Qurbani, also referred to as Udhiyah, is one of the events that Muslims do not miss throughout the year. This event takes place at the same time as Eid Al-Adha. This is linked with the everlasting faith of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael’s obedience toward fulfilling the command of Allah. Muslim Ummah deeply appreciates the act of Qurbani, and is widely recognized as an act of charity and devotion because of its much greater inner meaning and significance. If you want to know the answer to your question, Is qurbani compulsory, then you are at the right place.
The Origin and Significance of Qurbari
The subsequent steps of Qurbani have their roots in the story mentioned in the Quran. The Herculean figure Ibrahim alaihi wasalam was notified via a dream that he should sacrifice his son Ismail alaihi wasalam, and in obedience to Allah’s command, he was ready to perform it. But long behold, just before carrying out the sacrifice, Allah provided a ram for him to slaughter instead to be killed in place of Ismail. Which in itself is a great sign of mercy and grace from Allah subhanahu wa taala, accepting Ibrahim’s sacrifice. This event highlights many ordeals of submission, acceptance, and sacrifice, which center the Islamic religion.
Qurbani is for a different use, explains is qurbani compulsory:
Spiritual Reflection
It gives people an enxpemtion to not leave toll myth of empowerment accompanied by the ultimate surrender.
Charitable Act
Of greatest contribution is the stricken people and social sustenance. Sadly, through the method of slaughtering animals whereby building ego upon noble birth into an upright limb, all night without need.
Community Bonding
Nourishing communal ties within the Muslim community, sharing meals, and engaging in collective celebrations promote unification, solidarity, and brotherhood.
Is Qurbani Compulsory?
The need to observe Qurbani differs in accordance with the different Islamic sects. For Muslims, it is imperative to know these viewpoints while assessing their religious responsibilities during Eid al-Adha.
Is Qurbani Compulsory: Hanafi School of Thought
According to the Hanafi madhab, Qurbani is obligatory on each adult Muslim of sound mental capacity who resides in wealth during the days of Eid al-Adha as long as they are not traveling. The conditions include:
Sound Mind and Mature: People who have attained puberty and are sane.
Financially Able: Those whose means exceed the nisab limit, which is the amount of wealth possessed, are subject to Zakat. It opens up multiple financing options.
Non-Traveling: Muslims who are not on a journey during Eid.
An individual who has all these requirements is obliged to perform Qurbani.
Is Qurbani Compulsory: Other Schools of Thought
The other plurality of Islamic scholars following the other madhabs considers Qurbani to be a Sunnah Mu’akkadah in contradiction to obligatory. That is to say, it is an act of great benefit that is highly advocated for, but not a prerequisite. Prophet Muhammad PBUH has been mentioned to state:
“If the 10 (first days of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah) come in and one of you wishes to slaughter [in sacrifice], then let him take nothing from his hair or skin.”
This narration suggests that offering Qurbani is a commendable practice for those who can afford it, but not performing it does not incur sin.
Detailed Guidelines for Performing Qurbani
Guidelines regarding age limits and selection restrictions are included for all those who set out to do Qurbani, regardless of the school of thought they follow:
Age of Animal
To qualify for Qurbani, the animal in question must fulfill the following criteria. Sheep and goats need to be over the age of one, while buffaloes, cows, and bulls must be above two. Regarding camels, no animal younger than 5 years of age is accepted.
Health of Animal
The animal must be in good shape and health, aligning with the variety of the animal that is deemed acceptable, including but not limited to sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
Timing of Qurbani
Qurbani should take place during the three days after Eid Al Adha prayers and specifically the 10th, 11th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah. Sacrifice should be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th day till sunset on the 12th day. These days correspond with the rituals of Hajj and have great importance in the Islamic calendar.
Method of Sacrifice
The slaughtering should take place in the most gentle, educated manner concerning the given animal under consideration. The person making the sacrifice should:
Utter the Name of Allah: Start with ‘Bismillah, Allahu Akbar’(In the name of Allah, Allah is Great).
Keep The Animal Calm: To the best of their abilities, the animal being worked on should be handled with no stress or pain.
Knife Should Be Sharp: The animal shall be dealt with a calm, swift, humane process ensured by the use of a sharpened knife.
Use of Clean Location: Sacrifice should be done under a clean setting with hygiene standards in place.
Apart from fulfilling the ritualistic requirements, these actions should also embody the values of kindness and ethical animal handling.
Meat Division Guidelines For Qurbani
The customary order would be to split up the meat into three equal parts:
- The Sacrificer: One portion is set aside by the family that does the qurbani. This can be eaten by them, shared with some relatives, or saved for later.
- For Family and Friends: Another third is shared with family and close friends, who further divide it amongst themselves. This practice has some social benefits, so it is appreciated.
- For the Needy: This therefore helps some segments in the society that are poorer and need help in such festivals.
The general approach above is based on Hadiths. Eat of the sacrifice, give some, provide some as sadaqa, and some will be left behind as well for qurbani.
FAQs
1. Can we perform the Qurbani in Non-Muslim countries?
Of course, yes, Qurbani can be conducted anywhere in the world as long as the needy people receive the meat. Numerous organizations provide Qurbani in different countries to ensure that the needy people make use of the meat.
2. Does one have to perform Qurbani on behalf of their deceased family members?
Not compulsory, but many Muslims offer Qurbani on behalf of their dead relatives to earn good deeds for them. The people who do offer it, in essence, have faith that the benefits that come from the sacrifice will be of use to the dead souls.
3. What is the minimum wealth that someone needs to possess to qualify for Qurbani?
As per the Hanafi madhab, Qurbani becomes obligatory for Muslims once their wealth crosses the nisab limit. It is the equivalent of surpassing 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
4. Can a woman do Qurbani?
A qualified female or a women can do Qurbani, Yes. Any man or woman who qualifies may carry out Qurbani. This act of worship has no restrictions based on gender.
5. What if I cannot afford Qurbani?
If the financial requirements set by your school of thought are on one does not need to follow, then no, you are not obligated to perform Qurbani. But you can still get into the spirit of Eid by giving to those in need.
Conclusion
In the Islamic faith, Qurbani is deeply rooted in sociocultural practices epitomizing devotion, sacrifice, and care for the community. No matter if it is regarded as obligatory, Qurbani is perceived as a way of cleansing riches and aiding others. Muslims are advised to undertake Qurbani when they are financially and physically able to perform it. It explains the importance of qurbani and answer the question is qurbani compulsory.