Wisdom of Qurbani.pdf - Noori Masjid
Wisdom of Qurbani.pdf - Noori Masjid
Wisdom of Qurbani.pdf - Noori Masjid
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D.Kalim Misbahi<br />
Islamic Academy 1251<br />
Plano,Dallas ,Texas.U.S.A<br />
WISDOM OF QURBANI<br />
Udhiya,Nahar,Zabiha,<strong>Qurbani</strong> and sacrifice are synonymous, their meanings are the same<br />
which literally means, an act perform to seek Allah subhanahoo wata,ala ,s pleasure. And it is<br />
technically used for the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> a permissible animal slaughtered in the name <strong>of</strong> Allah<br />
subhanahoo wata,ala or for the sake <strong>of</strong> Allah subhanahoo wata,ala.<br />
The letter <strong>of</strong> “Udhiya” is an Arabic word which has been used in Hadees shareef when the<br />
companion <strong>of</strong> the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked:<br />
“ ؟ اللہ لوس ر ای یحاض لا ا یھ ام "What is the meaning <strong>of</strong> these Qubaani? “Nahr” is also an<br />
Arabic word which has been used in the Holy Quran as Allah subhanahoo wata,ala says in the<br />
Holy Qur,an:<br />
رتبلااوھ کئناش انا رحن او کبرل لصف<br />
“Zabiha” is also an Arabic word which has been used in the Holy Quran as another place Allah<br />
subhanahoo wata,ala says in the Holy Qur,an: میظع حبذب<br />
ہانیدفو.<br />
And “<strong>Qurbani</strong>” is a “Desee” I<br />
mean Urdu and Persian word.<br />
The sacrifice <strong>of</strong> the animal has been always a recognized form <strong>of</strong> worship in many religions<br />
since Hazrat Adam (Alaihisalam) as Allah subhanahoo wata,ala says in the holy Quran:<br />
ہوکسان مھ اکسنمانلعجةما لکل<br />
For every nation we have ordained religious ceremonies (slaughtering <strong>of</strong> the cattle during the<br />
three days <strong>of</strong> stay at Mina throughout the Hajj which they must follow.(Parah –17 Surah Al-Hajj<br />
–Ayat no 67.) But in the shari,ah <strong>of</strong> our beloved prophet Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa<br />
(Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> the animal has been recognized as a form <strong>of</strong> worship<br />
only during the tree days <strong>of</strong> the month <strong>of</strong> zul-hij namely the 10 th the 11 th and the 12 th .<br />
Regarding the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> the animal Allah subhanahoo wata,ala says in the holy Quran:<br />
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“Sacrificing (animals) has been ordained on every Ummah so that the Name <strong>of</strong> Allah is<br />
mentioned on these particular animals which Allah has bestowed on them …..” (parah-17-<br />
Surah Al-Haj- Ayat-34)<br />
“We have made the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> camels and cows among the significant features,symbols <strong>of</strong> (the<br />
Deen) <strong>of</strong> Allah for you. There is benefit in them for you.” (Parah-17-Surah Al- Hajj-Ayat-36)<br />
According to the Holy Qur’aan, there are both worldly as well as Deeni (spiritual) benefits in the<br />
Ibaadah <strong>of</strong> Qurbaani. Allah Subhanahoo wa,Ta’ala has declared the sacrificing <strong>of</strong> animals as a<br />
salient feature <strong>of</strong> Islam. In addition to thawaab in the Hereafter, we derive the benefit <strong>of</strong><br />
consuming their flesh and making use <strong>of</strong> their skins. The Qurbaani is an Ibaadah which has been<br />
instituted solely for our benefit. Hence, the Holy Qur’aan says:<br />
“Neither the flesh (<strong>of</strong> the sacrificed animals) nor their blood reach Allah. But, it is your taqwa<br />
(piety and sincerity <strong>of</strong> heart) which reaches Him. Convey glad tidings to the sincere<br />
ones.” (Siparah17-Surah Al-Hajj-Ayat-37)<br />
Although sheep and goats are also animals for sacrifice, the Holy Qur’aan specifically states that<br />
