Everything You Need To Know About Qurbaani
It is an important ibaadah (worship), and is from among the Sha'aair (symbols) of Islaam. It is not a custom of 'Eid or a source of merry-making and gaiety; but it is a shar'ee (religious) command to renew the commemoration of the Sunnah of Ibraaheem alayhis Salaam and create the spirit and desire of selflessness and sacrifice.
The Qur'aan says:
It is neither their flesh nor their blood, that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches him. (22: 37)
Thus, the actual purpose of Qurbani is to create piety, devotion and a desire for obedience and submission in a human.
Mas'alah: Qurbani' cannot be offered in the name of anyone besides Allah. It is stated in the Qur'aan:
Lo! My Salaat and my Sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. (6:162)
The History of Qurbani
Although Qurbani had been ordained an ibaadah from the time of Adam alayhis Salaam, special importance was attached to it only after an incident which took place with Ibraaheem alayhis salaam, and consequently it was made waajib (incumbent) in the Sharee'ah of Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam in his memory. This is a unique incident in world history and of great spiritual value, which the Qur'aan mentions in Surah Saaffaat:
And when (his Son ) was old enough to walk with him, (Ibraaheem) Said: 'O my dear Son, I have Seen in a dream that I am Slaughtering you. Now See what is your view?' (37:102)
The dreams of the prophets are regarded as revelations; thus the observance of slaughtering in a dream is just like receiving the command to slaughter.Ibraaheem alayhis Salaam, therefore, asked, "Are you ready to fulfil this command of Allah?" The son replied, "O my father, do that which you are commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me to be among those who are patient."
This was a great trial for Ibraaheem alayhis salaam. He is commanded to slaughter his only child. A child, who was blessed to him by Allah in his old age after making numerous supplications and now reaching the stage where he could assist his old father in his duties and mission. Similarly, it was a great trial for the son too.
To obey the command and give away his life was not a trivial or simple thing. However, the son too showed file qualities of his father by submitting and not re1ying on his oral intentions, determination and courage. Entrusting himself to Allah he said, "If Allah wills." Further, he did not say, "I will have patience," but said, ''you will find me to be among those who are patient", which is a sign of humility that indicates that he does not claim the quality of patience for himself only.
Through the blessings of entrusting themselves to Allah and their humility, they did not falter during the stages of thin difficult path. The sole bread winning father and his obedient son left home for Mina to carry out the command of Allah. When they finally reached Mina, the father turned the face of his son and placed the knife on his throat and used his full strength to fulfil the order and decree of sacrifice, but the power of Allah intervened in the function of the knife and a call from the heavens turned the events of this whole scene:
Then when they had both Surrendered (to Allah) and he had flung him down on his face, we called unto him: 'O Ibraaheem! You have already fulfilled the vision. Lo! thus indeed do we reward the good. Lo! Indeed this was a clear test.' And we ransomed him with a tremendous sacrifice. (37: 103-107)
And with it a ram was sent down from the Heaven as a ransom for Ismaa'eel alayhis salaam, so that it may be slaughtered in his place. Allah accepted this sincere act and deed of his messenger Ibraaheem alayhis Salaam - so much so that to keep this act alive as a rite of remembrance till the Day of Judgement, He made it waajib (incumbent) upon the pilgrims in particular and upon the Muslims in general to sacrifice an animal. It is stated in a Hadeeth that the Sahaabah radhiyallahu annum once inquired from Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, "O Prophet of Allah! What is this Qurbani? (i.e. where did it originate?)." He replied, "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibraaheem alayhis salaam (and a memorial in his honour)."
(Mishkaat pp. 129) (Ibne Maajah pp. 226)
The Command for Qurbani is for All Muslims
The Qurbani has been made waajib (incumbent) upon the whole Ummah and not only upon the pilgrims. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, the Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum, Taabi'een and the whole of the Ummah all over have kept up this waajib steadfastly through all ages. It is a command of Allah to all, be they in Makkah, Madinah or any other part of the globe.
It is not a distinguished feature confined to Makkah Mukarramah, nor as wrongly understood by some, to be a specialty only attached to rituals of Hajj and for pilgrims therein.
The Qurbani under discussion is incumbent on every person in every town after ascertaining its conditions, which are mentioned in "
On Whom is Qurbani Waajib?"
The sacrifice offered by pilgrims as part of the rituals of Hajj is known as dam-e-shukr, (sacrifice of thanksgiving) which is waajib upon those performing Hajj-e-Qiraan or Hajj-e-Tamattu' and Mustahab (desirable) for those performing Hajj-e-Ifraad.
