Qurbani or Udhiyah is an animal sacrifice ritual that is followed by millions of Muslims each year on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The word Qurbani is derived from ‘Qurb’, which means closeness. By offering Qurbani, Muslims seek closeness to Allah (SWT), but the real purpose of Qurbani is to commemorate the great faith and sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and Hazrat Ismael (A.S), both of whom showed complete obedience to Allah (SWT).

While all Muslim schools of jurisprudence highly encourage Qurbani, according to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is mandatory for every Muslim who is qualified for it. In this blog, we will discuss the qualification criteria and the spiritual benefits of offering Qurbani.

Why is Qurbani Considered Mandatory?

Qurbani is obligatory according to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, which has approximately 800-900 million Muslim followers worldwide. The reason is the interpretation of the following Quranic verse:

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surat Al-Kawthar, 108:2)

According to the Hanafi scholars, the verse clearly implies an obligation and must not be overlooked. This view is further supported and cemented by the following Hadith:

“It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever can afford it, but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3123)

The Hadith takes a clear stance against those who have the means for Qurbani but do not comply. Besides the Hanafis, other schools of jurisprudence also encourage the practice of Qurbani. Not offering Qurbani on Eid al-Adha, despite having the means to do so, is considered Makruh (disliked) by the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of jurisprudence. 

Qualifications for Giving Qurbani

Allah (SWT) doesn’t burden believers, and the qualification for Qurbani is contingent on possessing Nisab. Believers who possess wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab value should give Qurbani. The Nisab value is equivalent to the current price of 612.36 grams of silver. Believers having that amount of money should give Qurbani. 

There is a misconception among many Muslims that one Qubani is enough for the entire family. Note that all members of a family who are adults and posesses the Nisab value of wealth must participate in Qurbani. For example, if both husband and wife have money equal to or greater than the Nisab, they both qualify for Qurbani and must not overlook this important religious duty.

However, if someone doesn’t have the Nisab level of wealth or is traveling, they do not qualify to give Qurbani. 

Spiritual Rewards Associated With Qurbani

Eid al-Adha is clearly a Day of reward for believers. The following Hadith tells us the great rewards that await those who give Qurbani with purest intentions: 

“It was narrated from ’Aishah that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The son of Adam does not do any deed on the Day of Sacrifice that is dearer to Allah than shedding blood. It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns and cloven hoofs and hair. Its blood is accepted by Allah before it reaches the ground. So be content when you do it.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3126)

Remember that the intention of Qurbani should always remain focused on achieving the closeness of Allah (SWT), rather than pomp and show. 

Allah (SWT) loves those who maintain modesty in behavior. The Quran tells us:

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.” (Surat Al-Ĥaj, 22:37)

How to Distribute the Sacrificial Meat?

While commitment to Qurbani shows a beleiver’s strength of character, the distribution of sacrificial meat gives another great opportunity for them to earn spiritual rewards.

Traditionally, one out of the three equal portions of sacrificial meat is dedicated to underprivileged individuals and families. However, you can give all three portions to benefit them if your intention is to seek maximum spiritual rewards. Allah (SWT) is magnanimous, and he loves magnanimity. Besides, it is a Sunnah to distribute the entire Qurbani among the needy, according to the following Hadith:

“‘Ali bin Abu Talib narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded him to distribute the entire sacrificial camel – its meat, skin and covers – among the poor.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3157)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Giving Qurbani

Many believers who give Qurbani forget or unintentionally overlook the Sunnah described in this Hadith:

“Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When anyone of you intends to sacrifice the animal and enter in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, he should not get his hair cut or nails pared till he has offered his sacrifice.” [Muslim].” (Riyad as-Salihin, 1706) 

Therefore, one should not get their hair and nails cut to maximize spiritual rewards. 

Similarly, getting healthy and defect-free animals for Qurbani is absolutely essential

“Narrated Ubayd ibn Firuz: I asked al-Bara’ ibn Azib: What should be avoided in sacrificial animals? He said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood among us, and my fingers are smaller than his fingers, and my fingertips are smaller than his fingertips. He said (pointing with his fingers): Four (types of animals) should be avoided in sacrifice: A One-eyed animal which has obviously lost the sight of one eye, a sick animal which is obviously sick, a lame animal which obviously limps and an animal with a broken leg with no marrow. I also detest an animal which has defective teeth. He said: Leave what you detest, but do not make it illegal for anyone.

Abu Dawud said: (By a lean animal mean) and animal which has no marrow. (Sunan Abi Dawud, 2802)

Also, make sure that the Qurbani is conducted after the Eid al-Adha prayers, and is conducted within the correct dates (10th–12th Dhul Hijjah). 

Donate Your Qurbani to Transparent Hands

Donating Qurbani online to a Shariah-compliant organization is an excellent option, especially if you intend to benefit as many underprivileged people as possible and donate your entire Qurbani meat. If that’s the case, consider donating to Tranpsaret Hands.

We are one of Pakistan’s top crowdfunding organizations that provide medical assistance to patients in need since our inception in 2014. Our Maternal and Child program has saved many lives, while we also support a wide range of surgeries. We also organize regular medical camps across Pakistan, focusing on low-income areas.

We have a very efficient Qurbani program that completely follows the Shariah guidelines and maintains the highest hygienic standards. We conduct Qurbani in the best slaughter houses, and our team reaches out to the most vulnerable individuals and families for the distribution of sacrificial meat. Last year, we gifted sacrificial meat packages among orphans, widows, laborers, transgender community, elderly residents of nursing homes, madrassa students, and people with disabilities. 

Let’s hope and pray that our Qurbani and sincere efforts are accepted by Allah (SWT). Donate Qurbani now!

FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for giving Qurbani?

The eligibility criteria for giving Qurbani are the same as the Zakat. Adult Muslims having a Nisab value of wealth should give Qurbani.

Is one Qurbani enough for the entire family?

Qurbani should be given according to individual criteria: all individuals in a family who are adults and have the Nisab equivalent wealth should give Qurbani.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when giving Qurbani?

Make sure that Qurbani is conducted after the Eid al-Adha prayers. Also, you should adhere to Shariah guidelines when choosing animals, which should be healthy and defect-free.

Can a traveler give Qurbani during Eid al-Adha?

Yes, if they want to. However, travelers are usually exempt from Qurbani obligations. However, with modern means of communication available, it is easier to arrange for Qurbani even while traveling.

What are the conditions for selecting a healthy Qurbani animal?

The animals should be defect-free, and their age should be in accordance with the Shariah recommendation.

Which animals are not suitable for Qurbani sacrifice?

Animals with defects or injuries shouldn’t be chosen for sacrifice.

Should hair and nails be cut before giving Qurbani?

It is better to avoid trimming your hair or nails from the time Dhul Hijjah begins till when the Qurbani is given.

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