How to Do Qurbani During Hajj: A Detailed Guide

 

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah or sacrificial slaughter, is an integral part of the Hajj pilgrimage. It is a Sunnah act that holds great significance in Islam, commemorating the act of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah (SWT). Performing Qurbani during Hajj is a practice that brings immense rewards and blessings, as it symbolizes submission, devotion, and obedience to Allah (SWT).

In this detailed blog post, we will explore the rules, steps, and significance of performing Qurbani during Hajj. This includes understanding its importance, the conditions for the sacrificial animal, and the correct method of performing the sacrifice. We will provide references from the Qur’an and Hadith with both Arabic and English translations to guide Muslims through this important ritual.

What is Qurbani?

 

Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is an act of sacrifice performed by Muslims to commemorate the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) to Allah (SWT). It involves slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, as an act of worship. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with family and friends, and the remaining one-third is kept for personal consumption.

The importance of Qurbani is highlighted in the Qur’an:

لَنْ يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

This verse emphasizes that the act of sacrifice is a symbol of taqwa (piety), and it is the sincerity behind the sacrifice that matters most to Allah (SWT). The outward act of slaughtering the animal is a means of showing obedience to Allah’s commands.

The Significance of Qurbani During Hajj

 

Qurbani holds a unique significance during Hajj. One of the primary reasons is that it aligns with the rituals of Eid al-Adha, which marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform Hajj, and Qurbani is performed as part of the Hajj rites. The sacrifice symbolizes the spirit of selflessness, obedience, and devotion to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a Hadith:

“أَفْضَلُ أَيَّامِ الدُّنْيَا هِيَ الْعَشْرُ الأُوَلُ مِنْ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ… وَلَا عَمَلَ أَحَبَّ إِلَى اللَّهِ فِي هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ مِنْ إِهْرَاقِ الدَّمِ (الأُضْحِيَةِ).”

“The best days of this world are the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah… There is no action more beloved to Allah during these days than the shedding of blood (Qurbani).”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

This Hadith indicates the immense reward for performing Qurbani during the days of Eid al-Adha, which coincide with the final days of Hajj. The act of sacrificing an animal during this time is an opportunity for Muslims to earn Allah’s favor and mercy.

How to Do Qurbani During Hajj

Conditions for Performing Qurbani During Hajj

 

Before performing Qurbani, there are several conditions that must be met. These conditions ensure that the sacrifice is valid, acceptable, and in line with the teachings of Islam.

Eligibility of the Sacrificial Animal

For the Qurbani to be valid, the animal must meet certain conditions. The general conditions for an animal to be eligible for Qurbani are:

  • Age: The animal must be of the appropriate age. For a sheep or goat, it must be at least one year old. For a cow or camel, it must be at least five years old and two years old, respectively.

    قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “لا تذبحوا إلا مسنة، إلا أن تعسر عليكم، فتذبحوا جذعة من الضأن.”
    “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Do not slaughter except an old one (a mature animal), unless it is difficult for you, then you can slaughter a young sheep.'”
    (Sahih Muslim)

  • Health: The animal must be free from any defects or injuries that would render it unfit for sacrifice, such as blindness, lameness, or sickness.

  • Species: Common animals for Qurbani include sheep, goats, cows, and camels. The Prophet (PBUH) preferred smaller animals such as sheep and goats for individual sacrifice, but larger animals like cows and camels may be shared by several people.

The Sacrificial Animal’s Rights

Once the animal is selected, it should be treated with kindness and care. It is recommended to feed and water the animal well before the sacrifice. In Islam, animals should not be harmed or abused in any way before the slaughter.

The Time of Performing Qurbani During Hajj

 

The Qurbani during Hajj is typically performed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day of Eid al-Adha, after the pilgrims have completed the essential rites of Tawaf al-Ifadah and Ramiy al-Jamarat (the throwing of stones at the pillars symbolizing the Devil). The 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah is the day when the ritual sacrifice is performed in the Mina area, where the majority of pilgrims perform their Qurbani.

For non-pilgrims, Qurbani can be performed at any time during the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. However, it is most preferred to perform it on the 10th, as this is when the largest number of sacrifices are made.

The Procedure for Performing Qurbani During Hajj

 

The method for performing Qurbani is simple, but it must be done according to the Sunnah to ensure it is correct and valid. Below are the key steps involved in the sacrifice.

Intention (Niyyah)

The first step is to make an intention (niyyah) for the Qurbani. The intention should be made for the sake of Allah (SWT), with a clear understanding that the act is being performed to fulfill the Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and to earn Allah’s reward.

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إنما الأعمال بالنيات.”
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Actions are judged by their intentions.'”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Saying the Takbir

Before slaughtering the animal, the person performing the sacrifice should say the Takbir:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”

It is also recommended to say:

اللهم تقبل مني
“O Allah, accept this from me.”

Slaughtering the Animal

The next step is to slaughter the animal with a sharp knife in a manner that ensures minimal suffering. The sacrifice should be performed by cutting the throat, windpipe, and blood vessels in the neck, ensuring that the animal bleeds out properly. The slaughtering should be done facing the Qibla (the direction of the Ka’bah in Mecca).

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الْأَعْمَالِ يَوْمَ النَّحْرِ إِهْرَاقُ الدَّمِ.”
“The best of deeds on the Day of Sacrifice is the shedding of blood (the sacrifice).”
(Sahih Ibn Majah)

Dividing the Meat

Once the animal is slaughtered, the meat should be divided into three parts as mentioned earlier. One-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is kept for the family and friends, and one-third is for personal consumption. It is highly recommended to distribute a portion of the meat to those who are less fortunate, ensuring that the spirit of sharing and charity is maintained.

The Reward of Qurbani During Hajj

 

The reward for performing Qurbani during Hajj is immense, as it is a direct expression of obedience to Allah (SWT) and a significant act of worship. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an:

لِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنَاسِكَ لِيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِنْ بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ
“For every nation, We have appointed rites that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of the animals of sacrifice.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:34)

This verse highlights the importance of Qurbani as an act of remembrance of Allah and worship. The reward for performing Qurbani with sincerity is the forgiveness of sins, increased blessings, and a closer connection to Allah (SWT).

“مَنْ قَدَّمَ الأُضْحِيَةَ فَلَهُ بِكُلِّ شَعْرَةٍ مِنْهَا مَكَانٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ.”

“The one who offers Qurbani (sacrifice) will be rewarded with a place in Paradise for each hair on the animal.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Conclusion: How to Do Qurbani During Hajj

 

Qurbani during Hajj is a highly significant act of worship, and it plays an important role in the spiritual journey of Muslims performing the pilgrimage. It serves as a symbol of devotion, submission, and sacrifice for the sake of Allah (SWT), following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). By fulfilling this Sunnah, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to Allah, their obedience to His commands, and their willingness to share with those in need.

May Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices and grant us the rewards of this noble act. May He forgive our sins, elevate our ranks, and accept our Hajj and Qurbani. Ameen.

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