Eid Qurbani Means sacrifice, every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
Qurbani rules
After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need. Giving Eid Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are also Qurbani rules which dictate which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of the life it has led, its health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out.
Qurbani gives hope
Throughout our lives, each and every one of us makes sacrifices to help our friends, family and neighbours. By sacrificing what we have to help those in need, we offer crucial solidarity and hope. Right now, a staggering 1 in 9 people worldwide are battling chronic hunger. However, there is hope: by giving Qurbani, you can feed a family in need this Eid. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the most sacred days of the year, loved by Allah (SWT). Therefore, by giving to Islamic Relief, you can reap the rewards of this blessed month. As Allah tells us in the Holy Qur’an:
“So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice.” (108:2)
Who must perform Qurbani?
According to most Muslims, giving Qurbani is highly recommended and according to the Hanafi madhab, it is obligatory for every sane adult Muslim who has wealth in excess to their needs (i.e. who meet the nisab threshold). Normally those who are eligible to pay Zakat are obliged to give Qurbani.
The Hanafi school of thought states that it is obligatory for:
- Every sane Muslim of mature age (who has reached puberty)
- Non-travelling persons
- Those who additionally own wealth which is beyond their needs, equal to (or more than) the current level of nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver)
At what age is Qurbani farz?
The opinion on whether Qurbani is compulsory or not differs between the different schools of thought. However, for the benefit of those less fortunate, the sacred act of Qurbani is highly rewarding and recommended for anyone who is of a mature age (has reached the age of puberty), and possesses wealth above the nisab threshold.Is Qurbani farz? This question is significant, as its ruling can impact the actions of many Muslims during the time of Eid al-Adha.
When must Qurbani be performed?
There is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars as to whether Qurbani can be done over three or four days. To respect this difference of opinion, mainly muslim perform Qurbani in three days.
Which animals can be sacrificed?
The animals which are eligible should meet minimum requirements, such as the age of the animal for Qurbani and their condition, including:
Sheep/Goats: should be at least one year in age (this is equivalent to one person’s Qurbani)
Cows/Buffalo: should be at least two years in age (this is equivalent to seven people’s Qurbani)
Camels: should be of at least five years in age (enough for seven people’s Qurbani)
In addition, all animals must be healthy and free of disease, including the following conditions:
- They cannot be excessively thin or lean
- They must be able to walk themselves to the site of the slaughter
- They cannot be toothless, or missing over half their teeth
- They must not be blind or one-eyed
- They must not have a lame leg that is sufficiently weak that they are unable to walk on it
Who can receive Qurbani meat?
Qurbani meat distribution rules to the poor and needy:
- Families who live on less than the minimum income for that particular country Female-headed households
- Families with disabled and/or elderly persons
- Children under five years old
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Families with little or no access to the market
Should I avoid cutting my nails and hair if I’m giving Qurbani?
There are differences of opinions on whether it is unlawful for you to cut your nails and hair or whether it’s disliked. Refraining from cutting your nails and hair if you’re donating Qurbani is obligatory according to the Hanbali madhab and recommended according to the majority of scholars.
Qurbani rules for husband and wife
According to the Hanafi school of thought, both the husband and wife must donate a minimum of one Qurbani each if they’re sane Muslims who possess wealth more than their needs. What is beyond their needs equal to (or more than) the current level of nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver).