Qurbani (Udhiyah) is a significant act of worship in Islam, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, performed during Eid al-Adha (10th to 12th Dhul-Hijjah) to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice for Allah.
Below is an explanation of its fazilat (virtues) and masail (rulings) in light of the Quran and Hadith, presented concisely yet comprehensively.
Fazilat (Virtues) of Qurbani in Quran Basis:
The Quran emphasizes the spirit of sacrifice in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37):
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
This highlights that Qurbani is an act of taqwa (God-consciousness), where sincerity and devotion are paramount.
Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107) narrates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS), underscoring the ultimate submission to Allah’s command, which Qurbani commemorates.
Hadith on Rewards:
The Prophet (SAW) said: “There is no deed more beloved to Allah on the Day of Eid al-Adha than the slaughtering of animals for Qurbani. The animal will come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves, and the blood of the Qurbani reaches Allah before it falls to the ground.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
Another Hadith states:
“For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a reward.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad). This indicates immense spiritual rewards for every aspect of the sacrifice.
Charity and Community:
Qurbani fosters generosity, as the meat is shared with family, friends, and the poor.
The Quran encourages feeding others (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8-9), and the Prophet ﷺ instructed to divide the meat into three parts (as per scholarly consensus based on Sunnah practices).
Following the Sunnah:
The Prophet (SAW) performed Qurbani consistently, as narrated by Anas (RA):
“The Prophet (SAW) used to offer two rams as Qurbani.” (Bukhari, Muslim).
This makes it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly emphasized Sunnah) for those who can afford it.
Forgiveness and Purification:
The act of Qurbani, when done with sincerity, is a means of expiating minor sins and drawing closer to Allah, as the blood symbolizes purification and devotion.
Masail (Rulings) of Qurbani :
1. Obligation of Qurbani Quranic Evidence:
Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2) commands the Prophet ﷺ: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.” Scholars interpret this as an obligation for those who meet specific conditions.
Hadith Evidence:
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever has the means to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad).
This emphasizes its importance for eligible Muslims.
Conditions for Obligation:
Must be an adult, sane Muslim.
Must be a resident (not a traveler).
Must possess wealth equivalent to the Nisab of Zakat (e.g., 612.36 grams of silver or its value) during the days of Qurbani.
One Qurbani suffices for a household if intended for all members (Hanafi view, based on practical Sunnah).
2. Timing of Qurbani Quranic Reference:
Surah Al-Hajj (22:28) mentions the “appointed days” for sacrifice, which are the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Hadith:
The Prophet ﷺ performed Qurbani after Eid prayer (Bukhari).
It must be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th and before sunset on the 12th.
Slaughter at night is invalid, as daytime is implied in Sunnah practices.
3. Animals for QurbaniQuranic Guidance:
Surah Al-Hajj (22:34) refers to “sacrificial animals” (budn), which include camels, cattle, goats, and sheep.
Hadith Specifications:
Animals must meet age requirements: goats/sheep (1 year),
cows/buffaloes (2 years),
camels (5 years) (Muwatta Malik).
A goat/sheep is for one person, while a cow/camel can be shared by up to seven (Sahih Muslim).
“A cow is sufficient for seven.”
Condition:
The animal must be free of major defects (e.g., blindness, lameness, or severe illness),
as per the Hadith: “Four types of animals are not permissible for Qurbani: one-eyed, sick, lame, or emaciated.” (Tirmidhi).
4. Method of SlaughterQuranic Instruction:
Surah Al-An’am (6:118) emphasizes lawful slaughter in Allah’s name.
Hadith:
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. So when you slaughter, slaughter well, sharpen your knife, and let the animal die comfortably.” (Muslim).
Procedure:
Say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” before slaughter.Cut the throat, windpipe, and major blood vessels swiftly.Face the Qiblah if possible (Sunnah practice).It is recommended for the person to slaughter themselves or witness it (Bukhari).
5. Distribution of MeatQuranic Principle:
Surah Al-Hajj (22:36) encourages sharing the meat with the needy.
Hadith:
The Prophet (SAW) divided the meat into three parts: for family, friends, and the poor (narrated in scholarly consensus).Selling the meat or skin is prohibited, as it is an act of worship (Bukhari).
“The skin of the Qurbani animal should not be sold. The skin can be donated or used personally.
6. Prohibitions and Etiquettes Hadith on Hair and Nails:
The Prophet (SAW) said: “When the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah begin, and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” (Muslim).
Kindness to Animals:
The Prophet ﷺ forbade mistreating animals, saying: “Do not sharpen your knife in front of the animal or drag it harshly (Muslim)”. The intention (niyyah) must be for Allah’s pleasure, as sincerity is emphasized in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37).
7. Qurbani for Others :
Qurbani can be performed for the deceased if it was their will or as sadaqah for their reward (based on scholarly consensus, no direct Hadith prohibits it).It can also be done for the Prophet ﷺ or others as a voluntary act, though not obligatory.
8. Miscellaneous Rulings :
Hajj and Qurbani: Pilgrims performing Hajj offer Hady, not Udhiyah, as per Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196).
Missed Qurbani:
If missed due to negligence, give the animal’s value in charity (Hanafi ruling, based on analogy).
Delegation:
Qurbani can be performed in another location (e.g., for the poor abroad), as long as Islamic rules are followed (permitted by scholarly consensus).
Conclusion :
Qurbani is a profound act of worship that combines obedience, charity, and spiritual purification, rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Its virtues include immense rewards, forgiveness, and community welfare, while its rulings ensure it is performed correctly and sincerely.