Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah in Arabic, is the Islamic practice of sacrificing an animal during the Eid al-Adha festival. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Willingness, because before the sacrifice could be carried out, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one shared with relatives and friends, and one given to those in need. Nowadays, many Muslims from wealthy nations, such as the USA and the UK, enlist aid organizations to perform their sacrifice, on their behalf, in poorer communities abroad.
Qurbani is considered a religious obligation for those Muslims who can afford it. It is seen as an act of obedience to God, a demonstration of faith, and a way to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and devotion to God’s command.
Conditions for Qualifying Sacrifices
It’s important for Muslims to ensure that the animal they choose fulfills the requirements of Qurbani properly. To qualify for sacrifice for Qurbani, the following criteria must be met:
Species: Generally, the animals eligible for sacrifice include sheep, goats, cows, and camels. These animals are considered halal for sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. The smaller animals are considered individual sacrifices, whereas a cow, bull, or camel can be split between up to seven people.
Health and condition: The animal must be healthy and free from diseases or defects that would render its meat unfit for consumption. It should be in good condition and not disabled or injured in a way that affects its health or mobility.
Age: To be eligible for sacrifice, the animal must be fully grown. For goats, that’s about six months; sheep should be at least a year old. Cows should be at least two years old, and camels should be at least five years old.
Additionally, the sacrifice should be carried out following the prescribed method and guidelines to ensure it is done in accordance with Islamic teachings. The method of slaughter is known as “Dhabihah” or “Zabiha,” and it requires the following key aspects of slaughter:
Intention: The person performing the slaughter must have the intention of sacrificing the animal for the sake of God and in accordance with Islamic teachings. Butchering an animal for sale does not count as Qurbani.
Single swift cut: The animal’s throat should be swiftly and decisively cut with a single motion of the knife, severing the major blood vessels in the neck while minimizing pain and suffering.
Draining of blood: After the throat is cut, the blood should be allowed to drain out of the animal’s body. This is done to comply with Islamic dietary laws, which prohibit the consumption of blood.
Compassion and humane treatment: Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of treating animals with compassion and kindness, even during the process of slaughter. In the United States, sacrificial slaughters are governed by regulations such as the Humane Slaughter Act, which includes the requirement that the animal is desensitized to pain before slaughter.
Sharing Meat Through Islamic Relief USA
Qurbani gifts from Muslims in America can have a significant impact on people in need in other parts of the world. Here are a few of the ways a Qurbani donation to Islamic Relief USA can make a difference:
Provision of meat: One of Qurbani’s primary purposes is to distribute meat to those in need, including people in impoverished and marginalized communities. Your donation provides them with a source of protein and nutrition that they may not have access to regularly.
Alleviation of hunger: Food insecurity and hunger are significant issues in many parts of the world. A single donation can feed between 5 and 10 families in need.
Economic empowerment: Qurbani can also contribute to the economic empowerment of communities. For example, local farmers or livestock breeders may benefit from selling animals for Qurbani, boosting their income and livelihoods.
Social cohesion and solidarity: Qurbani fosters community and solidarity among Muslims locally and globally. It encourages people to share with those in need and reinforces the values of compassion, generosity, and empathy.
Religious and cultural preservation: Qurbani is a religious and cultural tradition deeply rooted in Islam. Muslims help preserve and promote their religious and cultural heritage by participating in Qurbani and supporting related charitable activities.
An Act of Faith and Compassion
Qurbani holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide as a symbol of obedience, faith, and compassion. By participating in Qurbani and supporting charitable initiatives, Muslims fulfill their religious duties and embody these values. The criteria for qualifying sacrifices are strict to ensure the fulfillment of religious obligations, underscoring the sanctity of the act. Through organizations like Islamic Relief USA, Qurbani gifts from Muslims in the USA make a tangible difference, alleviate hunger, empower communities, and foster’s social cohesion.