Since the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah is approaching and many of us are organising our Qurbani sacrifice in time for the festival of Eid al-Adha, the onus is on us to entrust our obligation to a charity that follows the Sunnah when performing this important act of faith.
Here are your questions answered.
1. What is Qurbani in Islam?
Qurbani is an annual animal sacrifice that commemorates the ultimate sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was asked in a dream to offer his one and only son to God.
The dream had only been a test, which Ibrahim passed successfully. Right before the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) sent down a ram to be offered in Ismail’s place. So, every year, adults Muslims who are eligible to give Zakat must also make a Qurbani sacrifice in the name of Allah (SWT).
2. Is Qurbani compulsory every year?
Yes, Qurbani is Fard or compulsory every year. Every sane Muslim with a minimum Nisab value (of savings) is obligated to make at least one animal sacrifice on Eid al-Adha to reaffirm their trust in the Creator.
“We have decreed the animal offerings for you among the rites of God. In them, there are benefits for you. So, mention God’s name on them while they are lined up, then, once they collapse on their sides, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. Thus, did We subject them to you, so hopefully, you may give thanks” (22:36).
3. Can Qurbani money be donated?
If in the past, Qurbani was performed by a family and shared with the neighbours and the poor, nowadays it’s acceptable to donate money to a charity either for a whole animal or a share in a big animal to have your Qurbani performed on your behalf.
Ata bin Yasar reported, “I asked Abu Ayub (Al-Ansari) how the sacrifices (of animals) were done during the time of the Messenger of Allah (saw). He said, ‘A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household’” (Tirmidhi).
At Ummah, we’re already taking Qurbani bookings, and you should book early to ensure a successful Qurbani. Donate a cow share for £75 or a whole cow for £525 to feed thousands of poor people in your ummah in Pakistan.
4. Can Qurbani be given in the name of the deceased?
Although you could offer Qurbani in the name of a deceased loved one, this is not something that our Prophet (pbuh) practiced in His times. You should prioritise a Qurbani on your own behalf first.
5. When to donate Qurbani meat?
According to the Sunnah, your Qurbani/Udhiya sacrifice must be performed between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, after the Eid prayer, so you should donate as soon as possible to give us enough time to prepare the meat for distribution.
Can Qurbani be done before the Eid prayer?
No – any sacrifice done before or after this time is not considered valid, which means you will have to donate again to fulfil your obligation to Allah (swt).
6. When is Qurbani/Eid 2021?
This year, the first day of Eid al-Adha falls on the 20th of July, depending on the sighting of the moon.
7. Which animals are allowed for Qurbani?
All Qurbani-eligible animals have to be healthy, with no missing limbs or any other physical impediments. They should be cattle, goats, sheep or camels.
The quality of the meat is a spiritual requirement, so we select our animals with the best value in mind.
8. How many Qurbani sacrifices per family?
Since every eligible Muslim must perform the sacrifice, and one share equals one Qurbani, there should be a share for each member of the family.
A small animal is a Qurbani, whereas a larger animal could be split into seven parts and be given as a sacrifice for seven members of the family.
9. What is a Prophetic Qurbani?
Giving a Prophetic Qurbani is a great way to follow in the Prophet’s (PBUH) footsteps. He used to always sacrifice an additional animal on behalf of His ummah, especially for the poor and needy who were unable to offer Qurbani.
“The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and (his) Prophethood” (Tabarani and Ahmad).
This Eid al-Adha, why not revive the Sunnah and double your rewards with a Prophetic Qurbani?
10. How is Qurbani meat divided in Islam?
The animal is split into three parts after the slaughter – 1/3 goes to the donor, 1/3 to the neighbours, and the last 1/3 goes to a person in need (both Muslim and Non-Muslim).
11. What are the conditions for Qurbani?
Here is a summary of the most important Qurbani rules and conditions:
- Say Takbeer during the sacrifice.
- Choose healthy animals with no physical handicap.
- Not all animals are eligible for Qurbani. We should only sacrifice cattle, goats, sheep and camels.
- Don’t forget the right timing! It has to be done on Eid al-Adha, after the Eid prayer – this means any time between the 10th and 12th day of Dhul Hijjah.