The act of Qurbani is a spiritually significant act of worship and falls within the celebration of Eid al-Adha, and the very holy month of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims all over the world observe this sacred act to connect closer to Allah (SWT) and show their love and devotion to Him. Qurbani is a sacrifice of an animal to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and please Allah (SWT), earning reward from Him while helping the poor through giving them the meat from the sacrifice. It is a time of coming together in worship and celebration to strengthen faith and the ummah, allowing everyone, no matter their situation, to feel the joy of Eid.
Qurbani is very important in Islam, but for many, it’s unclear just why the Qurbani sacrifice is done. At Orphans in Need, we understand that for people outside of the Islamic community, Qurbani isn’t as well-known as other events, like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. To help our friends of the Islamic community and those who are new to the community or who don’t have the guidance of a local Imam, we’ve put this guide together on why Muslims do Qurbani.
Why Do We Do Qurbani?
So, why do we do Qurbani? Qurbani is all about sacrificing something in the name of Allah (SWT) to show obedience and loyalty to Him. What’s important with this act of worship is that it’s a way to get closer to Allah (SWT), strengthen faith and earn reward. As well as this, the act is important because of the story that started this tradition and the fact that it helps to feed those in need who don’t ever get the chance to have meat at any other time of the year. This means that Qurbani is about always putting Allah’s will before our own, no matter how hard it is, and sharing our blessings with the less fortunate.
The Story of Ibrahim’s Sacrifice
The story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice is what began the tradition of Qurbani and can help you understand the significance of this act even more. The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (AS), to show his devotion to Him. This came to him in dreams, before his son was born, telling him that he would have a righteous son, but the son would need to be sacrificed once he reached the age of puberty. After he had his son, Ibrahim (AS) kept receiving the command through dreams as Ismail (AS) grew up, letting Ibrahim know that it was a direct command from Allah (SWT).
Even though Ibrahim (AS) loved his son very much, and the thought of sacrificing Ismail pained him, Ibrahim knew that he needed to stay committed to Allah (SWT) and show his devotion to Him, as Allah is greater than even the closest people in life. This meant that Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son and his loyalty never wavered, even as he told Ismail (AS) what Allah (SWT) had commanded him to do. Ismail (AS) understood what must be done and remained just as obedient as his father, agreeing that the sacrifice must be done:
“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast.”
[Quran 37:102]
Ismail (AS) requested that his legs and arms be tied so that he wouldn’t struggle during the sacrifice, as well as asking his father to wear a blindfold so that he didn’t have to see him suffer. So, this is what Ibrahim (AS) did on Mount Arafat, and he stayed committed to fulfilling the command. Right at the last second, just before the sacrifice was completed, a white-horned ram appeared in place of Ismail (AS), sparing his life and rewarding Ibrahim (AS) and his son for their utter devotion and passing the test Allah (SWT) set. Thanks to the dedication and love shown by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Qurbani became a tradition during Eid al-Adha for Muslims to show that same level of devotion as Ibrahim and connect closer to Allah (SWT).
Why Do We Give Qurbani?
When it comes to why do we give Qurbani, a huge reason is that it helps to feed those facing unimaginable hunger and hardship. This means that Qurbani isn’t just observed by Muslims in order to honour the sacrifice that Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make and to demonstrate that same level of devotion and submission to Allah (SWT). It’s also an act of charity, which is something hugely important throughout all aspects of Islam.
“A person is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour goes hungry.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (Bukhari)
Qurbani is an opportunity for all able Muslims to show wahda (unity) because a huge purpose of this animal sacrifice is to help those who need it most. The meat from the sacrifice goes to struggling families in vulnerable parts of the world who cannot afford to feed themselves or have the basic necessities to survive. This is typically the only time of the year when these vulnerable families get to have meat on their tables or even a proper meal at all. Due to this, Qurbani is a lifeline for so many and without it, they would go hungry during Eid al-Adha and wouldn’t get the chance to join in with the celebrations like the rest of the ummah.
Donate Qurbani Online
Traditionally, every able Muslim should give one share of Qurbani in the form of sacrificing one small animal (a sheep or a goat). The animal is sacrificed in the name of Allah (SWT) in line with the Qurbani sacrifice rules and is then divided into three parts: one part is for the donor and their family, one part is to be gifted to the donor’s friends, and one part is to be given to someone who is in need and hungry.
However, Muslims all around the world today, so it’s not possible for everyone to give Qurbani themselves in the traditional world. Because of this, charities like Orphans in Need accept Qurbani donations online and use them to purchase and sacrifice animals on the donor’s behalf. Although the donor won’t get a share for themselves or their friends, all of their Qurbani will be given to those in need, helping even more vulnerable families and ending their hunger and suffering. Donating Qurbani through charity allows Muslims to help more people in need and still gain reward from Allah (SWT) for doing the sacrifice.
“For every hair of the Qurbani you will receive a reward from Allah, and for every strand of its wool you will receive a reward.”
(Al-Tirmidhi)
Give Qurbani
Fulfil your obligation and show your devotion to Allah (SWT) by giving your Qurbani through Orphans in Need. We greatly appreciate your donations and will use your Qurbani to feed those who are most in need around the world. Our team will handle the sacrifice for you in line with Islamic regulations, and distribute it to struggling families, orphans with no support and widows who cannot provide for their children. Your donation can transform their lives, help them survive and offer joy and hope this Eid al-Adha. Donate now.
