The Concept of Qurbani in Quran and Hadith

The teachings and stories about Qurbani in Quran and Hadith highlight its significant role in Islam.

Qurbani exemplifies our deep spiritual devotion and unwavering obedience to Allah. Its significance is rooted in both the Quran and Hadith, where the act is highlighted as a means to attain closeness to Allah and fulfill His command.

Let’s explore what the Quran and Hadith tell us about Qurbani:

The First Qurbani of Habil 

In the Quran, Allah mentions the story of Hazrat Adam's two sons, Habil and Qabil. Adam (AS) asked them to offer a sacrifice to settle their argument, and the one who made the accepted offering won.

Habil, a shepherd, offered a healthy ram (a male sheep), while Qabil, a farmer, presented various crops. Habil carefully chose the best animal, whereas Qabil did not offer the best of his produce. Allah accepted Habil's offering, raising it to paradise, and rejected the Qurbani of Qabil. 

Habil explained to his brother that Allah accepts sacrifices from those with Taqwa (piety). When Allah SWT accepted Habil's Qurabi, Qabil got jealous and murdered his brother.

“And narrate to them with truth the story of the two sons of Adam when they made an offering. Allah accepted the Qurbani of one and not from the other. He threatened, ‘I'll surely kill you.' The other replied, ‘Allah accepts only the god fearing.”

(Surah Al-Ma'idah - 27)

Key Takeaways from the Qurbani of Habil

1. The story of Habil and Qabil illustrates the importance of pure intention and sincerity in Qurbani
2. Like Habil, one must: 

• Select a worthy sacrifice
• Treat the Qurbani animal well
• Sacrifice according to Islamic principles

3. Qurbani, similar to Zakat, is an annual obligation upon every sane adult Muslim

The Second Qurbani of Prophet Ibrahim AS

Ibrahim (AS) had a dream instructing him to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) when he was old enough to walk and work. Ismail (AS) obeyed the command without questioning.

His mother Hajarah (AS) had also obeyed Allah's order years ago when Allah had ordered Ibrahim AS to leave them in the wilderness.

“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”

(Surah As-Saffat - 102)

Both father and son were willing to sacrifice Ismail's life, but Shaytan tried to stop them. In the story of Sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS) said no to Shaytan three times. But Shaytan continuously tried to harm them.

Each time, Shaytan tried to convince them that Ibrahim was committing a terrible crime, but they affirmed their obedience to Allah. They all had stoned Shaytan in rejection of his temptations. 

Key Takeaways from the Qurbani of Ibrahim (AS)

• Obedience and submission to Allah's command were paramount for Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS)
• Prophet Ismail (AS) demonstrated unwavering faith and patience in accepting his fate
• Despite Shaytan's attempts to stop them, Ibrahim (AS), Hajarah (AS), and Ismail (AS) collectively resisted his temptations
• The act of stoning Shaitan symbolizes the rejection of evil and steadfastness in faith, observed during Hajj

Verses About Qurbani in Quran

Following are the verses explaining the importance of qurbani in Quran:

1. Surah Al-An'am: 162

“Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rights of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”

Key Takeaways

• Islam guides us to fully surrender to Allah's commands
• All our acts of worship and deeds are solely for Allah
• We should dedicate our Qurbani solely to Allah
• Allah is the sole entity worthy of worship, and He is the Lord of the entire universe

2. Surah Al-Hajj: 28

“That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat their meat and feed the miserable and poor.”

Key Takeaways

• Sacrificial rituals bring both communal and personal benefits of Qurbani to believers
• Mention Allah's name during the designated days of sacrifice
• Consume the Qurbani meat and share it with the less fortunate and those in need
• This act reinforces community welfare and compassion for the poor

3. Surah Al-Hajj: 36

“And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.”

Key Takeaways

• Camels and cattle are appointed as symbols of Allah
• These animals bring benefits, and utilizing them as sacrifices highlights the significance of Qurbani in Quran and hadith
• Mention the name of Allah when preparing them for sacrifice
• After the sacrifice, eat from them and also feed the needy and beggars. This practice teaches us gratitude for Allah’s provisions

4. Surah Al-Hajj: 37

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.”

Key Takeaways

• Allah does not benefit from the physical offerings of meat or blood
• The true essence of sacrifice lies in the piety and righteousness of the one making the offering
• The sincerity and devotion of the individual performing the sacrifice are what matter most to Allah

5. Surah Al-Kawthar: 2

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” 

Key Takeaways

• This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer (Salah) as a fundamental act of worship to our Lord
• Qurbani should be only for Allah, strengthening our belief in oneness of
• Allah Almighty and our dedication to Him

Qurbani in Hadith 

Following are the Hadiths explaining the importance of qurbani:

1. Tradition & Correct Timing for Eid al-Adha Sacrifice

Narrated Al-Bara, The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said (on the day of Eid Al-Adha),

"The first thing we will do on this day of ours, is to offer the ('Id') prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (tradition), and whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) before the prayer, what he offered was just meat he presented to his family, and that will not be considered as Nusak (sacrifice)." 

(On hearing that) Abu Burda bin Niyar got up, for he had slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, and said, "I have got a six month old ram." The Prophet said, 'Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will not be sufficient for any-one else (as a sacrifice after you).

Al-Bara' added: The Prophet said, "Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 5545, Book 73, Hadith 1)

Key Takeaways

• The Prophet emphasized the sequence of actions on the day of Eid ul Adha
• Abu Burda bin Niyar, who slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, was advised to sacrifice it. However, it would not count as a proper sacrifice according to the Sunnah.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) clarified that sacrificing an animal after the Eid prayer is the right time

2. Sacrifices on Behalf of Wives

Narrated by Aisha (R.A):

“that the Prophet (PBUH) entered upon her when she had her menses at Sarif before entering Mecca, and she was weeping (because she was afraid that she would not be able to perform the Hajj). 

The Prophet said, What is wrong with you? Have you got your period? She said, Yes. He said, This is a matter Allah has decreed for all the daughters of Adam, so perform all the ceremonies of Hajj like the others, but do not perform the Tawaf around the Ka`ba. `

Aisha added: When we were at Mina, beef was brought to me and I asked, What is this? " They (the people) said, "Allah's Apostle has slaughtered some cows as sacrifices on behalf of his wives.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari 5548,  Book 73, Hadith 4)

Key Takeaways

• Menstruation is a natural and decreed condition for all women, as mentioned by the Prophet
• Women can still participate in most religious ceremonies during their menstrual period
• Even during menstruation, women can perform all the rites of Hajj except Tawaf
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed compassion and inclusion by ensuring that Aisha (RA) could still perform other Hajj rituals despite her condition
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed sacrifices on behalf of his wives, highlighting the practice of proxy sacrifice

In conclusion, understanding Qurbani in Quran and Hadith highlights its role in uniting the Islamic community. The stories, Quranic verses, and Hadiths about Qurbani show the importance of intention, obedience, and gratitude in this sacred practice. Qurbani is not merely a ritual but a means to deepen our faith and commitment to Allah's commands.

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