H Rasul - BA (Hons) Arabic and Islamic Studies
Qurbani in Urdu and Persian, or Udhiya in Arabic is the sacrifice of an animal carried out for the sake of God on Eid al Adha. Muslims do this in order to honour the Prophet Abraham’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice Ishmael (PBUH), who at the time was his only child, upon God’s command.
In the ritual sacrifice of an animal for the sake of God we are reminded of Abraham’s and Ishmael’s (PBUT) unwavering faith in God, both willing to carry out the highest sacrifice for their Lord without hesitation. We are also reminded of God’s mercy; He accepted their sincere intentions and asked that Ibrahim sacrifice a goat instead of Ishmael.
Zayd ibn Arqam (RA) narrates: The companions of Rasullullah (SAW) asked: “What are these sacrificial animals Oh Rasullullah?” He said: “It is the way of your father, Ibrahim (AS).” They asked: “What is there for us O Rasullullah?” He said: “One good deed for every hair.” They asked: “What about wool?” He said: “One good deed for every fibre of wool.”
According to Imam Abu Hanifah, the Qurbani is wajib and according to the other Imams it is Sunnah Muakkadah upon every adult Muslim who is in possession of a minimum amount of wealth (Nisaab). It is preferable to share one third of the meat among the poor, one third with friends and relatives and keep the remainder for oneself. When consumed in moderation, meat provides vital nutrients such as zinc, iron and protein. For many people around the World, Eid al Adha is the only time in the entire year that they can consume meat.
Eid, which is often translated as “feast”, is a time of blessings and celebration. In sharing one third of the Qurbani with the poor, Islam ensures that we remember those less fortunate than ourselves so that they too can partake in the festivities.
At Al-Mustafa Welfare Trust, we are able to facilitate you in sharing your blessings with those less fortunate. We have identified the neediest communities and sourced local farmers in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Alhamdu’lillah, last year 100,000 families received Qurbani from our projects in 11 countries.
We use the services of local farmers; as a result, Qurbani has a lasting impact on the lives of rural communities. By supporting the local economy, we enable and strengthen livestock production. Farmers are able to use the money earned at this time to buy more stock, particularly milk producing animals and sell produce in their local area. As a result, they not only support themselves and provide for their families but ensure that locally produced, nutritious produce is available in the community, thus improving the health of others. Such initiatives are invaluable in contributing to food security, which means ensuring that communities are able to sustain themselves in the long term and become less and less reliant on aid and therefore to eradicate hunger. The importance of such initiatives is reflected in the decision of the UN General Assembly to designate 2012 “International Year of Cooperatives.” Amongst the events to raise awareness of this, the past week has seen the marking of World Food Day.
Ibn ‘Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah]”. What better time to donate your Qurbani to those amongst the neediest, to share in your blessings with those less fortunate and to commemorate the actions for Abraham and Ishmael (PBUT).
