What is Qurbani?
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is an Islamic ritual of sacrifice performed by Muslims during the festival of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah. However, before he could carry out the sacrifice, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. Qurbani is observed annually on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
During Qurbani, Muslims who can afford it sacrifice livestock, typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels, following specific guidelines regarding the age, health, and distribution of the sacrificed animal’s meat. The meat from the Qurbani sacrifice is divided into three equal parts: one-third is retained for the individual or family who performed the sacrifice, one-third is distributed among relatives and friends, and one-third is given to the less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joyous occasion and feast together. Qurbani symbolizes obedience to Allah’s commands, gratitude for His blessings, and the spirit of sharing and generosity within the Muslim community.
Why does Islam value Qurbani?
Islam values Qurbani as it reflects several fundamental principles of the faith. Firstly, Qurbani serves as a demonstration of obedience to Allah’s commands. Muslims believe that the practice of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha is a religious obligation, following the example set by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) as a test of his faith and obedience to Allah’s will. By carrying out the act of Qurbani, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to submitting to Allah’s commands and recognizing His authority over their lives.
Furthermore, Qurbani embodies the values of gratitude and thankfulness to Allah for His countless blessings. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha is a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the provisions and sustenance that Allah has bestowed upon believers. In the Quran, the significance of Qurbani is emphasized in several verses, including Surah Al-Haj (22:37), where Allah says:
It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right.
(Quran 22:37)
Who is eligible for the Qurbani?
In Islam, Qurbani is considered obligatory for those who meet certain criteria:
Financial Capability: Qurbani is obligatory for Muslims who possess the financial means to perform it. This means that individuals or households should have wealth above a certain threshold, typically the nisab, which is the minimum amount of wealth required to be liable for certain Islamic duties like Zakat.
Adult Muslims: Qurbani is incumbent upon adult Muslims who are of sound mind and have reached the age of maturity. Children who have not yet reached puberty are not obligated to perform Qurbani, but their guardians can perform it on their behalf if they have the means to do so.
Ownership of Nisab: Qurbani becomes obligatory upon individuals who possess wealth above the nisab threshold, which is equivalent to the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If a person has wealth exceeding the nisab after deducting debts and personal expenses, they are required to perform Qurbani.
Residency: Qurbani is obligatory upon Muslims who are residents of a particular locality for a significant portion of the year. Temporary visitors or travelers are exempt from the obligation of Qurbani unless they have been present in a location for a sufficient period.
It’s important for Muslims to ensure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria for Qurbani and perform it according to the prescribed guidelines and principles of Islam. Additionally, those who are unable to perform Qurbani due to financial constraints are exempt from the obligation, but they are encouraged to contribute to the Qurbani of others if they are able to do so.
Qurbani Donations
Goat
Sheep
Cow
Camel
Important Note:
Stay tuned! Qurbani donation pricing will be announced within the next couple of weeks. Get ready to make your contribution and spread joy to those in need.