The Significance and Virtues of Qurbani (Sacrifice in Islam)
**Qurbani in Islam: Significance, Rulings, and Spiritual Lessons**
*(With References and Picture)*
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## **Introduction**
Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is one of the most important and spiritually uplifting acts of worship in Islam. It is performed annually by Muslims around the world during the days of Eid al-Adha (10th to 12th of Dhul-Hijjah), in remembrance of the sacrifice of **Prophet Ibrahim (AS)** and his son **Ismail (AS)**.
The act of sacrificing an animal is not merely a ritual but a **symbol of devotion, obedience, and submission** to Allah. It reminds Muslims of the essence of true faith — putting Allah above everything else.
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## **The Origin of Qurbani: A Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)**
The practice of Qurbani dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). When he was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS), he did not hesitate. The dream was repeated over several nights, which confirmed its divine origin.
> **Qur’an says:**
> *"Then when he reached the age to work with him, he said: 'O my son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So look, what do you think?'" *
> 📖 *Surah As-Saffat (37:102)*
Ismail (AS), without hesitation, responded:
> *"O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me among the patient." *
> 📖 *As-Saffat: 102*
When Ibrahim (AS) laid him down to sacrifice, Allah substituted a ram in place of Ismail (AS) and declared the act of obedience as complete.
> *"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." *
> 📖 *Surah As-Saffat (37:107)*
This occurrence laid the groundwork for the Qurbani ceremony performed by the Prophet Muhammad's Ummah. ---
## **Qurbani in the Light of the Sunnah**
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revived and emphasized this act as an essential part of Islam.
> "The Prophet" stated: > "It is your father Ibrahim (AS)'s Sunnah." *
> 📚 *Ibn Majah: 3122*
He ﷺ performed Qurbani every year during Eid al-Adha, and encouraged his companions to do the same.
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## **Qurbani in the Qur’an**
> *"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice." *
> 📖 *Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2)*
> *"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." *
> 📖 *Surah Al-Hajj (22:37)*
This verse highlights that **sincerity and taqwa (piety)** are the real essence of Qurbani — not the meat or blood of the animals.
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## **Who Must Perform Qurbani? (Rules Based on Hanafi Fiqh)** According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is **wajib (obligatory)** upon every:
* Muslim
* Adult (Baligh)
* Sane (Aaqil)
* Resident (Muqeem, not a traveler)
* Person who possesses the **Nisab** amount of wealth (equal to the current value of 612.36 grams of silver)
> 📚 *Al-Hidayah, Book of Sacrifice*
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## **Timing of Qurbani**
The Qurbani time limit begins: * **After the Eid prayer** on **10th Dhul-Hijjah**
* Continues until **sunset on 12th Dhul-Hijjah**
> **Prophet ﷺ said:**
> *"The first thing we do on this day is to offer the Eid prayer, then we return and sacrifice. Whoever does so, has followed our Sunnah." *
> 📚 *Sahih Bukhari: 5545*
A sacrifice performed prior to the Eid prayer will not be accepted as a valid Qurbani. ---
## **Animals Eligible for Qurbani** | Animal | Minimum Age | Max. Shares Allowed |
| ---------- | ----------- | ------------------- |
| Goat/Sheep | 1 year | 1 person only |
| Cow/Bull | 2 years | Up to 7 people |
| Camel | 5 years | Up to 7 people |
> 📚 *Durr al-Mukhtar, Vol. 3*
All animals must be:
* Healthy and free from defects
* Not blind, lame, severely sick, or emaciated
* Have at least half of their horns and tail intact
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## **Method of Sacrifice**
* The animal must be laid on its left side facing the **Qiblah**
* The **name of Allah** must be recited before slaughtering
* The knife must be **sharp** to minimize suffering
* It is Sunnah for the person offering the sacrifice to slaughter it themselves
> **Prophet ﷺ said to Fatimah (RA):**
> *"Be present at the time of your sacrifice, for your sins will be forgiven as the first drop of its blood falls." *
> 📚 *Mustadrak al-Hakim*
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## **Distribution of Meat**
It is **Sunnah** to divide the meat into **three parts**:
1. One-third for personal use
2. One-third for friends and relatives
3. a third for the needy and poor > **Note:** Selling any part of the sacrificial animal (meat, skin, bones) is strictly prohibited.
> **Prophet ﷺ said:**
> *"Whoever sells the skin of his sacrifice has no (reward) for his Qurbani." *
> 📚 *Ahmad: 24955*
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## **Qurbani on Behalf of Others**
It is permissible to offer Qurbani on behalf of:
* Deceased family members
* Parents
* Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (as many companions used to do)
> **Imam Abu Hanifa (RA)** states:
> *"One may offer a voluntary sacrifice on behalf of a deceased loved one with the intention of reward." *
> 📚 *Fatawa Alamgiri, Vol. 5*
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## **Spiritual Message of Qurbani**
Qurbani is more than just a ritual. It teaches:
* **Obedience** like Ibrahim (AS)
* **Patience and submission** like Ismail (AS)
* **Sincerity and sacrifice** for the sake of Allah
* **Detachment from worldly desires**
> *"Say, 'Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.'" *
> 📖 *Surah Al-An'am (6:162)*
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## **Common Misconceptions**
* **“Only rich people should do Qurbani”** — Not true. If you meet the nisab, you will be wajib. * **“One Qurbani per household is enough”** — No. Each adult who is eligible must provide their own Qurbani. * **“Sacrificing money instead is better”** — Wrong. Qurbani has a specific spiritual significance that cannot be replaced.
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## **Modern Implications and Lessons**
In today's world, Qurbani helps us:
* Reconnect with the **values of submission and gratitude**
* Support the **needy and poor** in society
* Develop **empathy** and **humility**
* Raise **awareness of halal practices** and animal welfare
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## **Poetic Reflection**
> "A heart meets the sky, a blade meets the neck," > **Not blood, but taqwa, is what lifts us high. **
> **Like Ibrahim, be ready to give,**
> **All of your possessions so that the spirit can live. **
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## **Picture of Qurbani**
*Image: A moment of Qurbani during Eid al-Adha*
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## **Authentic References (Hawalat)**
1. **Qur’an:**
* Surah As-Saffat (37:102–107)
* Surah Al-Hajj (22:36–37)
* Surah Al-Kawthar (108:2)
* Surah Al-An’am (6:162)
2. **Hadith Collections:**
* *Sahih Bukhari*: 5545
* *Sahih Muslim*: 1966
* *Jami at-Tirmidhi*: 1493
* *Ibn Majah*: 3122
Mustafa Ahmad: 24955 * *Mustadrak al-Hakim*: Hadith on Fatimah (RA)
3. **Fiqh Books:**
* *Al-Hidayah, Kitab al-Udhiyah*
* *Fatawa Alamgiri*, Vol. 5
* *Durr al-Mukhtar*, Vol. 3
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## **Conclusion**
Qurbani is not about the slaughter itself — it is a deeply spiritual act that connects us to **Prophet Ibrahim’s** unwavering obedience, **Ismail’s** submission, and **Prophet Muhammad’s** ﷺ perfect example. It is a reminder that true Islam requires sacrifice — of wealth, ego, time, and sometimes even life itself — all for the pleasure of Allah.
Let us approach Qurbani this year with **taqwa in our hearts, sincerity in our intentions**, and a renewed commitment to the way of Allah.
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