Those who hold the view that Qurbani is confined only to Makkah Mukarramah have based their opinion on total ignorance of the Qur'aan and Sunnah. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and Sahaabah radhiyallahu anhum performed Qurbani in Madinah and elsewhere every year as is evident from the Ahaadeeth mentioned hereunder:
Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam lived in Madinah Munawwarah for ten years. He performed Qurbani (every year). (Tirmizi pp. 182 Vol.1) (Mishkaat pp. 129)
A Few Ahaadeeth In This Concern
Abdullah Ibne 'Abbaas radhiyallahu anhu reports that we were with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam in one of his travels. The day of 'Eid-ul-Adh'haa came. We became seven partners in a cow (and sacrificed it). (Tirmizi ) (Nasa'ee) (Ibne Maajah) (Mishkaat pp. 128 )
Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu reports that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to sacrifice (the Qurbani animal) at the 'Eidgaah. (Bukhaari pp. 833 Vol.2) (Mishkaat pp. 127)
Bara' Ibne 'Aazib radhiyallahu anhu reports that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam went towards tile Jannat-ul-Baqee'(cemetery of Madinah Munawwarah) on the day of 'Eid-ul-Adh'haa and offered two raka'at of salaat and faced us and said:
"On this day of ours, our first act of worship is the offering of salaat, thereafter we will return and slaughter the sacrifices. Whosoever acts accordingly, concords with our Sunnah (way), and whosoever has offered Qurbani (before the salaat) then that was a thing which he prepared earlier for his family and it would not be considered as a Qurbani." (Bukhaari pp. 133 Vol.1) (Muslim pp. 154 Vol.2)
Anas Ibne Maalik radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam offered salaat on the day of 'Eid-ul-Adh'haa and then delivered the sermon and ordered that whoever had slaughtered his sacrifice before the prayer should repeat it. (Bukhaari pp. 134 Vol.1)
Jundub radhiyallahu anhu reports that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam offered the salaat on 'Eid-ul-Adh'haa and then delivered the sermon and then slaughtered the Qurbani. (Bukhaari pp. 134 Vol.1)
Anas Ibne Maalik radhiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam used to offer two rams as sacrifice, and I also used to offer two rams. (Bukhaari pp. 833 Vol.2)
Anas radhiyallahu anhu reports that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam came towards two homed rams having black and white colours and slaughtered them with his own hands. (Bukhaari pp. 833 Vol.2) (Muslim pp. 155 Vol.2 )
'Uqbah Ibne 'Aamir radhiyallahu anhu narrates that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam gave him a few sheep to distribute among his companions to slaughter as sacrifice. (Bukhaari pp. 833 Vol.2) (Nasaee pp. 203 Vol.2)
Abu Umaamah Ibne Sahl radhiyallahu anhu reports that we used to fatten the Qurbani animals in Madinah and the Muslims used to fatten (the same). (Bukhaari pp. 833 Vol.2 )
Aaishah radhiyallahu anhaa narrates that we used to salt some of the meat of sacrifice and present it to the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam at Madinah. (Bukhaari pp. 835 Vol.2 )
Ali radhiyallahu anhu used to sacrifice two animals every year for Qurbani; one for himself and one on behalf of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam and used to say that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has ordered me to offer a Qurbani on his behalf (every year) until I remain alive. (Mustadrak of Haakim)
'Aasim Ibne Kulayb narrates from his father that we were engaged in a war with the enemy in Persian land. Our commander was a Companion of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. We became worried that the days of Qurbani have neared and we are unable to find one-year-old goats. Thereupon Mushaaji' Ibne Mas'ood radhiyallahu anhu said: "If goats are not available then it does not matter. I have heard from Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam that to offer a ram which is more than six months old is also permissible for Qurbani. Therefore offer it for Qurbani." (Mustadrak of Haakim) (Nasaee)
Anas radhiyallahu anhu relates that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam sacrificed two homed rams, black and white in colour, at Madinah. (Bukhaari pp. 231 Vol.1 ) (Kanz)
Virtues of Qurbani
Qurbani is a practice commanded by Allah:
... So turn in prayer towards your Lord and Sacrifice (animals). (108:2)
Aaishah radhiyallahu anhaa narrates that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
"There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart." (Tirmizi pp. 275 Vol.1) (Ibne Maajah pp. 226 Vol.1)
Zayd Ibne Arqam radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Companions radhiyallahu annum asked:
"O Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)! What is Qurbani?" He replied, "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibraaheem alayhis Salaam." They asked again: What benefit do we get out from it?" He answered: "A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal)." "And (what reward is there for animals with) wool, O Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)?" they asked. "A reward", he said, "for every fiber of the wool." (Ibne Maajah pp. 226) (Mishkaat pp. 129)
When a person slaughters a Qurbani animal, he is forgiven at the fall of the first drop of blood, and verily, the animal shall be brought forward on the Day Of Judgement with its blood, meat etc., and shall be increased in weight seventy times more than its own weight, and thereafter it will be placed on the scale of deeds.
