Why is Qurbani so Important in Islam?

The act of Qurbani is a sacred ritual that holds great importance for Muslims around the world. It occurs in one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar- the 12th and final month of Dhul Hijjah. This month is spiritually significant because it holds multiple Islamic events within it that help Muslims to grow their faith and connect to Allah (SWT). These events are the Hajj pilgrimage (what the month is named after), Eid al-Adha and Qurbani. The sacrifice is done on the days of Eid and begins on the first day of Eid al-Adha- the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Qurbani is expected to start after the Eid Salaah (prayer) on the morning of June 6th.

Qurbani is where believers from every corner of the world slaughter an animal to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT). It is a ritual of sacrifice and is aimed at honouring the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and gaining reward from God. Animals that are eligible for the sacrifice, goats, sheep, camels, buffalo and cows, need to meet specific Islamic guidelines. The sacrifice also needs to be carried out abiding by Islamic rules of how to slaughter an animal. The ritual is also a chance for Muslims to help the ummah (community) who are facing hardship and poverty in various deprived areas of the world. This is because the meat from the sacrifice is split into three parts: one for the believer and their family, one for extended family and friends, and one for the poor and needy. Qurbani provides a nutritious meal to those who desperately need it and can be the first time they eat meat in the year.

Explore why Qurbani is important in Islam to understand why this vital act of sacrifice is done and be prepared for the ritual. Orphans in Need is here to help you fulfil your obligation and help those in desperate need.

What is Qurbani UK?

Qurbani in the UK differs from the traditional method of sacrifice. This is due to the regulations that surround slaughtering, preventing Muslims from carrying out the sacrifice themselves. It means that a believer isn’t legally allowed to perform the ritual. Because of this, Muslims in the UK have to donate to a charitable organisation for Qurbani instead.

At Orphans in Need, we understand the importance of Qurbani and strive to ensure that every Muslim in the UK can still do their part in this religious event. You can donate your Qurbani to us, and we will handle the rest. Once you’ve chosen the animal to sacrifice and where, we will slaughter the animal on your behalf, following the Islamic rules, and distribute the meat to widows and their orphaned children who are in desperate need.

What is the Importance of Qurbani in Islam?

Many may wonder why Qurbani is important in Islam, and the answer lies in the history of the ritual. It all begins with the great sacrifice the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) were willing to make in the name of Allah (SWT). The history is steeped in true commitment, love and sacrifice for God, which encourages Muslims to devote themselves to Allah (SWT) and their faith.

Ibrahim (AS) was told by Allah (SWT) that he would be blessed with a righteous son, but there was a catch. The Lord had revealed to Ibrahim (AS) that he would need to sacrifice his son when he reached the age of puberty. This message kept coming to Ibrahim (AS) in dreams to remind him of his duty to Allah (SWT) and the sacrifice he must make to stay devoted to Him (SWT). Once his son came of age for the sacrifice, Ibrahim knew what he needed to do in his heart and obeyed Allah’s command, even though it hurt him to do so. He also shared his command with Ismail (AS), who graciously obeyed along with his father and willingly went to the site of the sacrifice. Ismail said:

“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast.” [Quran 37:102]

Both men stood atop Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice, not wavering from the instruction that had been asked of them. Ibrahim (AS) tied his son with a rope and went to put the knife to his neck. At the moment Ibrahaim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah (SWT) intervened. He declared that the sacrifice had been a test of loyalty and love for Him. Allah (SWT) wanted to see how devoted Ibrahim (AS) was to Him and if he would make the ultimate sacrifice of the thing he loved most for Him. Allah (SWT) rewarded the men’s loyalty with a ram that was sacrificed to Him instead, leaving Ismail (AS) unharmed.

The history of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) highlights the importance of Qurbani to believers and encourages them to bring the same unparalleled devotion to Allah (SWT) into their lives. It reminds believers to practice taqwa (consciousness of God) and have piety in everything they do, putting their faith and God first and foremost in their lives.

The Importance of Qurbani in Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah holds an essential celebration in the Islamic calendar- Eid al-Adha. This is known as the Festival of Sacrifice because Qurbani is done as part of the celebrations. It is also called the Big Eid or Greater Eid, as it is very spiritually significant. It is a huge celebration that lasts for four days and is a social and supportive event for Muslims around the globe. Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and carries on for three extra days. These days are known as the tashreeq days. Big Eid is a chance for Muslims to spend time with family, friends and their local community. It is marked by exchanging gifts and money (Eidi), eating delicious traditional dishes and praying together to strengthen faith. Eid al-Adha should be spent connecting with Allah (SWT), reflecting on sacrifices that are made in the month of Dhul Hijjah, and helping the poor and needy with Qurbani meat.

The importance of Qurbani in Dhul Hijjah is that it kicks off the celebrations on the first day of Eid. This is because, traditionally, Qurbani is performed on the first day of Eid al-Adha. However, it can be performed up until the sun sets on the fourth day. The Qurbani meat is then distributed to vulnerable communities who face poverty and hardship every single day. This provides those in need with essential sustenance that they never get to have. It is a gift of food on their table and a proper meal. Qurbani helps everyone in the ummah enjoy the celebration of Eid. The meat helps communities feel joy on the days of Eid al-Adha, spreading happiness through cooked meals.

Another reason why Qurbani is important in the month of Dhul Hijjah is that it is done at the end of the holy Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims take on the Hajj to Makkah (Mecca) and devote themselves to Allah (SWT). They perform acts of worship at significant Islamic locations to strengthen their faith and leave renewed, eradicating past sins. At the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslims will make a Qurbani sacrifice to God. This marks the end of the pilgrimage and begins the celebrations of Eid for pilgrims.

Why is Qurbani Important for Those in Need?

Qurbani is important for those in need because the meat from the sacrifice is used to give them cooked meals to celebrate Eid with. These meals provide the needy with sustenance who don’t have the means to feed themselves with nutritious meals. These people face extreme poverty and don’t have meat as they can’t afford it. This means your Qurbani could be the first proper meal with meat they get to enjoy. Many vulnerable communities are forced to scavenge for food and only accumulate scraps that aren’t substantial enough to provide them with energy or nourish their bodies. Due to this, most face hunger, which can lead to starvation and illness.

Looking after those in need is a pivotal part of Islam and is one of the best ways to please Allah (SWT) and earn reward from Him. It is an obligation to help the ummah, especially the poor, and Qurbani is a great way to achieve this. You can give healthy and filling meals to those who are neglected and mistreated and give them a lifeline that they so desperately need.

Make Your Qurbani Donation with Orphans in Need

Make your Qurbani donation today with Orphans in Need to help widows and their orphaned children living in poverty. We distribute your Qurbani quickly over the days of Eid al-Adha and cover many underprivileged countries across the world. Widows and orphans are often neglected and mistreated, being pushed aside from their local communities. Widows struggle to provide for their families and have no support once their husbands pass away. They have limited skills for a job and have to survive on barely anything, desperately trying to look after their families and themselves. You can give them happiness this Eid with a cooked meal that is substantial for the whole family. Spread the joy of Eid and allow everyone to celebrate together.