Qurbani

Main Topic

An in-depth explanation of the virtues, spiritual significance, and detailed Islamic rulings (masā'il) governing Qurbani (Udhiyah / animal sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha.

Key Lessons

• Qurbani symbolizes total submission and obedience to the commands of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala, following the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim alayhis salam and his family.
• The weight and reward of a Qurbani on the Day of Qiyamah depend on the level of ikhlās (sincerity) behind the act rather than merely the physical size of the animal.
• Qurbani is wājib on any Muslim who possesses the Nisāb threshold during the days of sacrifice, even if they acquired the wealth recently.
• Specific conditions apply to eligible animals (sheep/goats, cattle, camels), including age requirements, absence of major defects, and proper teeth verification.
• Islamic etiquettes must be upheld during slaughter, including showing mercy to animals, avoiding public non-mahram free-mixing, paying laboers fairly in cash, and ensuring the animal has passed before skinning.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Hadith where Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam explained Qurbani as the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim alayhis salam in response to questions from the Sahabah radiallahu anhum.
• Hadith mentioning a reward for every single hair or fiber of wool on the sacrificed animal.
• Hadith stating that before the blood touches the ground, the acceptance of the sacrifice has already reached Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala.
• Hadith issuing a severe warning: whoever possesses the means (Nisāb) and fails to perform Qurbani should not approach the Eidgah.

Practical Advice

• Verify animal ages accurately: goats must be 1 year+, sheep at least 6 months (if robust) or 1 year, cattle 2 years (preferably verified with two bottom teeth), and camels 5 years.
• Treat animals gently before slaughter; ensure they are properly fed, watered, handled without fear, and not slaughtered in view of other animals.
• Use a sharp knife and wait until the animal is clinically dead before beginning the skinning process.
• Agree on labor costs with hired workers beforehand in cash; Qurbani meat cannot be given as salary or compensation for labor.