On Whom is Qurbani Waajib?
Qurbani is waajib on every Muslim who is of sound mind, mature (who has reached the age of puberty), Muqeem (i.e. he is not a shar'ee traveler) and possesses the amount of fifty two and half tolas of silver (i.e. 612,36 grams) or wealth equivalent to that value which is in excess of one's aslee (basic) needs. It is not necessary that this amount be in one's possession for a complete lunar year.
It's possession during the three days of Qurbani will make Qurbani obligatory. Qurbani is not incumbent on a child or an insane person whether they own wealth equivalent to the amount above or not, nor is it waajib upon their guardians to perform it on their behalf. Similarly, it is not waajib on a Shar'ee traveler.
NOTE: A shar'ee traveler is he who goes on a journey with an intention Of travelling forty eight miles. He will be treated as a traveler as soon as he goes out of his town.
Mas'alah: If a person on whom Qurbani is not waajib, purchases an animal with the intention of performing Qurbani, it will then become waajib to perform that Qurbani.
Mas'alah: It is highly virtuous for one on whom Qurbani is not waajib to offer sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah. He will be eligible for all the reward mentioned in the Ahaadeeth.
Mas'alah: During the days of Qurbani, Sadaqah and charity cannot compensate for Qurbani nor fulfil the waajib. Qurbani is a unique ibaadah. Just as zakaat cannot compensate for Hajj, or sawm (fasting) cannot compensate for salaat, similarly charity cannot compensate for Qurbani.
However, if the days of Qurbani had passed, and the Qurbani was not offered due to not knowing, laxity and negligence or for some other valid reason, then it becomes waajib to give in Sadaqah the price of Qurbani animal or the animal itself to the poor.
Mas'alah: If a traveler returned home or a person acquires the required wealth on the 12th of Zil Hijjah before sunset, it will be waajib upon him to perform Qurbani.
Mas'alah: A traveler who makes intention of staying at a certain place for fifteen days or more, no longer remains a traveler. He must offer Qurbani if he possesses the prescribed amount.
Mas'alah: A Haajee who stayed in Makkah Mukarramah for fifteen days or more before 8th Zil Hijjah, does not remain a traveler. He must offer Qurbani if he possesses the prescribed amount. If he is performing Hajj-e-Tamattu' or Hajj-e-Qiraan, he will have to sacrifice two animals - one for Qurbani and one for Hajj.
Days of Qurbani
The days of Qurbani are the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of Zil Hijjah. The first day is better than the second, and the second better than the last.
Time for Qurbani
In towns and cities where Jumu'ah and 'Eid are performed, Qurbani is not permissible before the 'Eid salaat. If the Qurbani has been offered before the 'Eid salaat, it will have to be repeated. Therefore, the time for Qurbani commences after 'Eid salaat on 10th Zil Hijjah until before sunset of 12th Zil Hijjah.
It is permissible, but not preferable to perform Qurbani at night.
The Qurbani Animal
It is permissible to offer in sacrifice a goat or she-goat, sheep of all kinds, cow, bull, buffalo or camel.
It is necessary that the goat is one (full) year old, whether male or female. A cow, bull or buffalo will have to be two years old, and a camel five years.
Animals that are younger are not suitable for Qurbani.
A sheep (of any kind) not less than six months old, so strong and fit that it appears to be one year old will suffice for Qurbani, otherwise it will have to be one (full) year old.
A cow, bull, buffalo or camel will suffice for seven persons provided no one's share is less than one seventh and the niyyah (intention) of all partners is to attain thawaab (for Qurbani), and not merely to obtain meat.
The Qurbani of only one person can be performed from a goat, sheep or ram.
Mas'alah: If an animal seller says that the animal has reached the required age, and outwardly there is no sign to disprove it, then it is permissible to rely on his statement.
Mas'alah: Animals that are blind, one-eyed or has lost one-third or more of its eyesight are not permissible for Qurbani.
Mas'alah: Animals that have lost a third of the ear or the tail are not acceptable for Qurbani. Similarly, the animal which has no ear from its very birth cannot be used for Qurbani.
Mas'alah: Animal that was born without horns or the horn had broken off from the middle, is allowed for Qurbani. But if the horn has been broken off from the root, then it is not permitted.
Mas'alah: Animals that are castrated can be used for Qurbani. In fact this type of animal is preferable.
Mas'alah: Animal which has one leg lame to the extent that it walks on three legs only and is unable to use the fourth leg cannot be used for Qurbani. If it can put the lame leg on the ground and walk with its support, then it is permissible even though it limps.
Mas'alah: If an animal is so lean and thin that its bones have no marrow, then it cannot be offered for sacrifice.
Mas'alah: If an animal is so weak that it cannot walk to the place of slaughtering on its own, then it cannot be used for Qurbani.
