The Significance and Ritual of Qurbani in Islam

Qurbani is an essential ritual in Islam performed during Eid ul Adha. This act of sacrifice commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son, HazratIsmail (PBUH), in obedience to Allah’s command. The ritual carries profound religious significance and embodies the principles of devotion, obedience, and charity.
Historical and Religious Context
The story of Qurbani is rooted in the Islamic narrative where Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) dreams that Allah commands him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (PBUH). Demonstrating unwavering faith, Ibrahim (PBUH) prepares to fulfill this command. However, Allah intervenes and provides a ram to be sacrificed instead. This event is a testament to Ibrahim’s (PBUH) faith and submission to Allah, and it symbolizes the importance of obedience and sacrifice in Islam.
The Importance of Qurbani
- Expression of Obedience and Devotion
Qurbani manifests a Muslim’s obedience to Allah’s commands and willingness to make personal sacrifices for His sake. - Remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s Faith
The ritual keeps alive the memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) profound act of faith and obedience, serving as an inspiration for Muslims. - Act of Charity and Sharing:
The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed among family, friends, and people in need, emphasizing community solidarity and support for the less fortunate. - Spiritual Purification
Engaging in Qurbani is seen as a means of attaining spiritual purification, as it involves significant financial expenditure and embodies selflessness.
Performing Qurbani: Step-by-Step Process
Performing Qurbani involves several steps that must be meticulously followed to ensure the ritual’s validity according to Islamic law (Shariah).
- Intention (Niyyah)
Before the act of slaughtering, the person performing Qurbani must make a clear intention that the sacrifice is for Allah alone. It ensures that the act is done purely for religious purposes. - Selection of the Animal
The animal chosen for Qurbani must meet specific criteria:
– It must be permissible, typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels.
– The animal must be healthy and free from any defects. Specific age requirements must also be met: at least one year for sheep and goats, two years for cows, and five years for camels.
- Proper Timing
Qurbani is performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah and can be carried out until the sunset of the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. - Slaughtering Method
The actual act of slaughtering follows a precise method:
– The animal should be treated with kindness and should not witness the sharpening of the knife or the slaughter of other animals.
– The person performing the slaughter must be a sane adult Muslim and should recite “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) before cutting.
– The knife must be sharp to ensure a quick and humane cut, severing the trachea, esophagus, and the two blood vessels in the neck. This method provides the swift death of the animal and the draining of the blood, which is a requirement in Islamic law.
- Distribution of Meat
The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts:
– One part for the person performing the Qurbani and their family.
– One part for relatives and friends.
– One part for the poor and needy. This distribution underscores the principles of charity and communal harmony in Islam.
Eid ul Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two major Islamic festivals, the other being Eid ul Fitr. Eid ul Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Celebrations and Observances
- Eid Prayer: Muslims begin the day with a special prayer called the Eid Salah, performed in congregations in large open areas or mosques. This prayer includes a sermon that highlights the significance of the festival and the lessons from the story of Ibrahim (PBUH).
- Qurbani Ritual: Following the prayer, Muslims who can afford to do so perform the Qurbani. An animal is sacrificed, and the meat is distributed as prescribed.
- Festive Meals and Social Gatherings: Families come together to share festive meals, often featuring dishes made from the Qurbani meat. It is a time for socializing, feasting, and celebrating with loved ones.
- Acts of Charity: Beyond meat distribution, many Muslims engage in additional charitable acts, providing for the less fortunate and ensuring everyone can partake in the festive spirit.
Conclusion
Qurbani is a profoundly significant practice in Islam, rooted in a profound historical and spiritual context. It commemorates the faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). It allows Muslims to demonstrate their devotion to Allah, engage in acts of charity, and strengthen community bonds. Eid ul Adha, the festival that encompasses the Qurbani ritual, is a time of joy, reflection, and communal harmony, reinforcing the Islamic faith’s core values of sacrifice, compassion, and solidarity.