All you need to know about Qurbani

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani means sacrifice.

Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the globe sacrifice an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh)’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.

In accordance to Shariah, at least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people. Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours, friends and family.

The significance of Qurbani

The practice of Qurbani can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).

The Prophet had dreamed that God ordered him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. In his devotion to God, Ibrahim agreed to follow his dream and perform the sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim told his son about the dream, and Ismail himself was ready and willing to be sacrificed.

But before anything happened, God intervened and sent a sheep/ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place.

Ismail was spared because Ibrahim proved he would sacrifice his son as an act of piety, despite the loss it would have caused him. The continued practice of sacrifice acts as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to God.

When must Qurbani be performed?

Qurbani must be performed in the 3 days of Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, known as Dhul Hijjah – which translates as ‘Lord of the Pilgrimage’.

It is during this month that pilgrims travel to Makkah in order to perform Hajj at the Kaaba. Hajj is performed on the eighth, ninth and tenth days of the lunar month. Eid al-Adha begins on the 10^th and ends on the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah.

When is Eid al-Adha?

In 2017, Eid al-Adha will be taking place around the 31^st of August (depending on moon sightings).

Is Qurbani compulsory on me?

The general rule is that Qurbani should be performed by adults of sane mind and affordable means. Some Islamic Schools of Thought class the act as wajib (obligatory), while others say it is a sunnah (optional)..

However, it is generally agreed that if a person can afford Qurbani, they should perform it.

If you have any questions or doubts about this aspect of Qurbani, please consult your local shaykh, imam or mosque.

How many Qurbani animals do I have to sacrifice?

Qurbani animals have ‘shares’. Sheep and goats have one share each, camels and cattle each have seven shares.

So for a single person, Qurbani is fulfilled with a sheep or a goat.

Up to seven people can share in the purchase of a cow or a camel, and the sacrifice will be made for the seven.

1 small animal (Sheep or Goat) = 1 Qurbani
1 large animal (Cattle) = 7 Qurbanis

You can make as many Qurbanis as you want, for example two or three shares in a cow, and on behalf of as many individuals as you like, including those who have passed away.

Why is Qurbani in Palestine so expensive?

Due to the ongoing political instability, livestock within Palestine are not abundant, and rising food prices mean meat is very expensive. This is why your support will help families have meat on Eid, which may be one of the few times a year they eat fresh meat!

Although you want to feed Palestinian families, we know that it can be too costly for you to perform Qurbani within Palestine. So we have a few options. See them all here.

How does Interpal’s ‘Standard Qurbani’ work?

Your £90 Qurbani will be carried out in the most economical location abroad and you can be assured it will be Shariah compliant.

The Qurbani meat is then canned and frozen. Canned meat can last several months, feeding a family long after Eid. Meat is often a rare luxury for Palestinian refugees, and canned meat maximises the benefit of your donation.

Interpal then delivers the canned meat to the West Bank, Gaza Strip, as well as refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon. On Eid, we ensure fresh local meat, and frozen or canned meat is distributed to the neediest families so they can take part in the celebrations.