IMPORTANT RULES AND GUIDELINES REGARDING QURBANI

Qurbani or Udhiyah as it is widely referred to, is a significant religious practice in Islam performed all over the world by billions of Muslims on Eid-ul-Adha and the two days following it. For the sake of clarity and to inform those who are not familiar with the concept, it is the practice of slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep, goat or a cow, as an offering to Allah SWT.

As mentioned earlier, this is very important religious practice. Therefore, careful attention should be given to every detail no matter how big or small so as to see to it that Qurbani is conducted properly and in full accordance with the rules of Islam. Below we will talk about a few important guidelines related to Udhiya and Qurbani rules.

First and foremost; eligibility. Unlike prayer (Salat) that is compulsory for every Muslim, Udhiya demands that certain criteria must be met in order to be eligible for Qurbani. Any sane, adult, Muslim male or female who possesses the Nisab amount for Zakat must also perform the duty of Udhiya. Furthermore, Qurbani is also compulsory for every family member, including children. It is paid by the parents unless the children themselves are adults. In short, if you are eligible to pay Zakat, you must also perform Qurbani for yourself and every family member including children.

Secondly, the time of Qurbani. This is very important as there are very strict and specific guidelines as to the timing of this extremely important Islamic practice. Udhiya can only be performed after the Eid-ul-Adha prayers from the 10th of Zul-Hijja to the 12th of Zul-Hijja (the last month of the Islamic Calendar). This means Muslims have three days to perform this ritual. If it is performed before the allotted time, it must be repeated. If performed after the time has passed, then Qurbani was not properly conducted and will not be accepted.

The health and condition of the animal is also very important. Animals that are weak, blind, physically disabled, or those who are young, have broken horns or no teeth are ineligible. Regarding the types of animals that can be used for Qurbani, people generally opt for a goat. However sheep, cow, bull, buffalo or camel are also acceptable.

Saying the Takbeer at the time of sacrifice is paramount to ensuring a successful and acceptable Qurbani. Bismillahi Allahu Akbar (in the name of Allah, Allah is Great) are the correct words to say at that moment. It is not necessary to say these words out loud.

With Eid-ul-Adha just a month or so away, it is important that Muslims who will be performing Qurbani for the first time this year to get it done properly. May Allah SWT give us the opportunity to perform Hajj next year Inshallah. May he accept our sacrifice as a testament to our faith and belief. Ameen!