the sacrifice <strong>of</strong> camels and oxen is salient feature <strong>of</strong> the Deen. Sacrificing camels and oxen,<br />
therefore, be <strong>of</strong> greater merit.<br />
The meaning <strong>of</strong> sincerity in the Holy Qurbaani is to make the sacrifice purely for the sake <strong>of</strong><br />
Allah Subhanahoo wa,Ta’ala and to obtain thawaab. The intention must not be to eat meat.<br />
Although it is only natural that the flesh <strong>of</strong> the sacrificed animals will be eaten, the intention for<br />
making the Qurbaani should never be this. If the intention is consumption <strong>of</strong> meat, the<br />
Qurbaani will not be valid.<br />
One thing that is more remarkable here is that; In the Ummah <strong>of</strong> the previous prophets the<br />
acceptance <strong>of</strong> one’s sacrifice by Allah subhanahoo wata,ala was signified by the appearance <strong>of</strong><br />
a fire from the sky. The fire descended and consumed the sacrifice which Allah subhanahoo<br />
wata,ala had accepted. The sacrifice which was rejected and excluded by Allah subhanahoo<br />
wata,ala was left untouched by the fire.in this way ,the insincerity and evil <strong>of</strong> the sacrifice<br />
would become known to all.<br />
This method <strong>of</strong> distinguishing between the accepted and rejected sacrifices remained in vogue<br />
until the advent <strong>of</strong> the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam).As a favor, Allah subhanahoo<br />
wat,aala cancelled this system for the holy prophet(Sallallahu alaihi wasallam).the evil and<br />
insincerity <strong>of</strong> many are thus concealed. A significance difference between the sacrificed animals<br />
<strong>of</strong> former Ummah and those <strong>of</strong> the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam),s Ummah is that<br />
the meat <strong>of</strong> the animals sacrificed by them was not Halal. They could not make any use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
animals which they had sacrificed. This clearly indicates that the purpose <strong>of</strong> sacrifice is not<br />
merely eating and feeding, but to obtain the pleasure <strong>of</strong> the Allah subhanahoo wata,ala .the<br />
cancelation <strong>of</strong> the previous prohibition is a favour which Allah subhanahoo wata,ala bestowed<br />
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on the Ummah <strong>of</strong> the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam).consequently, sacrifice in Islam<br />
is purely for the pleasure <strong>of</strong> Allah subhanahoo wata,ala as Allah subhanahoo wata,ala says in<br />
the Holy Quran in such a way:<br />
- مكنم یوقتلا ہلانی نکلاواھئامدلاواھموحل<br />
اللہ لانی نل<br />
Their flesh and their blood reach not Allah subhanahoo wata,ala, but the devotion from you<br />
reaches Him (sipara 17-surah-Alhaj-Ayat no-37)<br />
Zilhajj & Virtues <strong>of</strong> Qur,bani<br />
<strong>Qurbani</strong> is a means <strong>of</strong> attaining Allah subhanahoo wata,ala,s pleasure. It rectifies one’s sins by<br />
doing the <strong>Qurbani</strong> as Allah subhanahoo wata,ala says in His Holy book <strong>of</strong> Quran :<br />
ُرَ تْ بَلأا وَ ه ُ َكَئ . ْر َْنْا وَ<br />
ِناَش َّنِإ<br />
َكِّب رَ . َرَ ثوَكْلا ْ َكاَن يَطْعَأ ْ اَّنِإ<br />
ِل ِّلصَف َ<br />
O beloved! Verily we have granted you Al-<br />
kousar(the fountain in to paradise) so pray to your<br />
lord, and do the sacrifice. Undoubtedly, who is your enemy, he is cut <strong>of</strong>f from every good.(Al-<br />
Kausar-108)<br />
Though <strong>Qurbani</strong> is not Fard yet it is sunnate wajib as the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) told the companions when the companions asked the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) About the <strong>Qurbani</strong> the holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) gave them the<br />
