What is Qurbani?
Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need.
Donating Qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars and is obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab, for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are also Qurbani rules regarding which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of their lives, their health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out.
By donating your Qurbani to Islamic Relief, you will enable the world’s most vulnerable and under-resourced communities in over 30 countries to enjoy Eid with a nourishing meal.
What is the meaning of Qurbani?
In Arabic, Qurbani means ‘sacrifice’. It reflects Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
The story of his sacrifice has carried across generations, and the example of his unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) continues to inspire Muslims today.
By giving Qurbani, we follow in the same footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT), while also fulfilling our obligation to those in need.
The story of Qurbani
Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had a dream that Allah (SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail (peace be upon him).
Difficult as it was, Ibrahim submitted to the will of Allah (SWT), recognising this as a test of his faith in this phase of his prophethood. He asked Ismail to travel with him to Mount Arafat to perform the sacrifice.
Ibrahim told his son Ismail about his dream and Ismail – who later became a prophet himself, and had an equally unwavering faith in Allah (SWT) – submitted himself.
Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) intervened saying, “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision and now you will be rewarded!”
Allah (SWT) sent a ram to Ibrahim to be sacrificed instead of Ismail.
The significance of Qurbani
Performing Qurbani for the sake of Allah is a means for Muslims to reach the level of submission shown by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Prophet Ibrahim’s story reflects his high level of faith (Imān), his certainty (Yaqeen), and his reliance upon Allah in knowing what is best for him (Tawakkul). He was prepared to give up that which was most precious to him from among his worldly blessings in order to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Giving Qurbani is a means for us to reflect on our relationship with Allah and the importance of putting Him before anyone or anything in our lives. We are also reminded to give up that which may harm our faith, and to increase our good deeds for His sake.
Among the significant messages of Prophet Ibrahim’s story, is the duty we have to those who are struggling, and the sanctity of Allah’s creation and the world around us.
Why do Muslims give Qurbani?
Donating Qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars, and is obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab for every Muslim who is financially able.
Qurbani is also a means of instilling important values in one’s life – including devotion and submission to Allah, as well as enhancing our empathy for those less fortunate.
Donate your Qurbani today and brighten Eid for a family in need.