Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is a ritual sacrifice performed yearly by capable Muslims - a practice originated by the Prophet Abraham (on him be peace), a foundational spiritual figure in the Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, and carried forward by the Prophet Muhammad (on him be peace) within Islam.
Read on to see how this vital prophetic tradition translates to feeding the hungry and fulfilling your obligation in our modern day and age:
The Origins of Qurbani
“As for the charitable-offerings of camels and cattle at the Hajj-Pilgrimage, We have made the benefit of sacrificing them among the prescribed rituals and waymarks of Allah for you. In them, there is much good for you. So mention the name of Allah over them as they stand in ranks for sacrifice…” (Surah Hajj, 22:36-37).
Qurbani (derived from the Arabic word ‘qurb,’ to draw near, in this case spiritually, to God) is ritual sacrifice of a designated cattle animal (a goat, sheep, cow, or camel). It is properly called Udhiyah in the Quran, from the Arabic word for ‘sacrifice,’ and is an act of worship performed by a Muslim believer for the sake of God alone.
This act commemorates what is considered the first act of Udhiyah-Qurbani performed by the Prophet Abraham (on him be peace) in submitting to a vision from God to sacrifice his first son, Ishmael (or Ismail in Arabic, on him be peace), and being rewarded instead with a replacement of a ram in Ishmael’s place.
By performing an act similar to Abraham’s (on him be peace), Muslims signfify their continued commitment to being willing to sacrifice what is most precious to them, in these days things like food, time, money and property, for God alone. The meat sacrificed in Udhiyah-Qurbani is then given to the needy in charity - a true source of critical nutrition in times of lack and crisis.
In Islam, this tradition was originated by the Prophet Muhammad (on him be peace), at the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage, specifically on the days of EId al-Adha which follow, as demonstrated in several authentic examples from his life:
Jabir, may God be pleased with him, narrated: “We performed Hajj along with Allah’s Messenger, Allah’s prayers of blessings and peace be upon him, and we sacrificed a camel on behalf of seven, and a cow on behalf of seven” (Muslim).
“The Prophet offered as sacrifices two horned rams, black and white in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands, mentioned Allah's Name over them and recited the takbir and put his foot on their sides” (Bukhari).
In Islamic Law, most scholars categorize Udhiyah-Qurbani as an “emphatically recommended” (or sunnah mu’akkadah, in Arabic) teaching and practice of the Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace. This means that the Muslim should strive to offer it if they are capable, being only one designation short of being obligatory within a Muslim’s duties.
To learn more about how we can help you fulfill your Udhiyah-Qurbani, visit our Seasonal Islamic Giving page today!
For more in-depth information on the practice and performance of Udhiyah-Qurbani, head to our Qurbani FAQs page.
