7 min read
April 20, 2022
Eid ul-Adha is one of our busiest times of the year when we get lots of calls from supporters with frequently asked questions about Qurbani / Udhiya. To make things simpler for you and us, we’ve put together a guide to the rules and sunnah practices of performing Qurbani / Udhiya.
Qurbani, also called Udhiya by Arabic speakers, is the practice of sacrificing an animal for Allah (SWT). The word ‘Qurbani’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘curb,’ meaning ‘nearness.’ The implication then is that if we perform Qurbani, we attain nearness to Allah.
Qurbani is offered on Eid-ul-Adha, which we celebrate from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Islamic year) to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. On this Eid, Muslims all around the world sacrifice livestock for the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and distribute (at least a third of) the meat to the poor.
The Islamic practice of performing Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha commemorates an important event in Islamic history: the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS), in adherence to Allah’s (SWT) command. Qurbani also marks the end of the five days of Hajj.
The ritual sacrifice of Qurbani, during Eid ul-Adha, may be done any time after the Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah until maghrib on the 12th.
Muslims offer Qurbani / Udhiya outside of Eid ul-Adha, too, to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) due to various motivations. These include:
Qurbani is obligatory on every Muslim adult, male or female, who meets the criteria to pay Zakat, i.e., has the minimum amount of wealth/savings after all his/her expenses have been paid. This amount is called Nisab and is equal to the current value of 48.48 grams of gold OR 612, 36 grams of silver. Each adult in the family who meets these criteria is eligible to perform Qurbani.
Animals that can be sacrificed for Qurbani are those that are normally considered livestock. These include:
Each person eligible to perform Qurbani must offer at least one share. The number of shares in each animal varies depending on its size. Here is a list of how many Qurbani shares there are per animal:
When offering Qurbani, we should be careful that the animal is suitable. Sheep and goats eligible for Qurbani should be at least a year old. Cows must be two years old, and camels must be five years or older. The animal being offered must be healthy and not have any illness or physical defects. Here are some animals that are not allowed to be offered for Qurbani:
Islam is the religion of peace and compassion, and as Muslims, we are to respect and treat all living things with kindness, including animals. It is our duty to ensure no undue suffering is experienced during the sacrifice. Here are some of the rules of halal slaughter when offering Qurbani:
The Prophet Muhammad has said, ‘Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything; so, when you kill, kill in a good way and when you slaughter, slaughter in a good way. So, every one of you should sharpen his knife and let the slaughtered animal die comfortably.’ (Muslim)
One-third of the meat from the Qurbani may be used by the family of the person who offers it. A second third may be given to friends and relatives. The last third should be distributed to those less fortunate (the poor and needy). Nowadays, though, many people donate all the meat from their Qurbani to the needy.
When you donate your Qurbani through ARF, we perform it in the country of your choice and distribute all of the meat to needy families living in some of the poorest communities in the Horn of Africa.
Any sacrifice missed over previous years may be performed the next year on Qurbani (so, one can slaughter two or more animals the next year, depending on how many years one has not made Qurbani).
You can pay an organisation/person to perform your Qurbani at any time, but the sacrifice itself must be performed on the three days of Eid-ul-Adha (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah).
ARF accepts Qurbani donations throughout the year, and we will perform Qurbani on your behalf on the correct dates (10-12th Dhul Hijjah) in the country of your choice. Below is a list of Qurbani 2022 prices:
Yes. You’re allowed to give Qurbani on behalf of others. Some scholars believe that we can combine our names with that of the deceased loved one, while others say that we can give Qurbani on behalf of others provided that one Qurbani share is done in your own name first. If you are unsure, it’s best to confirm with your local Imam. And Allah (SWT) knows best.
It is recommended that you do not cut your hair and nails during the 10 days of Hajj if you intend to perform Qurbani as per the Hadith. However, if one does, then this does not affect the validity of the Qurbani.
‘When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) begin and a person has an animal for sacrifice which he intends to slaughter, then let him not cut his hair or trim his nails.’ (Muslim)
Thousands and thousands of families cannot afford to buy meat for the whole year. African Relief Fund implemented the Qurbani project to provide fresh meat for disadvantaged families so needy families are fed and give them a chance to enjoy Eid day.
The Qurbani you offer through African Relief Fund (ARF) will help feed some of the poorest people in the Horn of Africa this Eid ul-Adha.
‘So turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (animals).’ (Quran 108:2)
ARF performs and distributes Qurbani meat in several countries, including Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, The Gambia, and Zimbabwe. The people we provide for are trying to survive humanitarian crises in the aftermath of conflicts, droughts, and extreme weather conditions, which have cost them their homes and livelihoods. Many have been displaced and are trying to thrive in refugee camps. In want of the basics like water and shelter, meat is a luxury they haven’t had in too long.
Find out about ARF’s Qurbani Project and see Qurbani prices for Eid ul-Adha 2022.
African Relief Fund is looking for ways to expand its ways to gather donations for aid projects in African communities. But we need your Help. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of unprivileged people in Africa and give them the chance they deserve.
Your donation will reach people who are in dire need of it through our several emergency aid projects.
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All payments are secured.
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