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Qurbani is one of the most important acts of worship during the time of Eid al-Adha. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about Qurbani, including what is Qurbani, when is Eid al-Adha, how Qurbani works, and how much Qurbani one should give. Whether it is the first time you are giving it or looking to refresh your knowledge around it, this guide walks you through what Qurbani is and the impact it holds.
So, let’s begin by answering the question of what is Qurbani? Qurbani is an act of sacrifice involving an animal during the time of Eid al-Adha. Its purpose is to remember the devotion of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah, who was willing to sacrifice his son by the command of Allah as an act of obedience.
Qurbani teaches the believer about faith and sacrifice, along with caring for others. The meat from the animal is given to family, friends, and those in need. This ensures that even the poorest families can enjoy a proper meal during the joyous occasion of Eid.
Qurbani itself is more than just a sacrifice. It is about the teachings of giving, gratitude, and helping those less fortunate.
A common question is when is Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date changes every year based on the sighting of the moon.
The days of Qurbani last for three days, starting after the morning Eid prayer on the first day. It is important to remember that Qurbani must only be done after the Eid prayer and not any time before for it to be valid.
So, who needs to give Qurbani? According to the Hanafi School of Thought, Qurbani is obligatory upon every sane and adult Muslim who is financially able to do so. If one has the financial wealth to meet basic needs, and still has enough money left, then Qurbani becomes a responsibility upon them.
Each person who is eligible to give Qurbani within a household should give their own Qurbani. This would mean that any adult who meets the conditions should offer a sacrifice.
By understanding how Qurbani works, it makes it easier to fulfil the responsibility. Qurbani involves selecting a suitable animal for sacrifice, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The animal must meet the Islamic guidelines of being healthy, free of disease and be of a certain age.
The sacrifice should be done after the Eid prayer, and once completed, the meat should be divided into three parts. One part is for the individual who has carried out the sacrifice and their family, one for relatives or friends, and the final, larger part is given to those in need.
Today, due to many people completing their Qurbani through trusted charities, Qurbani is performed in countries where need is greater, so that the meat is distributed amongst vulnerable families and communities.
The cost of Qurbani will depend on the type of animal you choose and where in the world the sacrifice is carried out. Typically, a small animal, such as a sheep or goat, costs more per person, whilst a larger animal, like a buffalo, can be shared between up to seven people so is cheaper.
An example of this would be that a single share in a large animal is more affordable, whilst a full small animal may cost more. The cost of Qurbani can entirely depend on the country where the sacrifice is made, and the charity that you choose to go for.
This flexibility in the cost of Qurbani allows people to give according to their own budget, whilst also fulfilling the obligation of the act itself.
Orphans in Need offer a low-cost Qurbani option from as little as £25 so that those who can give can fulfil their obligation without any financial strain. Your giving from £25 can complete your sacrifice, along with helping the needy join in on the celebrations of Eid al-Adha.
If you’re questioning how much Qurbani should I give, the simple answer is that each eligible person should give at least one Qurbani. This can be either one small animal or one share in a larger animal.
If you choose to give more, you can do so as a voluntary act of charity. Some people choose to give extra Qurbani, known as a Prophetic Qurbani, made on behalf of family members, loved ones, or someone else who is unable to give Qurbani themselves.
Understanding the Qurbani cost along with its impact is important. Your sacrifice can help provide food to families who may otherwise have no access to meat throughout the year.
In many parts of the world, Qurbani meat is one of the only times in the year in which a family can enjoy a nutritious meal. By donating your Qurbani, you are fulfilling your religious duty but also helping someone in need fight hunger and poverty, along with enjoying the day of Eid with hope and dignity.
When you give your Qurbani through Orphans in Need, your sacrifice is handled with care and in accordance with the Islamic guidelines. The sacrifice is made in a region where need is great, and the meat is distributed to orphans, widows, and vulnerable families.
Donate your Qurbani through Orphans in Need and help bring happiness and joy this Eid to those in need.