It is absolutely significant for every Muslims to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Abraham (PBUH) by sacrificing an animal in order to show gratitude to Allah during the festival of Eid Al-Adha. This ritual is known as Al-Udhiyah or Qurbani which is important to be performed by those who are financially capable. There are prophetic narrations which suggest that, blessings and rewards will be given for every fibre of wool or every strand of hair of the sacrificed animal. Information below will help answer some questions on fundamental criteria and best practice for Qurbani. It should be bourn in mind

Quality of the Animal:

  • Healthy and good quality animals are essential for Qurbani in order to fit with the Tayyib concept those that are lame, with broken teeth and poorly must not be sacrificed.
  • Animals must be mature, with Muslim Scholars generally agreeing that for lambs it can be six months as long as they appear to be one year old. As for the cows, they must be minimum two years old.
  • Order should be placed well in advance to ensure Qurbani are purchased and sacrificed at the correct time.

Timing of the Qurbani:

  • The Udhiyaah/Qurbani can only be performed after Eid Al-Adha Prayers otherwise it is invalid and not classified as Qurbani.
  • Eid Salah can only be performed 15 minutes after sunrise and before Zawaal (noon) on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. The Qurbani can only begin after Eid Prayers have been performed.
  • It is allowed to perform Qurbani for three days up to sunset on 13th Dhul Hijjah.

Shares in Qurbani:

  • One Qurbani can be performed for one person or more as one family. A cow or a camel can be shared by up to seven people according to the prophetic narrations.
  • Qurbani is an important Sunnah for living and dead Muslims but it is more confirmed for those who are alive.

Performing Qurbani in another country:

  • It is recommended to perform Qurbani by oneself in his place. However, the contemporary scholars have stated that, the performance of Qurbani can be encouraged in another place or country, especially if the poverty is widespread there.

Charity and meat distribution:

  • The value of the skin and other by-products should be given to the poor people.
  • It is important to verify the abattoir or butcher has performed the Qurbani on time when receiving the meat.
  • Typically, the meat should be distributed in three portions – one for the person’s family, one for friends and neighbors and one for charity.

When?

  • Eid Al-Adha is on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah which is the 12th month of Islamic lunar calendar.

Shaykh Kazi Luthfur Rahman
Director – Mimbar Academy
Imam & Khateeb – London Central Mosque