answer in such a way:<br />
ہذھ ام اللہ لوسر ای ملسو هىلع اللہ ىلص ىبنلا باحصا لاق لاق اللہ ىضر مقرا نبا دیز<br />
نع<br />
ةرعش لكب لاق اللہ لوسرای اھیف انل امف اولاق ملاسلا هیلع میھاربا مكیىبا<br />
ةنس لاق ىحاضلاا<br />
ةنسح فوصلا نم ةرعش لكب لاق اللہ لوسر ای فوصلاف اولاق<br />
ةنسح<br />
Hazrat Zaid Ibn Arqam (Radiallahu anhu) narrated that the companions <strong>of</strong> the Holy prophet<br />
(Sallallahu alaihiwa sallam) asked, “Ya Rasulallah! “What is this <strong>Qurbani</strong>?" He replied: "It is the<br />
Sunnah <strong>of</strong> your father Ibrahim." They asked again: "What benefit do we get from it?" He<br />
answered, "A reward for every hair <strong>of</strong> the sacrificed animal." And what reward is there for<br />
animals with wool O M messenger <strong>of</strong> Allah? They asked. "You will be rewarded for every fiber<br />
<strong>of</strong> the wool," replied the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)." (Ahmad- & Ibne Maja)<br />
This Sunnah has been related in the holy Qur,an so beautifully as Allah Subhanahoo wata,ala<br />
described it:<br />
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He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me! "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous<br />
(son)!" So We gave him the good news <strong>of</strong> a boy ready to suffer and forbear.<br />
Then, when (the son) reached (the age <strong>of</strong>) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in<br />
vision that I <strong>of</strong>fer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do<br />
as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and<br />
Constancy!"<br />
So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah., and he had laid him prostrate on his<br />
forehead (for sacrifice),<br />
We called out to him "O Abraham!. "Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We<br />
reward those who do right. For this was obviously a trial-. And We ransomed him with a<br />
momentous sacrifice: And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later<br />
times: "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.<br />
This is the unique and exceptional example <strong>of</strong> submission and obedience <strong>of</strong> Hzrat<br />
Ibrahim(Alaihis salam and Hazrat Ismaeel alaihis salam),s character that is so highly honored by<br />
Almighty Allah, that Allah subhanahoo wat,al has made to be continued for all times to come<br />
رحنلا موی لمع نم مدا نبا لمع ام ملسو هیلع اللہ ىلص اللہ لوسر لاق تلاق اھنع اللہ ىضر ةشئاع نع<br />
ىلاعت اللہ نم عقیل مدلا ناو اھفلاظاو اھراعشاو اھنورقب ةمایقلا موی ىتایل هناو مدلا قارحا نم اللہ ىلا بحا<br />
ضرلاا اب عقی نا لبق ناكمب<br />
Hazrat Aisha (Radiallahu anha) reported that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,<br />
“There is nothing dearer to Allah subhanahoo wata,ala during the days <strong>of</strong> sacrifice than the<br />
sacrifice <strong>of</strong> animals.The sacrificed animal shall come on the day <strong>of</strong> Qiyamah with its horn, hairs<br />
and hooves and the sacrifice is accepted by Allah subhanahoo wata,ala before the blood falls to<br />
the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.”(Tirmizi & Ibne Maja)<br />
Hazrat Imam Hasan (Radiallahu anhu) reported that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said, "The person who makes <strong>Qurbani</strong> with a willing heart and with the Niyat <strong>of</strong><br />
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Sawaab, then on the Day <strong>of</strong> Judgment that <strong>Qurbani</strong> will shield him from the fires <strong>of</strong><br />
Hell." (Tibrani)<br />
Hazrat Abu Hurairah(Radiallahu anhu) reported that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said, "On no days is the worship <strong>of</strong> Allah desired more than in the first ten days <strong>of</strong> Zil<br />
