At the point where surrender and sacrifice meet, every believer hears the call of faith resonating through the valleys of devotion. This is the sacred heart of Qurbani — not just killing an animal as part of a ritual, but a profound soul journey toward giving away everything and doing what Allah wants.
The significance of Qurbani in Islam is not merely the slaughtering of animals; it is a spiritual awakening that touches and transforms hearts and souls. The sacred practice, steeped in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his relentless devotion, is still the cornerstone of millions of Muslims worldwide coming together to seek divine closeness and community service.
Come with us on this journey to learn about the timeless wisdom that is hidden in this holy practice of Qurbani.
The Spiritual Foundation of Qurbani
The importance of Qurbani is also made apparent through one of the supreme demonstrations of faith in the history of humanity. Ibrahim (AS), the Prophet, saw a dream in which Allah (SWT) showed him that he was slaughtering his only son, Isma’il (AS), to test his faith, submission, obedience, and respect for Allah’s (SWT) words. It was this divine test by which a benchmark of the full submission to the Will of Allah is so profoundly visible.
The Quran perfectly describes this occasion of complete surrender:
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ
“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, ‘O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.’ He replied, ‘O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.'” (Quran 37:102)
Beyond the Physical Act: The Deeper Meaning
Muslims worldwide perform Qurbani to show obedience, thanksgiving, and sympathy. It is not some ritual slaughter but one element accompanying one form of spiritual growth.
The Qur’an highlights this profound reality:
لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Quran 22:37)
The Multifaceted Nature of Sacrifice in Islam
It is essential to know sacrifice as one of the fundamental parts of Islamic theology to understand what Qurbani means in Islam. The tradition applies to all sorts of surrender:
1. Sacrifice of the Ego
The simple white garments of the Hajj represent a relinquishing of pride and social status. When such pilgrims don the Ihram, there is no demarcation of rich and poor, of foreigner and king. Humility toward Allah here is one of the most difficult sacrifices we can make: giving up our ego and accepting absolute equality before our Creator.
2. Financial Sacrifice for Community Welfare
One unique feature of Qurbani is the distribution of meat into three parts: one-third is for households, one-third is for friends and neighbors, and the rest is for the poor and needy. This is how those least fortunate in society can share the joy of Eid al-Adha, creating community bonds and social justice.
3. Sacrifice of Comfort for Faith
The early Muslims’ journey (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina is a good example of this principle. In the Quran, the Muhajireen (emigrants) and Ansaar (helpers) are commended side by side:
لِلْفُقَرَآءِ ٱلْمُهَـٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخْرِجُوا۟ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمْ وَأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنًۭا
“˹It is˺ for the poor emigrants who were driven out of their homes and wealth, seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure.” (Quran 59:8)
The Social Impact of Qurbani
The significance of Qurbani extends into building compassionate communities. A network of care is created through this practice so that no one is forgotten during the celebration. Systematically distributing meat serves more than one purpose:
- Economic Relief: Providing protein-rich food to families who cannot afford it
- Social Cohesion: Bringing communities together through shared celebration
- Spiritual Purification: Purification of the giver’s wealth and soul through giving
The Quran emphasizes this communal aspect:
وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا
“And give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor, the orphan, and the captive.” (Quran 76:8)
Rules and Regulations: Understanding the Nisab
According to the Hanafi school, Qurbani is wajib (required) for all adult Muslims who have wealth above the Nisab threshold. It is the same level of wealth that is used for Zakat. Understanding these requirements will help Muslims know what they must do to practice their religion.
Who Must Perform Qurbani?
A person must offer Qurbani if they possess wealth equal to or more than the Nisab threshold: 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver or their equivalent in cash or assets, excluding personal needs. It includes:
- Adult Muslims (having reached puberty)
- Those of sound mind
- Those who are eligible to pay Zakat tend to give a Qurbani
Timing and Duration
We can sacrifice the Qurbani animal on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. We commence celebrating Eid on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. You can sacrifice after the Eid prayer on the days of 10, 11, or 12 of Dhul Hijjah.
Strengthen Islamic Foundation: Ilm Noor’s Comprehensive Courses
By learning in an organized manner, you get to know about Islamic traditions such as Qurbani. We offer complete Islamic education programs at Ilm Noor that strengthen your faith:
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Explore our Learn Namaz, Kalimaa’s, and Dua’s programs for a complete Islamic education. We also have online Quran classes for kids, an in-depth online Tafseer course for understanding the Quran, and an online Qirat course for learning how to read the Quran beautifully.
Ending Thoughts
The significance of Qurbani, a ritual of faith and sacrifice, extends beyond one day. This act of submission, compassion, and the cause of the community connects us to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and all the believers worldwide.
Qurbani instructs us that true faith demands constant sacrifice—sacrificing our base desires for loftier spiritual aims, comfort for others’ well-being, and benefits for the community’s well-being. That blessed act where each sin forgiven is as numerous as the hairs of the sacrificed animal is a reminder of what worship is, and that it is an individual who surrenders to the will of Allah.
Want to take your Islamic knowledge to the next level? Discover Ilm Noor’s full range of diverse Islamic courses, and contact us today to start your journey to spiritual enlightenment.
Faqs
Q1: Do both husband and wife have to give Qurbani?
In the Hanafi school, each adult Muslim must perform Qurbani individually. However, according to Maliki and Hanbali, the head of the family can also perform Qurbani on behalf of every family member.
Q2: What should we not do during Qurbani?
Muslims should avoid cutting their hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after performing the sacrifice. The goal should stay pure, focusing on spiritual cleansing rather than public display.
Q3: Is one Qurbani sufficient for the whole family?
It is based on your school of thought in Islam. Hanafi makes Qurbani mandatory for each eligible person, whereas Maliki and Hanbali allow the head of the household to give on behalf of the whole family.
Q4: Can I give all my Qurbani meat to the poor?
Islamic tradition recommends dividing meat into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends/neighbors, and one-third for needy people. Giving more or all to people experiencing poverty is highly recommended.
Q5: What is the Nisab for Qurbani?
The Nisab threshold is 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver (approximately). It includes savings, cash, and assets that aren’t used for basic things like housing and daily needs.
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