ISLAMIC LIFE
Islamic Lifestyle
27 Nov 2009
THE QURBANI OF EID UL ADHA
THE QURBANI OF EID UL ADHA
As the day of Eid is rapidly approaching, most of us are all preparing to look our best with the latest fashion ior the smartest clothes. Others may be preparing so our family could have the feast of a lifetime, whilst some may be busy in adorning decorating our house for that get-together family party. However, as we all adore the pomp and festivity of Eid, we should take care not to forget an aspect of Qurbani which is often ignored if not negated in many parts of the world, in particular in western countries. I am referring to the practise of Qurbani.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani is the slaughter an animal on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Zul Hijjah (Eid day and two days after) and is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Sayyidna Ibrahim, (AS), when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Sayyidna Isma'il, (AS).
Zayd Ibne Arqam (RA) relates that the Companions (RA) asked, "O Rasoolullah! What is Qurbāni?"
He replied, "It is the sunnah of your father Ibraaheem (AS)."
They asked again, "What benefit do we get from it?"
He answered, "A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal)."
"And (what reward is there for animals with) wool, O Rasoolullah?" they asked.
"A reward", he said, "for every fibre of the wool." (Ibne Mājah)
Importance of Qurbani
Rasulullah (Salallaho Alaihe Wa Salllam) has said: "The person who offers Qurbani with a willing heart and with the intention of reward, then on the day of Judgement that Qurbani will shield him from the fires of Hell."
It is related from Hadrat Ayesha (R.A.) that Rasulullah (Salallaho Alaihe Wa Sallam) has said: "There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrific-ing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed in reward). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart."
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "On the 10th of Zul Hijjah, there is no better act in the view of Allah than shedding the blood (of slaughtered animals). And verily sacrifice earns the approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the slaughtered animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit. For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing."
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that the Apostle of Allah (SAW) has said : "Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Ibn Majah).
Who needs to do Qurbani?
It is incumbent on all those adults and children who have reached the age of puberty and own the threshold of Nisab (approx £50) to sacrifice a Qurbani. Those who are not able to do this themselves must pay a reputable person who can carry the Qurbani out for him on his behalf. Each individual is responsible for his/her ownself therefore one should refrain from leaving it to an elder of the family to complete it unless he/she is certain it will be carried out and performed in the prescribed way.
So amongst the delights of Eid, let's not forget this great Sunnats and celebrate in the way of the Prophets (peace and blessings be upon them all)