What is Udhiya
Udhiya is an Arabic word that means ‘sacrificing an animal. So it is also called “Qurbani”. “Qurbani or Udhiya” is slaughtering eligible animals (cow, sheep, camel, Goat) with pure intention in the way of Allah. Following footprints of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Muslims around the world make a sacrifice for the sake of Allah. This Udhiya (sacrifice) is to celebrate the sacrifice of our father Ibrahim (AS) and show our faith. This festival takes place between the 10th and the 12th of the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. And beyond that, the Qurbani serves to feed the needy to make them part of this great celebration.
Manners of Sacrificing animals | Qurbani
Days for Sacrifice
Udhiya is a must on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. On the first day of eid ul Adha after eid prayer, one can slaughter an animal. Besides these days Qurbani will not be eligible.
Sacrificing after Salah
After performing Eid prayer, the act of sacrificing animals is done. It is obligatory to sacrifice after prayer as mention in various Hadiths.
Delaying Hair and Nail removing
The person who wants to sacrifice on his behalf must not remove his hair or nails in the first ten days of the Dhul hijjah. He must do it after sacrifice. Prophet (PBUH) said:
Whoever sees the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah and wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove any of his nails or hair until he has offered the sacrifice.”
Sunan an-Nasa’i 4361
Recommended Animals for Sacrifice
The sacrificial animal is that it is not accepted unless it is of the best of cattle which are:
- Camels (camel and she-camel) five-year-old camel starting the sixth.
- Cows (cow and ox) two-year-old starting the third.
- Sheep (ram and ewe) Six month old starting the seven.
- Goats (billy goat and nanny goat) a one-year-old starting the second.
Allah’s جلَّ جلاله says in Quran:
They may mention Allah‘s name over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food.
Al-Hajj:34
Animals Not Eligible for Qurbani
Animals for Sacrifice should not:
- They are blind or have lost one or both eyes.
- Missing more than a third of an ear or their tail.
- Have missing or damaged horns.
- Be lame or unable to walk.
- Be excessively thin or weak.
- And missing the majority of their teeth.
Eligibility to Offer Sacrifice
Every able Muslim who meets the following criteria must offer Qurbani each year:
- Is of sound mind and is adult.
- He is not a Shar’i traveller.
- Possesses total wealth equivalent in value to 52.5 tolas of silver or more.
Parents/guardians are not required to perform the sacrifice on behalf of their children. Similarly, Qurbani on behalf of the deceased is possible but not compulsory.
Distribution of Qurbani
The meat from Qurbani animals can be distributed in three equal parts. These are as follows:
- One part for the individual performing Qurbani.
- Second for their friends and family.
- The third part is for those in need or a poor one.
Shares in Each Animal
Different Qurbani animals contain different shares.
- Goats and Sheep each contain one share. So, the animal must be purchased entirety by one person to offer as Qurbani.
- Cow, bull, buffalo, or camel each contain seven shares. So, seven Muslims can each contribute towards the cost of the animal.
Qurbani on behalf of Others
Every person who is eligible to pay zakat must perform udhiya on his behalf. One can do it on behalf of other people including deceased people. But cant perform it on the behalf of adult children who can pay for their udhiya.
Giving Money instead Qurbani
It is not allowed in any circumstance to pay money instead of sacrifice. Even one must have to pay all of the cost of an animal with his own money before slaughter.
How to Slaughter Animal
The animal has to be alive and healthy before slaughter. There is a proper manner of slaughtering in Islam. That is the animal’s throat must be cut by a sharp knife and must have to cut the jugular vein, carotid artery, and windpipe in a single swipe. Start with “Bismillah” and say “Allah o Akbar” and cut its throat.
So eat of that [meat] upon which the name of Allah has been mentioned, if you are believers in His verses
6:118
Importance of Qurbani
Qurbani teaches us about the importance of our faith and strengthening our relationship with Allah. By following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and performing Qurbani, we can practically work to learn more about our faith as we seek reward and blessings from Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
Whoever has a sacrifice should not keep anything of Its meat after three days. When it was the next year, the people asked, “O Allah’s Prophet! will we do as we did last year? He replied, ‘ Eat of it and feed of it to others and store of it for in that year the people were having a hard time, and I wanted you to help (the poor).”
