Ibadah Qurban in Islam

1. What is the Hukum of the Ibadah Qurban? 

Qurban, Korban or Udhiyah is a religious act that entails the sacrifice of approved animals on the 10, 11, 12 and 13 Zulhijjah of the Hijri Calendar with the conscious intentions of fulfilling Allah’s commandments. This act of sacrifice on the Eidul Adha that falls on the 10th of Zulhijjah and the three days of tasyriq ( 11, 12 and 13th of Zulhijjah) is Sunnah Muakkadah(highly encouraged  be almost obligatory) according to the Shafei’ school of jurispudence for those who can afford it and it is makruh(objectionable) not to perform it.(Mugniyul muhtaj 4:326)

2.What are the benefits performing the Qurban? 

In a hadith narrated by at-Tirmidzi, Ibnu Majah and Hakim, the Prophet Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam said: “There is no act by the sons of Adam on Eidul Adha that is more pleasing to Allah then by the outpouring of blood ( the slaughter of the sacrificial animal). Verily the sacrificial animal will come on the day of judgement with its horn, hooves and skin and Allah will grant the blessings of the Qurban even before the blood of the animal reaches the ground. Therefore, make good your Qurban.” (Mugniyulmuhtaj 4:320)

3.What are the wisdoms of Qurban? 

Only Allah knows all the wisdom that is contained in the ibadah of Qurban. As this act is closely related with the commandment of Allah that Prophet Ibrahim Alaihissalam sacrifice his son Ismail Alaihissalam, we can derive the following understandings:

a. It is ultimately a test of one’s faith and preserverence in fulfilling the commandment of God.

b. No one truly believes until he is able to sacrifice that which he loves. The love of wealth and material things is put in its place when we are able to spend our earnings to fulfillthis ibadah.

c. The sharing of meat with the poor and needy develops empathy among all muslims with sufferings of the ummah.

d. Mass celebration of this commandment of Allah at one particular time all over the world emphasize the unity of the Ummah

4.Who are those exhorted to perform the Qurban? 

The emphasis is on those muslimsof sufficient means to perform the Qurban. A PERSON WHO HAS SUFFICIENT BALANCE AFTER SPENDING FOR HIMSELF AND SPENDING FOR  WHOEVER UNDER HIS GUARDIANSHIP ON THE DAY OF EID TILL LAST DAY OF 4TH DAY.

A stark reminder is given by the Prophet  Sallalahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam : “For those who are able but do not perform the Qurban, it is not proper for him to be near our prayers areas.”