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WHAT IS QURBANI?
7-10-2019
Qurbani, Sacrifice or Udhiyah as it’s known in Arabic, is the word that describes the sacrifice of an animal to Allah (swt) during the period of Eid ul Adha.
On Eid Ul Adha, which marks the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the Muslim world celebrates and honours the tradition of the Prophet Ibrahim (Alahi Salaam) by sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to those in need.
WHO SHOULD PERFORM QURBANI?
The general rule is that Qurbani should be performed by adults of sane mind and affordable means. The Hanafi ulema say it is wajib (obligatory) while the other schools of jurisprudence say it is sunnah. However, it is generally agreed that if a person can afford Qurbani, they should perform it.
If you have any questions or doubts about this aspect of Qurbani, please consult your local shaykh, imam of mosque.
WHAT ANIMALS ARE SACRIFICED AT QURBANI?
The animals to be slaughtered at Qurbani are goats, sheep, cattle (cows or bulls), buffalo or camels. According to the rules of Qurbani, they can be male or female, but should be in good health, free from disability or handicap, and above a certain age. Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, while cattle must be two years, and camels five years.
HOW MANY QURBANI ANIMALS DO I HAVE TO SACRIFICE?
Qurban animals have shares. Sheep and goats have one share each, camels and cattle each have seven shares. So for a single person, Qurbani is fulfilled with a sheep or a goat. Up to seven people can share in the purchase of a cow or a camel, and the sacrifice will be made for the seven.
1 small animal (Sheep or Goat) = 1 Qurbani
1 large animal (Cattle) = 7 Shares
You can make as many Qurbanis as you want – for example two or three shares in a cow - and on behalf of as many individuals as you like, including those who have passed away.
DO I HAVE TO RECORD THE NAME/S of someone else if I am giving Qurbani on their behalf?
Many people do record names. However, it is not necessary to give the name of the person/s, even if you are making a Qurbani on their behalf, as long as you have made the intention that you are giving the Qurbani on their behalf.
WHEN IS QURBANI PERFORMED?
Qurbani can be performed from the 10th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah until the sun sets on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The best time is to perform the act of Qurbani is immediately after the completion of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
WHEN SHOULD WE GIVE MONEY FOR QURBANI?
Money for Qurbanis in Rajasthan in India has to reach 5 days prior to the day of Eid-ul-Adha for the volunteers to buy and transport the animals. Please be wise and do not leave for the last minute.
HOW IS QURBANI MEAT DISTRIBUTED?
Ideally, the meat from Qurbani 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 Qurban can be distributed to the poor or rich, Muslim or non-Muslim. However, because of the relative lack of poverty in Western countries, many Muslims prefer to have their Qurbani performed in poorer countries or those in dire need, and the meat to be distributed to the neediest or those suffering adversity and poverty.
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