Qurbani is an act of sacrifice that holds a deep meaning for Muslims around the world. The ritual is carried out during the time of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The month of Dhul Hijjah is when the annual pilgrimage of Hajj takes place, and also the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
The sacrifice is made between the 10th Dhul Hijjah after the Eid prayer and can continue until the evening of 13th Dhul Hijjah. Many ask why is Qurbani important, and the answer is simple, really, the act lies in its spiritual value, its history and the impact it has on the wider community in need.
Understanding the significance of Qurbani can help Muslims prepare for this act of worship with sincerity and compassion for those in need.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani is the sacrificing on an animal for the sake of Allah. Muslims take part in this act to honour the piety of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his devotion to Allah. The animals which are used for Qurbani include goats, sheep, cows, camels and buffalo, but they all must meet a specific guideline before being chosen for sacrifice. The sacrifice must also be made by following the Islamic guidelines.
Qurbani is not only about the sacrifice of an animal, but it is also about the act of kindness and sharing. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided to benefit others, with one portion being kept for individuals and their family, another for friends and relatives, and the larger portion to be distributed and shared with the community in need. This act of giving can ensure that people who are deprived of access to good food can enjoy a nutritious meal during the time of Eid.
What is Qurbani UK?
For Muslims who live in the UK, Qurbani can be slightly difficult due to the legal and safety rules around sacrificing an animal. This means that individuals are not able to perform the sacrifice themselves. Instead, many Muslims in the UK choose to fulfil their duty of Qurbani through online donations.
By donating your Qurbani through organisations such as Orphans in Need, charities can carry out the Qurbani on your behalf in a country where the need is greater. The sacrifice takes place following the Islamic rules and guidelines, and the meat is then distributed to orphans and widows facing poverty.
This way, Muslims in the UK are able to take part in the act of Qurbani, along with being satisfied that their donation can reach those who need it most.
The Significance of Qurbani
The significance of Qurbani stems from Islamic history and the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah as a test to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). Though this command was difficult to do, both father and son showed sincere trust in Allah and, with obedience, prepared to carry out the sacrifice. As Prophet Ibrahim (AS) proceeded to carry out the act, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram. This was a test of faith and devotion and not about the act in itself. This story is remembered every year during Dhul Hijjah, reminding Muslims around the world of the importance of putting Allah above all else.
The Importance of Qurbani in Dhul Hijjah
The importance of Qurbani links to the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. Qurbani also marks the start of the Eid al-Adha celebration. Whilst families gather over Eid to pray and share meals, the act of sacrifice ensures that even those less fortunate can take part in the joy of Eid. The Qurbani meat distribution made to families in need brings a sense of happiness and relief to those facing hardship daily.
Dhul Hijah is also the time when many Muslims complete the Fifth Pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage of Hajj. At the end of Hajj, pilgrims must perform the act of Qurbani as part of their worship. Without the act of this sacrifice, their Hajj remains unfulfilled.
Why Qurbani is Important for Those in Need
Most importantly, Qurbani is carried out due to the impact it has on those in need. Around the world, families are living in extreme poverty, with little to no access to a proper meal for some. Qurbani meat may be the one time in the year they are able to eat meat.
Qurbani for needy families and communities can provide more than just food. Qurbani meat comes with dignity and joy during Eid, allowing families to be included with the wider Muslim community in celebrating this joyous day.
Helping others is, in general, a huge part of Islam, and Qurbani is a great way to support those who are in need, reminding oneself that wealth is a blessing from Allah, which should be shared with those less fortunate.
Make Your Qurbani Donation
Making a Qurbani donation is easy, and by fulfilling this religious duty, you are helping others too. Your donation can support widows and orphaned children who face hardship on a day-to-day basis.
Your Qurbani UK donation can help reach those who need it most, providing families with nourishing meals, allowing them to experience the happiness of Eid. The importance of Qurbani is about faith and compassion, and by giving your Qurbani, you are not only fulfilling this religious duty but also making a difference to the lives of vulnerable women and children.
This Eid al-Adha, take part in the act of sacrifice and giving, and spread the joy of Eid with those in need.
In the UK, Muslims most commonly perform Qurbani through charitable organisations such as Orphans in Need due to legal restrictions on the sacrifice of an animal. A Qurbani UK donation can help assure that a sacrifice can be done accurately and the meat is sent to vulnerable communities.
Yes, Qurbani can be given on behalf of family members including deceased loved ones, as a form of charity, however it must be an additional sacrifice after an individual has completed their own Qurbani.
Qurbani takes place during Eid al-Adha, specifically after the Eid prayer on the 10th Dhul Hijah, up until the evening of the 13th Dhul Hijah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Animals which are permissible for Qurbani are sheep, goats, cows, buffaloand camels. These animals must however meet specific Islamic guidelines regardingtheir age, health, and condition.