Mas'alah: A completely toothless animal, or one that has lost most of its teeth is not allowed for Qurbani.
Mas'alah: An animal was purchased in a healthy and perfect state for Qurbani. Thereafter, an accident occurred which made the animal unfit for Qurbani. If the buyer is wealthy (upon whom Qurbani is waajib), then it is compulsory to obtain and sacrifice another animal in place of the injured. But if the buyer is not so wealthy, it is permissible to offer the same injured animal for Qurbani.
Mas'alah: It is virtuous to purchase the animal for Qurbani a few days prior to slaughtering and care must be taken in feeding and nursing it.
Masnoon Method of Sacrifice
It is more virtuous to slaughter the animal with one's own hands. If one does not know how to slaughter, it is preferred that he remain present while someone else is sacrificing the animal. It is not necessary to make the niyyah (intention) of Qurbani with the tongue, however it is necessary to say Bismillahi Allahu Akbar when slaughtering.
When the animal is laid down facing the qiblah, it is Sunnah to recite:
Lo! I have turned my face towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters. Lo! my Salaat and Sacrifice, and my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. This I am commanded and I am first of those who Surrender (unto him ). O Allah! (This Sacrifice) is from You and for You.
Then saying Bismillahi Allahu Akbar cut the throat of the animal. The gullet, windpipe and the two jugular veins should be cut. Cutting any three of the four will also suffice. If only two are cut, the animal will not be lawful for consumption.
After slaughtering the animal, read the following du'aa if possible:
O Allah! accept (this Sacrifice ) from me in the Same manner as You have accepted from Your beloved Muhammad and Your friend Ibraaheem alayhis Salaam. Peace and blessings be upon them.
Mas'alah: It is not necessary to recite the aforementioned du'aa. To slaughter the animal with the niyyah of Qurbani, saying Bismillahi Allahu Akbar will suffice.
Mas'alah: Use a sharp knife and slaughter the animal quickly so that it does not suffer.
Mas'alah: Do not sharpen the knife in front of the animal.
Mas'alah: After slaughtering, do not skin the animal before it becomes completely cold.
Mas'alah: Do not slaughter one animal in the presence of another.
Mas'alah: It is Mustahab (desirable) for one who intends to perform Qurbani to refrain from cutting hair or clipping nails from 1st Zil Hijjah to 10th Zil Hijjah, (i.e. until after Qurbani).
The Qurbani meat and skin
Mas'alah: It is permissible to eat the Qurbani meat. It can also be distributed to relatives and friends whether wealthy or poor, Muslims or non-Muslims. It is better to divide it into three parts. One for the family, one for relatives and riends and one for the poor and needy.
Mas'alah: The skin of the Qurbani animal can be kept for personal use, e.g. using it as a prayer-mat, water bag etc.
Mas'alah: If the skin of the Qurbani animal is sold, then it is waajib to give that amount in Sadaqah to the poor (i.e. those who are eligible for zakaat).
Mas'alah: It is not permissible to give meat, fat, etc. of the sacrificed animal to the butcher as his wages.
Mas'alah: The meat of the animal slaughtered by partners should be shared by weight and not by estimation.
Mas'alah: The rope, cover, etc. of the animal should be given away as Sadaqah.
Qurbani on Behalf of the Deceased
If one has been favoured by Allah with wealth, then he should also perform Qurbani on behalf of Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, his Sahaabah, his Ummah, the prophets and for his own living or deceased relatives, fiends and teachers who have conveyed Deeni knowledge during one's lifetime.
One should always remember and never overlook our beloved Prophet
sallallahu alayhi wasallam and perform Qurbani on his behalf.
Abu Talhah radhiyallahu anhu has related that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam sacrificed one ram and while sacrificing the other he said,
"This is on behalf of every one of my Ummah who believed in me and testified (to my prophet hood)." (Tabraani)
Jaabir radhiyallahu anhu reports:
I went with the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to the 'Eidgaah on the day of 'Eid-ul-Adh'haa. A ram was brought to him after he had finished the sermon. He slaughtered it with his own hands saying Bismillahi Allahu Akbar and said: "This is on my behalf and on behalf of every one of my Ummah who has not been able to sacrifice." (Abu Daawood)
NOTE: The intention of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was to
include his Ummah in the reward. Certainly it was not a sacrifice on behalf of the whole Ummah that no one was required to perform it any more.
It is a matter for deep thought and consideration that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam kept his Ummah in his mind while offering the sacrifice and it is deplorable for the Ummah not to remember him at the time of Qurbani.
Mas'alah: If anyone willingly offers Qurbani on behalf of a deceased, then it is permissible to use or distribute the meat as in one's own sacrifice.
Mas'alah: Permission for the waajib Qurbani of a living person is necessary. For Nafl Qurbani this consent is not required.
© The Revival 2003
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