Qurbani (known as Udhiya in Arabic) is the sacrificial slaughter of a livestock animal that takes place during the festival of Eid al-Adha. The meat from the animal is then shared out into the community in three parts: one to the individual performing Qurbani, one to their friends and family, and one to the poor and needy.
Today, many Muslims in Canada choose to donate Qurbani offerings around the world so that their fellow brothers and sisters in the global ummah can also celebrate Eid al-Adha.
Why Do We Perform Qurbani?
By performing Qurbani, Muslims remind themselves of the submission and obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim (as). He was willing to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, on the order of Allah (swt), but at the very last moment, a divine miracle occurred and Ismail was replaced with a ram. Each year, we remember this ultimate act of devotion by performing Qurbani.
'And when his son was old enough to walk alongside him, Ibrahim said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think”. Ismail said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast”. And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, “O Ibraham, you have fulfilled the vision”. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear test. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram) and We left for him [favourable mention] among later generations: “Peace upon Ibraham”. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.'
(Qur’an 37:102-110)
Sacrifice and the importance of being willing to give things up for the sake of Allah (swt) is a consistent theme throughout the Qur’an. We see this in the tale of Qabil and Habil, and the nature of the divine response to them, their actions, and their offerings.
'And recite to them the story of Adam’s two sons, in truth, when they both offered a sacrifice (to Allah), and it was accepted from one of them but was not accepted from the other. Said (the latter), “I will surely kill you.” Said (the former), “Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous (who fear Him)"'.
(Qur’an 5:27)
We can also understand Qurbani better from the literal meaning of the word. The word Qurbani comes from the Arabic word ‘Qurban’ which itself is rooted in another Arabic word, ‘Qurb’, which means ‘nearness’. The purpose of offering an animal in this fashion is to help the individual become nearer to the divine. Qurbani is a symbol that represents the utter submission and obedience that should characterise our relationship with Allah (swt) and our willingness to give up anything and everything we hold dear in service to our faith.
Qurbani also brings the ummah together and is a means to ensure that everyone, everywhere, all around the world, has enough food to enjoy at an important time of festivities. Poverty should not dictate a Muslim’s ability to participate in such an important holy festival, and Qurbani ensures this is not the case.
How Much Does Qurbani Cost?
Qurbani prices depend on the cost of the animal, and that varies significantly depending on where you purchase it and where you wish it to be sacrificed.
By donating with Muslim Hands, your Qurbani can cost as little as $60, and we guarantee that the sacrifice will be completed appropriately and according to all the stipulations and directives that Allah (swt) in His wisdom has given to us.
What are the Rules of Qurbani?
There are many different rules about the way Qurbani should be carried out, including which animals should be sacrificed, when they should be slaughtered, how many shares a single animal is worth, and the condition of the animal in question.
For example, some of the strictest rules and most important parts of the scriptural directives on this point concern the quality and condition of the animal that is to be sacrificed. The animal must be in good health, be uninjured, and have been treated well and given as good a life as possible. This is because we should not give Allah (swt) anything less than our best when it comes to a sacrifice.
How Did the Prophet Perform Qurbani?
The Prophet (saw) in his wisdom and kindness, was especially generous when performing Qurbani. In addition to the sacrifice that Muslims offer now, the Prophet (saw) gave what is called the Prophetic Qurbani on behalf of all those who could not afford to perform Qurbani themselves.
‘The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood’.
(Tabarani and Ahmad)
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Muslim Hands Canada is an international aid agency and NGO working globally to help those affected by natural disasters, conflict and poverty. Muslim Hands Canada is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (Charity Registration No. 81126 4985 RR0001).