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The word Qurbani is derived from ‘Qurb,’ which means to be close or near something. In the context of the Qurbani performed in Dhul-Hijjah, the objective is to attain closeness to Allah (swt).
As a result, the literal meaning of Qurbani is “an act performed to seek Allah’s (swt) pleasure.”
Qurbani symbolises a Muslim’s readiness to put his or her interests aside for the sake of Allah (swt), as we will see when we dive into Qurbani’s history.
You may have also read or heard people using the word “Udhiyah” to refer to the ritual sacrifice of an animal in Dhul-Hijjah.
Udhiyah comes from the word Dhahiyah and means to sacrifice or slaughter something as an offering.
By the end of this blog, you will learn:
Qurbani’s historical and religious background
Qurbani is rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Ismail (as).
Prophet Ibrahim (as) desperately wanted a son. In Surah Saffat of the Holy Quran, verse 100, he pleads:
“Oh my Lord! Grant me a righteous son!”
Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) wife Sarah was getting old. She understood her biological clock was ticking and that she may not be able to conceive a child for her husband.
Sarah suggested he marry her servant Hajar. Prophet Ibrahim (as) did so, and they were blessed by Prophet Ismail (as).
(Prophet Ibrahim (as) did have a son with Sarah some years later, by the name of Prophet Isaac (as)).
Back to Prophet Ismail (as), naturally, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was over the moon.
Allah (swt) tested Prophet Ibrahim (as) through many trials. The biggest and most challenging was asking him to sacrifice his son.
When Prophet Ibrahim (as) told his son about Allah’s (swt) command, Prophet Ismail (as) responded:
“O my father! Do what you are commanded. If Allah pleases, you will find me of the patient ones.” – (37:102).
Prophet Ibrahim (as) took his son to the place of sacrifice, and as he was about to deal the fatal blow, Allah (swt) replaced Prophet Ismail (as) with a sheep or ram.
Thus, the Qurbani ritual was etched into history. The Qurbani was performed by Muslims (and believers in Prophet Ibrahim (as) before the advent of Islam) and is continued by Muslims today.
Qurbani’s spiritual lessons
Why did Allah (swt) put Prophet Ibrahim (as) through this exercise, only to replace Prophet Ismail (as) with a sheep?
The idea was to test Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) servitude and to the extent he was willing to obey Allah (swt)–even at great personal cost.
There is a lesson in this for Muslims: to always put what Allah (swt) wants over their personal desires.
In fact, this is what the entire Hajj experience is about. During the two or three weeks of Hajj, Muslims are severely out of their comfort zones for the sake of pleasing Allah (swt).
As a result, Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) sacrifice became noteworthy and replicated by pilgrims every Dhul Hijjah,
Which animals are sacrificed?
The animals eligible for Qurbani include sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
According to Islamic law, animals must be healthy, free from any defects, and of a certain age:
Al-Ayn has the jurisprudential approval of Al-Sayyid Al-Sistani, meaning our Qurbani meat meets all the necessary legal, ethical and moral standards. We prioritise quality and only source the healthiest animals for this sacred act.
Who is eligible to perform the Qurbani?
The Qurbani is carried out by any adult and sane Muslim with the financial means. For those Muslims who have gone to perform Hajj, the Qurbani is a compulsory obligation. For any Muslim who hasn’t gone for Hajj, it is recommended they offer a Qurbani (or however many they can) because the food distribution supports needy people in regions like Iraq and Afghanistan.
When does the Qurbani take place?
The best time for the Qurbani is on the morning (sunrise) of Eid al-Adha or after Eid prayer.
The slaughter occurs as per Sharia. Namely, the animal is made to face the Qibla and the phrase ‘Bismillah’ is said out aloud before the slaughter.
To whom does the Qurbani go to?
The Muslims performing the Qurbani are recommended to spare one-third of the sacrifice for the poor and needy. The rest he/she can keep for family and other Muslims.
Why you should offer a Qurbani, even if you’re not doing Hajj
Food insecurity across the Middle East is a serious problem that needs addressing:
If every capable Muslim family offers one Qurbani, people in these regions can look forward to a delicious meal on Eid morning and beyond.
By offering a Qurbani, you are earning spiritual rewards while nourishing others.
Al-Ayn will be distributing its Qurbani meat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Offer your Qurbani in Iraq
Offer your Qurbani in Afghanistan
The deadline for offering your Qurbani is 6th June 2024. If you register your Qurbani after this date, it will be transferred to the following year.
Your continued support will ensure orphaned children and their families will wake up on Eid day with a hearty meal–guaranteed. As you enjoy your Eid meal, you can be assured a family elsewhere is enjoying theirs, thanks to you.