Qurbani

Qurbani (Arabic: قربانى‎), also known as Udhiyah, is the ritual animal sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid al-Adha, which is the third day of the Hajj (the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca), and continues for three days. This practice is a very important part of the Islamic faith and is considered a form of worship to show obedience to Allah and commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead.

Background

The practice of Qurbani can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience and submission to Allah's command. However, before Ibrahim could carry out the act, Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This event is commemorated annually by Muslims around the world as a key component of Eid al-Adha.

Religious Significance

Qurbani is obligatory for all adult Muslims who possess the financial means to do so. It is performed following the Salat al-Eid (Eid prayers), which are offered in congregation on the morning of Eid al-Adha. The sacrifice itself must meet specific age and quality standards so that it is acceptable for use in Qurbani. The animals that can be sacrificed are goats, sheep, cattle, and camels, and they must be in good health and over a certain age.

Distribution of Meat

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives, friends, and neighbors, and the third part for the poor and needy. This distribution is considered an essential part of the ritual, emphasizing sharing with others.

Cultural Practices

The practice of Qurbani varies slightly from country to country, but it always retains its religious significance and the method of distribution. In some cultures, families store part of the meat for use over the coming months, while in others, more emphasis is placed on distributing larger portions to the poor.

Contemporary Issues

In modern times, issues such as the ethical treatment of animals and the economic impact of Qurbani on poorer families have led to discussions and sometimes controversies within communities. Some Muslims choose to delegate their Qurbani obligation to charitable organizations who can perform the sacrifice locally or abroad, ensuring that the meat reaches those in most need.

See Also

• Eid al-Adha
• Islamic calendar
• Hajj
• Halal