Qurbani: A Religious and Sacrifice-Centered Practice

The term “qurbani” describes the Islamic ritual of slaughtering an animal for the purpose of feeding the impoverished. This has been done for millennia, therefore it must have some profound significance. 

Qurbani 2023, Muslims sacrificed animals on June 28 in preparation for Eid Al-Adha. 

Just what is this thing called Qurbani?

Qurbani refers to the ritual of slaughtering an animal with the purpose of distributing its meat to the needy. All able-bodied Muslims are obligated to do this once a year on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah. Those who are ‘able’ to donate it are those who are of legal age, of sound mind, and who are qualified to pay Zakat, all of which suggest sufficient financial means. 

The Arabic word for sacrifice is qurbani, and this ritual honors the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up his beloved son Ismail in service to Allah.

Muslims can learn valuable lessons from this story about love, faith, sacrifice, and commitment to God. 

The life of the Prophet Ibrahim is detailed here for your education.

The Qurbani of the Prophets.

During his lifetime, the Prophet Muhammad would regularly offer two sacrifices—one for himself and one on behalf of all other Muslims—in the act of Qurbani. As a result, people were more united, kind, and loving toward one another. 

Many Muslims prefer to perform Prophetic Qurbani in order to gain additional benefits in the hereafter.

Muslim Qurbani: Why Do They Do It?

Qurbani is a sacrifice made by Muslims in memory of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. 

The meat donated is used to provide meals for the world’s hungry and the underprivileged, which is a positive outcome.  

Charity and aiding the poor are highly valued in Islam, and Muslims frequently engage in these acts of virtue in a variety of ways: Helping a neighbour, visiting the sick, working in your community, or even just smiling at someone is an act of charity.

Donation Illustrations

Charity does not always take the form of monetary donations to a designated charity. Helping out those in need does not have to be monetary.

Some instances of acts of kindness that Muslims are urged to conduct are as follows.

• Taking care of the sick
• Planting a tree
• Participating in community service projects
• Providing others with useful information 
• Giving out warm clothing and blankets
• The Prophet Muhammad was known to smile frequently. 

The benefits of philanthropy in Islam are discussed.

Meat from what kinds of animals can be sacrificed?

You can make a Qurbani offering of a sheep, goat, cow, buffalo, or camel.

Qurbani Meat Has Additional Requirements

They can be either a man or a woman, but they need to be physically fit.

Qurbani-approved sacrifice animals include:

• Not dangerously skinny
• Able to travel on foot to the slaughterhouse
• Having most of their teeth intact
• Have both eyes intact.
• A limp leg is not acceptable.

Goats and sheep must be at least a year old, while cows need to be two years old and camels need to be five years old in order to be sacrificed for Qurbani.

For Whom Is Qurbani Beneficial?

A Qurbani is traditionally divided into three parts: one for the giver, one for their immediate family, and one for the poor.

Qurbani can now be purchased and performed in a variety of nations, including India, Bangladesh, Palestine, and Somalia, with the help of an online payment system. The cost of a sacrifice varies widely from country to country and from animal to animal.