What is Udhiyah?
The prophet of Allah (SWT) was once asked: What is Udhiyah (aka Qurbani)? He (SAW) responded: “It is the tradition of your father Ibrahim (AS).” For every hair of the sacrificed animal you will receive a reward from God (Allah). (Hadith)
This sacrifice in linked to the Sunnah of Ibrahiem (AS). It is also the Sunnah of the Rasool (SAW). He (SAW) would not only slaughter for himself, he would also do so for others.
When is Qurbani done?
Udhuya (aka: qurbani) starts on the 10th of Dhul Hijja after the Eid Khutba till sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijja. This lasts for 3 days days based on religious criterion.
The date of Eid will be determined when the month of Dhul Hijjah begins.
Can I do Qurbani for someone else?
Yes, one can do Qurbani for someone else. If the person is alive, you must take the person’s permission before doing qurbani on their behalf. We can always do it for the deceased. One can make Qurbani for Rasool (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), Sayidinah Ibraheem (alayhis salaam) or any deceased person.
Which animals are permissible for qurbani?
Cows, buffalo, camel, sheep and goat. Sheep and goat qualify as one share. Larger animals such as cows, buffalo and camel count as 7 share animals which can divided into 7. Thus, one can buy one share in a cow or buy more shares and do it for others.
What type of animals can we use for Udhiya?
- Healthy
- Sheep and goat must be at least one years old
- Cows must 2 years old or older
- Camel 5 years old or older
- One should ensure that these animals do not have broken legs, ears cut off, etc. Always consult with your local scholar if in doubt
What are the ethical standards for sacrifice?
- Do not drag the animal to its place of slaughter
- Feed and give the animal water in the days leading up to slaughter
- Try to keep the animal as calm as possible
- Do not have children jump and ride the animal, so as to create fear in the animal
- Do not show the animals how other animals are being slaughtered
- Do not point or even show it the knife
- Sharpen the knife in advance, not in front of it
- All the veins must be cut thoroughly and allow the blood the flow in a well drained area
How should the slaughter be done?
- With the intention for sacrifice
- Try and face the throat to the Qibla
- Read Bismillah
- Cut all the veins without severing the head
- Let the body cool down before skinning
Are there rules for udhiya distribution?
- Although one can eat all of the animal. It is better to share it with others.
- It is best to divide it into three equal (33%) parts:
- 1 part to share with poor
- 1 part to share with family members
- 1 part to keep for yourself
- The skin should be sold if possible and the money given in the path of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)
- Meat must be given to other people who are also Muslim
- Always share the meat if you feel you cannot eat it. One should not waste it.
How is it all distributed?
To the poor. Some may not have eaten meat all year. This will be the only meat some have eaten in months
What is done on these sacred days?
Aishah (radiallahu anha) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:During the days of Qurbaani there is no deed of person more loved by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) than sacrificing of animals. On the Day of Qiyaamah the sacrificed animal will arise with its horns, hair and hoofs. The sacrificed animal is accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice wholeheartedly and happily. (Tirmizi and Ibn Majah)
Benefits – The Rasool’s (SAW) advice to his daughter
Ali (radiallahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to Faatimah (radiallahu anha):
Oh Faatimah! Get up and be present at your Qurbaani (when it is about to be slaughtered). All your sins are forgiven as the first drop of its blood reaches the earth. Remember that on the Day of Qiyamah its flesh and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed in your Scale of good deeds.