Qurbani refers to the Islamic practice of sacrificing an animal to distribute meat to the poor and needy. This has been practiced for many centuries and holds great meaning and lessons behind it.
Qurbani 2023 was given by Muslims in time for Eid Al-Adha, on June 28th.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani is the sacrificing of an animal to give meat to people experiencing poverty. It is compulsory for Muslims – who are able – to perform this once a year during the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah. Those who should be ‘able’ to give it should be adults, sane and eligible to pay Zakat, which indicates they have enough wealth to give Qurbani.
Qurbani means sacrifice in Arabic, and it commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, whom he loved dearly for the sake of Allah.
This story is one of love, faith, sacrifice and devotion to God, and holds lessons for Muslims even today.
You can learn about the story of Prophet Ibrahim here.
What is Prophetic Qurbani?
Prophetic Qurbani refers to the Qurbani that the Prophet Muhammad performed in his lifetime: he used to give one Qurbani for himself and another on behalf of all other Muslims. This encouraged unity, brotherhood, sisterhood, and love for one another.
Giving Qurbani is of great reward, so many Muslims choose to do Prophetic Qurbani to reap extra rewards in the afterlife.
Why Do Muslims Give Qurbani?
To commemorate and reflect on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, Qurbani is given by Muslims.
A positive result of practicing this is that the poor and needy around the world are fed nutritious meals using the meat provided.
In Islam, charity and helping the needy are very important and virtuous and is often practiced by Muslims in different forms: Charity can be given in financial donations, by helping a neighbour, visiting the sick, volunteering in the local community, or even by smiling!
Examples of Giving Charity
Giving charity does not always involve paying money to a charity organisation. It can be non-financial support to neighbours, friends and the sick.
Here are some examples of charitable actions that anyone can perform but that Islam teaches to do:
- Visiting the sick
- Volunteering in the local community
- Planting a tree
- Teaching beneficial knowledge to others
- Providing clothing and blankets to others
- Smiling – it was a practice of the Prophet Muhammad
The virtues of giving charity in Islam can be found here.
What Animals Can Be Given as Qurbani Meat?
Sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, and camels can be given as Qurbani.
Other Requirements for Qurbani Meat:
They can be male or female but must be in good health.
Animals eligible to be sacrificed for Qurbani should be:
- Not excessively thin
- Able to walk themselves to the site of the slaughter
- Not missing over half of their teeth
- Not be blind or one-eyed
- Must not have a limp leg
To be eligible for Qurbani, goats and sheep must be at least a year old, while cows should be two years old and camels five years old.
Whom Does Qurbani Help?
Qurbani is split into three portions: one for the person who has given the Qurbani, one for their family, and one for people experiencing poverty.
Nowadays, people can pay for their Qurbani online and have it given in countries around the world, such as India, Bangladesh, Palestine, and Somalia. Each country will have a different price rate, and it also depends on the size of the animal being sacrificed and how much it costs.
