Qurban: Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Qurban, also known as Udhiyah, is a deeply rooted Islamic tradition that occurs annually during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. It is an act of worship prescribed by Allah, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s command. However, Allah, in His mercy, provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of Isma'il. This significant event is an opportunity for Muslims to follow the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and engage in an act of devotion, charity, and unity.

The Importance of Qurban in Islam

Qurban is not merely a ritual act, but a powerful means of attaining closeness to Allah. The sacrifice is performed as an expression of gratitude and submission to the will of Allah. It serves to purify the soul, promote humility, and help Muslims fulfill their social responsibility by distributing the meat to those in need. The act symbolizes the willingness to give up one’s best for the sake of Allah, just as Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was ready to sacrifice his son for the sake of obedience.

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and Qurban

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of Qurban, and his practices during Eid al-Adha serve as a model for Muslims today. Here are some key points derived from his Sunnah:

1.     Timing of the Sacrifice
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed the Qurban on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, after the Eid al-Adha prayer. This is the prescribed time for offering the sacrifice.

2.     Choice of the Animal
The Prophet (ﷺ) preferred to sacrifice a healthy, blemish-free animal. He would usually offer a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. However, the type of animal depends on the individual’s financial capacity and local customs. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged people to sacrifice the best of their livestock, as it reflects the sincerity of their worship.

3.     Intention and Bismillah
Before slaughtering the animal, the Prophet (ﷺ) would invoke Allah’s name by saying, "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest). This act of reciting Allah’s name emphasizes that the sacrifice is done solely for Allah’s pleasure, following the teachings of Islam.

4.     Distribution of the Meat
The Prophet (ﷺ) would divide the meat into three parts: one-third was given to the poor and needy, one-third was shared with family and friends, and one-third was kept for personal consumption. This practice reflects the spirit of generosity and ensures that the sacrifice benefits the wider community.

5.     The Qurban Is an Act of Gratitude and Submission
For Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Qurban was not just about the physical act of slaughtering an animal, but an expression of the heart. It was about complete submission to Allah’s will and a demonstration of gratitude for the blessings one has been given.

6.     Personal Sacrifice and the Role of Community
The Qurban is a communal act that brings people together in worship. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would often encourage his companions to perform the sacrifice on behalf of their family members, demonstrating that Qurban is not just an individual act, but one that strengthens bonds within the Muslim community.

Why You Should Follow the Sunnah of Qurban

1.     Fulfilling an Important Act of Worship
Performing Qurban is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized tradition), meaning it is highly recommended and, for those who can afford it, is an act that brings immense reward. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) helps Muslims to live according to the teachings of Islam and strengthens their connection to Allah.

2.     Benefiting the Less Fortunate
The act of giving meat to the less fortunate ensures that those who may not have the means to afford such a meal, particularly during Eid, can partake in the blessings of this occasion. This encourages a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community.

3.     Purifying the Soul
The Qurban provides an opportunity for self-reflection and purification. It teaches Muslims to be selfless, to relinquish attachment to material wealth, and to engage in acts of charity and kindness.

4.     Fulfilling the Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
By performing the Qurban, Muslims are reminded of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, showing their own willingness to sacrifice what is dear to them for the sake of Allah.

Conclusion

Qurban is an act of faith and obedience, following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is a means of achieving spiritual growth, giving to the less fortunate, and drawing closer to Allah. Whether you choose to perform Qurban individually or as part of a collective effort, it is an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice, humility, and gratitude that Islam encourages. As we strive to live according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), let us remember that our acts of worship, charity, and devotion are ultimately expressions of our love for Allah and His Messenger.

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gives us specific guidelines on how Qurbani should be performed, as well as what is prohibited.

Here are the key prohibitions related to Qurbani based on the Sunnah:

1. Removing Body Hair or Cutting Nails After the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah (for those performing Qurbani)

• Hadith Reference: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When you see the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, he should not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” (Sahih Muslim, 1977)

• This means that anyone intending to perform Qurbani should refrain from cutting their hair or nails after the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is made. The reason for this is to show respect and devotion to the act of Qurbani, and to resemble the state of Ihram.

2. Offering a Sacrifice Before Eid Prayer

• Hadith Reference: The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that the sacrifice should be done after the Eid prayer, saying, “Whoever sacrifices before the prayer, let him repeat his sacrifice.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

• It is prohibited to sacrifice the animal before the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. The proper time to perform Qurbani is after the Eid prayer on the 10th, and it can continue until the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.

3. Sacrificing an Animal That Does Not Meet the Requirements

• There are specific animals that are allowed for Qurbani. These include:

• A sheep or goat (for one person)

• A cow or buffalo (for up to seven people)

• A camel (for up to seven people)

The animal should be free from defects such as blindness, sickness, extreme thinness, or severe injury. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Four are not permissible to sacrifice: a blind animal whose blindness is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, a lame animal whose lameness is obvious, and an emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

4. Wasting the Meat

• It is prohibited to waste the meat of the sacrificed animal. The meat should be distributed properly as prescribed:

• One-third is given to the poor and needy.

• One-third is shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

• One-third can be kept for personal use.

• Wastefulness in handling the meat contradicts the purpose of Qurbani, which is to help the less fortunate.

5. Sacrificing on Behalf of Someone Without Their Consent

• If someone intends to perform Qurbani on behalf of a living person (e.g., a family member), the consent of the person is typically required. While it is common to do Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives, it is important to first ensure that the living individuals' consent is granted before doing so for them.

6. Sacrificing More Than What Is Needed

• There is no obligation to sacrifice multiple animals if you are doing so on behalf of yourself or others. However, some people may be tempted to overdo it. According to the Sunnah, one animal per person (or a share in an animal) is sufficient, and the reward lies in the intention and fulfilling the act with sincerity.

Conclusion:

The main prohibitions in Qurbani are related to the specific guidelines on when the sacrifice should occur, ensuring the animal is fit for sacrifice, and handling the meat properly without waste. Following the Sunnah helps ensure that the act of Qurbani is done correctly and with the right intention.

If you’re planning to perform Qurbani this year, making sure to follow these principles will help ensure you fulfill the religious duty properly.

 May Allah accept your Qurban and grant you peace, blessings, and reward. Aamyn.