What is Qurbani?

What is Qurbani?

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. 

After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need. 

Donating Qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars and obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab, 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.

By donating your Qurbani to Islamic Relief, you will enable the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in over 30 countries to enjoy Eid, as this is the only time many families eat meat in the entire year.

What is the meaning of Qurbani?

In Arabic, Qurbani means sacrifice.  It reflects the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.

The story of his sacrifice has carried across millennia and the example of his unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) continues to inspire Muslims of each generation.

By giving Qurbani, we follow the same footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT), with an additional obligation to the poor. 

What is the story of Qurbani?

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a dream that Allah (SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS).

Difficult as it was, Ibrahim (AS) submitted to the will of Allah (SWT), recognising this as a test of his faith in this phase of his prophethood. He asked Ismail to travel with him to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice.

Ibrahim (AS) told his son, Ismail of his dream, and Ismail, who later became a prophet himself, had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) and submitted himself.

Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) intervened saying, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision and now you will be rewarded!”. Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim (AS) to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.

Read more about Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice here. 

What is the significance of Qurbani?

Performing Qurbani for the sake of Allah, is a means for Muslims to reach the level of submission shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). 

Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s story reflects his high level of faith (Iman), his certainty (Yakeen) and reliance upon Allah in knowing what is best for him (Tawakkul). He was prepared to give up that which was most precious to him from among his worldly blessings in order to seek the pleasure of Allah. 

As a beloved Prophet of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is a great role-model for Muslims across the world, and we should use the opportunity of Qurbani to also gain closeness to Allah (SWT). 

Giving Qurbani is a means for us to reflect on our relationship with Allah and the importance of putting Him before anyone or anything in our lives. We are also reminded to give up that which may harm our faith, and to increase our good deeds for His sake. 

Among the significant messages of Prophet Ibrahim’s story, is the duty we have to those who are struggling, the sanctity of Allah (SWT)’s creation and the world around us.

This Eid, remember the millions of people across the globe who are struggling with poverty through the holy month of Dhul Hijjah. 

Why do Muslims give Qurbani?

Donating Qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars and obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab, for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. Muslims give Qurbani as a means of fulfilling their rights to Allah. 

Qurbani is also a means of instilling important values in one’s life – including devotion and submission to Allah, as well as righteousness. 

It’s also a means of gaining empathy for those less fortunate across the world, and ensuring that they can celebrate Eid without worrying about how to feed their children. For many vulnerable communities, Eid-ul Adha is the only time they can eat meat in the whole year.