✿ Introduction
Qurbani, or sacrificial slaughter, is a significant act of worship performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha. This article presents essential rulings and insights related to Qurbani derived from the teachings of the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
❖ Reward for One Who Cannot Afford Qurbani
If a person cannot afford to offer a sacrifice, they should trim their hair and nails on the day of Eid. This act holds the reward equivalent to Qurbani. The Prophet ﷺ stated that for such individuals, trimming hair, nails, mustache, and cleaning the body parts is accepted as a complete Qurbani in the sight of Allah.
❖ Qurbani is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)
① The Prophet ﷺ regularly performed Qurbani and encouraged his Ummah to do so.② Several Companions, such as Abu Bakr and Umar رضي الله عنهما, did not offer Qurbani in some years fearing that people would begin to assume it is obligatory.③ Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما clearly stated that Qurbani is not obligatory.④ Despite this, avoiding it without valid reason, especially when capable, is discouraged.
❖ Animals Eligible for Sacrifice
Qurbani can only be performed using specific animals:① Camel② Cow or Ox③ Sheep or Ram④ Goat
This is based on the continuous tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.
❖ Minimum Age of Animals for Qurbani
● Camel: 5 years● Cow: 2 years● Goat: 1 year● Sheep: Either 1 year or a healthy 6-month-old that appears mature
❖ Sacrificing Castrated Animals is Permissible
The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two castrated rams with horns and praised their quality, showing that it is acceptable and not considered a defect.
❖ Animal Must Be Free of Defects
Qurbani animals must not have the following defects:① Blindness or visible eye defect② Illness③ Limping④ Extreme thinness
Even animals with cut ears or broken horns are disapproved unless the damage is minor.
❖ Sacrificing on Behalf of Others
It is permissible to perform Qurbani on behalf of others, such as family members. However, offering Qurbani specifically for deceased individuals without a will or previous instruction is not established from the Sunnah.
❖ Share in a Qurbani Animal
Large animals like cows and camels can be shared by up to 7 people. A sheep or goat is sufficient for one household.
❖ Time for Qurbani
Qurbani can only be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until the sunset of the 12th. Any sacrifice before the Eid prayer is not valid as a Qurbani.
❖ The Sunnah Method of Slaughter
The Prophet ﷺ personally slaughtered his animals, saying:
“Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds…”
This declaration of sincerity and intention is recommended at the time of slaughter.
❖ Important Manners of Slaughter
➤ The knife should be sharp to ease the pain.➤ The animal should be laid down gently, facing the Qiblah.➤ Avoid sharpening the knife in front of the animal or causing unnecessary fear.
❖ Distribution of Meat
The meat of the sacrifice is to be distributed in three parts:① One-third for the poor and needy② One-third for relatives and friends③ One-third for personal consumption
❖ Can a Pregnant or Milking Animal Be Sacrificed?
Yes, the Prophet ﷺ approved the sacrifice of pregnant and milking animals. If the fetus is found after slaughter, it is halal and does not require separate slaughter.
Conclusion
Qurbani is a beautiful expression of devotion, humility, and gratitude to Allah. It revives the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and strengthens community bonds. It is vital to follow the correct guidelines and make this act of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah.
Qurbani, or sacrificial slaughter, is a significant act of worship performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha. This article presents essential rulings and insights related to Qurbani derived from the teachings of the Qur’an and authentic Hadith.
❖ Reward for One Who Cannot Afford Qurbani
If a person cannot afford to offer a sacrifice, they should trim their hair and nails on the day of Eid. This act holds the reward equivalent to Qurbani. The Prophet ﷺ stated that for such individuals, trimming hair, nails, mustache, and cleaning the body parts is accepted as a complete Qurbani in the sight of Allah.
❖ Qurbani is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah)
① The Prophet ﷺ regularly performed Qurbani and encouraged his Ummah to do so.② Several Companions, such as Abu Bakr and Umar رضي الله عنهما, did not offer Qurbani in some years fearing that people would begin to assume it is obligatory.③ Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنهما clearly stated that Qurbani is not obligatory.④ Despite this, avoiding it without valid reason, especially when capable, is discouraged.
❖ Animals Eligible for Sacrifice
Qurbani can only be performed using specific animals:① Camel② Cow or Ox③ Sheep or Ram④ Goat
This is based on the continuous tradition of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions.
❖ Minimum Age of Animals for Qurbani
● Camel: 5 years● Cow: 2 years● Goat: 1 year● Sheep: Either 1 year or a healthy 6-month-old that appears mature
❖ Sacrificing Castrated Animals is Permissible
The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two castrated rams with horns and praised their quality, showing that it is acceptable and not considered a defect.
❖ Animal Must Be Free of Defects
Qurbani animals must not have the following defects:① Blindness or visible eye defect② Illness③ Limping④ Extreme thinness
Even animals with cut ears or broken horns are disapproved unless the damage is minor.
❖ Sacrificing on Behalf of Others
It is permissible to perform Qurbani on behalf of others, such as family members. However, offering Qurbani specifically for deceased individuals without a will or previous instruction is not established from the Sunnah.
❖ Share in a Qurbani Animal
Large animals like cows and camels can be shared by up to 7 people. A sheep or goat is sufficient for one household.
❖ Time for Qurbani
Qurbani can only be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until the sunset of the 12th. Any sacrifice before the Eid prayer is not valid as a Qurbani.
❖ The Sunnah Method of Slaughter
The Prophet ﷺ personally slaughtered his animals, saying:
“Verily, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds…”
This declaration of sincerity and intention is recommended at the time of slaughter.
❖ Important Manners of Slaughter
➤ The knife should be sharp to ease the pain.➤ The animal should be laid down gently, facing the Qiblah.➤ Avoid sharpening the knife in front of the animal or causing unnecessary fear.
❖ Distribution of Meat
The meat of the sacrifice is to be distributed in three parts:① One-third for the poor and needy② One-third for relatives and friends③ One-third for personal consumption
❖ Can a Pregnant or Milking Animal Be Sacrificed?
Yes, the Prophet ﷺ approved the sacrifice of pregnant and milking animals. If the fetus is found after slaughter, it is halal and does not require separate slaughter.
Conclusion
Qurbani is a beautiful expression of devotion, humility, and gratitude to Allah. It revives the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and strengthens community bonds. It is vital to follow the correct guidelines and make this act of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah.
