of Allah (SWT).
Eligibility
According to the Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence, those who are eligible to pay zakat are Qurbani compulsory. Purchasing a Qurbani animal, also known as paying the Qurbani price, is compulsory for every sane Muslim who possesses the nisab value. The nisab value is the minimum amount of money one must possess to be eligible to perform Qurbani.
Selection of Qurbani Animals
With regards to the animal that is sacrificed, one Qurbani sacrifice can be either a small animal such as a sheep or a much larger one like a cow. Both sacrifices are sufficient to provide nutritious food for impoverished Muslims who are in urgent need of a quality meal.
The animals sacrificed for Qurbani must meet specific criteria to confirm their health status and eligibility as a sacrifice. Generally, they should be in good health, free from any disabilities, and of an appropriate age. For example, goats should be at least one year old, sheep should be at least six months old, and cows should be at least two years old. The selection of animals is essential, as Islam encourages believers to offer our best for sacrifice, reflecting the spirit of giving for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Timing of Qurbani
Once the Eid prayer is completed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah Muslims are able to carry out the Qurbani. The prophetic tradition of the Qurbani animal sacrifice must be made by sunset on the final day of Eid, the same deadline also applies if a Muslim performs Qurbani on behalf of Muslims who cannot afford to do so themselves. It is best to make the Qurbani sacrifice on the first day of Eid as it is within the blessed ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Distribution of Meat
After the Qurbani is performed, the meat is divided into three parts. One third is typically given to the poor and needy, another third is shared with friends and family, and the final third remains with the household. This distribution ensures that the less fortunate in society benefit from the act of Qurbani and promotes a sense of community and sharing.
Intention and Sincerity
Like any act of worship in Islam, Qurbani requires a pure and sincere intention (niyyah). Those who perform Qurbani should do so with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure and adhering to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.
Qurbani Donations
In the case of a Qurbani donation, the payment must be paid by the end of the third day, leaving time for the animals to be bought and sacrificed in time for meals on the final day of Eid. The fresh Qurbani meat is a blessing to those families living in poverty, as it is possibly the only time of year that they will be able to eat meat.
These rules and guidelines ensure that Qurbani is carried out in a meaningful and orderly manner, allowing Muslims to fulfil religious obligations and uphold the principles of charity, unity, and devotion. These Qurbani rules ensure that many families who cannot afford the sacrifice will be able to eat nutritious food and the best quality meat on Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice.
Qurbani’s Role Today
In a world affected by pressing issues such as climate change and food insecurity, the practice of Qurbani today takes on renewed significance. Qurbani not only provides nutritious sustenance but also helps in meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable people. In regions affected by natural disasters, Qurbani becomes a source of hope and support, reflecting the Islamic principles of compassion and solidarity.
Modern challenges, such as global food shortages and economic disparities, underscore the relevance of Qurbani in today’s world. The act of giving Qurbani, or making a Qurbani donation, transcends geographical boundaries, as Muslims from diverse backgrounds come together to make a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate. This collective effort aligns with Islam’s teachings on caring for the vulnerable and promoting social justice.
Qurbani’s Legacy of Compassion
Qurbani encapsulates the essence of Islam’s core values – faith, compassion, and unity. The act of sacrificing an animal is a profound way for Muslims to emulate the faith and devotion of the Prophet Ismail and his father Ibrahim (AS). Through Qurbani, believers transcend their personal attachments and demonstrate their unwavering commitment to Allah’s commands.
As Eid celebrations commence Muslims around the world perform the Qurbani sacrifice, reaffirming our connection to the rich tapestry of Islamic history. Qurbani allows us to contribute to the welfare of our local communities and celebrate the spirit of religious sacrifice and charity during Eid al-Adha.
In a world full of challenges, Qurbani shines as a beacon of hope and solidarity. It reminds us that our faith is not only a personal journey, but also a collective responsibility to uplift those in need.
The legacy of Qurbani endures as a powerful reminder that true devotion is rooted in compassion, and that acts of sacrifice have the potential to transform lives and create a brighter future for all.