Eid al Adha

What is the Method of Slaughtering an Animal?

The proper method of slaughtering an animal for Qurbani during Eid al-Adha involves several considerations to ensure a humane and respectful sacrifice.

What are the rulings on meat distribution?

The rulings on meat distribution after performing Qurbani during Eid al-Adha involve the following aspects:

1. Apportioning the Meat

While it’s recommended to divide the meat into three parts—part for the family, part for friends and relatives, and part for the poor—it’s not mandatory. Keeping all the meat for oneself is permissible.

2. Distribution Method

If the animal has multiple shares, the meat should be distributed by weighing it, except if the head, feet, or skin are included in the shares. Estimation is not recommended.

3. Sale Prohibition

Selling Qurbani meat is not allowed. It’s also not permissible to use the meat as payment for those who perform the slaughtering or skinning; they should be paid separately.

4. Voluntary Qurbani Meat

The meat from voluntary (nafl) Qurbani made on behalf of a deceased person may be consumed by anyone.

5. Consumption and Serving

Qurbani meat can be consumed personally or served to others, such as at a Walima (marriage feast).

6. Use of Skin

Using the skin for personal purposes, like as a prayer mat (Musalla) or a leather pouch, is permissible. However, if the skin is sold, its income must be given to charity, as it’s not allowed to use the income for oneself.

What interpretations exist about Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice of his son in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism?

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity) is revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as a significant figure. In Islam, he’s known for his unwavering faith and submission to God’s will. One of the most pivotal events associated with him is the story of his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmael), as a testament to his obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, this act symbolizes absolute devotion to God’s commands.

Similarly, in the Old Testament of the Bible, Abraham is depicted as the patriarch willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, not Ishmael as in Islamic tradition. This event, known as the Binding of Isaac, also signifies Abraham’s obedience to God’s command. While the specifics differ between the Islamic and Judeo-Christian narratives, the essence of obedience and faith in divine commands remains a shared theme across these Abrahamic faiths.

What are the rewards of sacrificing animals in Islam?

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ" 
"It is not their meat, nor their blood that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him."
(Quran, Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

Hazrat Ayesha narrated that Rasulullah (s.a.w) has said

There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed in Sawaab). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.

Hadrat Zaid ibn Arqam relates that the companions of Rasulullah  (s.a.w) asked,

O Rasulullah  (s.a.w)  what is Qurbani? He replied: It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim. They asked again: What benefit do we get from it? He answered, A reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal. And what reward is there for animals with wool? they asked. A reward for every fiber of the wool, replied the Holy Prophet (s.a.w).

Rasulullah (s.a.w) said, The person who makes Qurbani with a willing heart and with the niyyat of Sawaab, then on the day of Judgment that Qurbani will shield him from the fires of Hell.