Qurbani Meaning and its Story

May 21, 2024

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 Allah.

The practice of Qurbani can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim, who saw a vision in his dream that Allah ordered him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail.

Ibrahim agreed to follow the vision and perform the sacrifice in his devotion to Allah. But Allah intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place.

Ismail was spared because Ibrahim proved he would sacrifice his son as an act of piety, despite the loss it would have caused him. The continued practice of sacrifice acts as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah.

Qurbani Rules

Not all animals are suitable for Qurbani, and there are rules for the health and age of an animal for them to be eligible for sacrifice.

The age of the animal should meet a minimum of;

One year in age for sheep and goats (equivalent to one person’s Qurbani share).

Two years in age for cows and buffalo (equivalent to seven people’s Qurbani share).

Five years in age for camels (equivalent to seven persons’ Qurbani share).

Any animal chosen for sacrifice should be in good health and have no illness or disease, including;

Their horns cannot be broken.

They must have at least half their teeth.

They cannot have lost a third or more of their ears or tails.

They cannot be blind or have lost a third or more of their sight.

They must be able to walk without a limp or lameness.

They must be well-fed and raised with care, not thin or lean.

Qurbani animals for sacrifice can be either male or female.

Qurbani Obligatory

Qurbani is a vital part of Islam, but like Zakat and Ramadan, not everyone will be in a position to observe it. As such, the following people are deemed in a place to undertake Qurbani and must do so to please Allah:

Muslims who have reached the age of puberty.

Muslims who are of sound mind.

Muslims have 52.5 tolas (614.25 grams) of silver or the wealth equivalent (cash and possessions).

Muslims who are not traveling and who are within 27 miles (45km) of their home.

I’m on the advisory board of this great organization, Basmah. And I’m saying to you, from a man on the inside, they do a lot of incredible work. I’m amazed every day by more and more work; they don’t stop, they never stop.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj

Honorary advisor of BASMAH

Qurabni’s Age

One year old for sheep and goats (equivalent to one person’s Qurbani share).

Two years in age for cows and buffalo (equivalent to seven people’s Qurbani share).

Five years in age for camels (equivalent to seven persons’ Qurbani share).

Qurbani Time

Qurbani falls on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, and sacrifices can only be made at this time after the Eid prayer takes place at the start of Eid al-Adha. Gifts made before the Eid prayer are not considered Qurbani and must be made again after the special Eid prayer.

Qurbani Meat Distributing and Eligible People for Qurbani

Animals smaller than sheep and goats are not accepted for Qurbani as there is insufficient meat to distribute. Animals must be split into at least three shares: one share for the donor Qurbani is compulsory on one claim for the donor’s friends, and one share for someone in need. When Muslims perform Qurbani themselves, they may split the animal themselves and take their share.

What Does Qurbani Mean?

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.

What Are the Rules of Qurbani?

Any animal chosen for sacrifice should be in good health and have no illness or disease, including; Their horns cannot be broken.

They must have at least half their teeth.

They cannot have lost a third or more of their ears or tail.

They cannot be blind or have lost a third or more sight.

Why Do We Perform Qurbani?

Qurbani is observed by Muslims in order to honor the sacrifice that Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make as he demonstrated the level of devotion and submission Allah (SWT) expects.

Is Qurbani Sadaqah or Zakat?

Qurbani is Zakat. However, people can sacrifice an animal as a sadaqah during Dhul Hijjah.

Can We Do Qurbani on Behalf of Our Deceased Parents?

Yes, giving Qurbani to deceased parents is permissible

Who is Qurbani compulsory?

Qurbani is a vital part of Islam, but as, Zakat and Ramadan, not everyone can observe it like

Is it compulsory to sacrifice on Eid al Adha?

Eid al-Adha is the second of two major Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide each year.

It falls within the month of Dhul Hijjah (the 10th month in the Islamic calendar) and marks the end of a period of fasting during which Muslims traditionally donate money and goods to help those less fortunate than themselves.

The festival lasts for four days and commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.