Hijjah. The fast <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> these days is equal to the fast <strong>of</strong> a whole year, and the Ibaadat<br />
(worship) <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> these nights is equal to the Ibaadat <strong>of</strong> Laylatul Qadr." (Tirmizi - Ibn<br />
Maajah)<br />
It is related from Hazrat Ibn Abbas that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "No<br />
days are as weighty with Allah the Almighty, and so liked by Him for good deeds than the first<br />
ten days <strong>of</strong> Zil Hijjah. So in these days increasingly read:<br />
1. TASBEEH (Subhanallah) 2. TAHLEEL (Lailaha Illallah)<br />
3. TAHMEED (Alhamdulillah) 4. TAKBEER ( Allahu Akbar)." (Tabraani)<br />
It is related that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, , "Whoever stays awake and<br />
makes Ibaadat on the nights <strong>of</strong> Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adhaa, his heart will not die on the day when<br />
all the hearts will be dead." (AT-Targheeb Wattarheeb)<br />
Hazrat Muaaz Ibn Jabal(Radiallahu anhu) Narrates that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said, "Jannat is Waajib for those who stay awake with the intention <strong>of</strong> making<br />
Ibaadat on the following nights: 8th, 9th and l0th <strong>of</strong> ZiI Hijjah, the night <strong>of</strong> Eidul Fitr and the<br />
night <strong>of</strong> the l5th <strong>of</strong> Sha'baan." (AT-Targheeb Wattarheeb)<br />
It was reported from Hazrat Abu Qutaadah(Radiallahu anhu) that the Messenger <strong>of</strong> Allaah<br />
(Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was asked about fasting on the Day <strong>of</strong> Arafaah. He said, 'It expiates<br />
for the sins <strong>of</strong> the previous year and <strong>of</strong> the coming year.'(Muslim)<br />
<strong>Qurbani</strong>:<br />
<strong>Qurbani</strong> can be performed from the 10 th <strong>of</strong> Zil-Hajj,after Eid Salah until Asr Salah <strong>of</strong> the 12 th <strong>of</strong><br />
Zil-Hajj.<strong>Qurbani</strong> is made to observe the sunnah <strong>of</strong> Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis salam)It is wajib upon<br />
those who are Malike Nisab ,Male and female. Malike Nisab are those who possesses 620<br />
grams <strong>of</strong> Silver or 88 grams <strong>of</strong> gold; or they have the same amount equivalent to either <strong>of</strong> the<br />
above item in value in business goods or non-business goods ,which are not goods that are the<br />
basic necessities <strong>of</strong> life.(Anwarul Hadees.Page.325)<br />
While selecting the animal one should choose healthy and well-bread animals. The slaughter <strong>of</strong><br />
ill, blind, lame, weak and too young or too skinny animal will not be valid.<br />
The Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said,<br />
You should slaughter big and healthy animals, because they will be your conveyance over the<br />
pul Sirat (Bridge).<br />
Animal that can be sacrificed:<br />
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1) Goats and sheep that must be at least one year old.<br />
2) Cattle, Buffalo or bull must be at least two years old.<br />
3) Camels must be at least five years old. (Bahare Shariat-Vol-15.P.86)<br />
(Cattle, Buffalo and Camel meat can be divided into 7 shares.<br />
7 people may purchase one animal and share in the meat. The meat must be equally divided<br />
amongst 7people)<br />
Physical Condition <strong>of</strong> the Animal:<br />
Animal should be healthy and free from the following defects:<br />
1. Lameness which prevents the animal to stand on its 4 feet.<br />
2. Blindness, even in one eye. 3. Horn broken from the roots.<br />
4. Ears that are cut more than one third <strong>of</strong> their actual size.<br />
5. Tails that are cut more than one third <strong>of</strong> their actual size.<br />
6. Aged animal. 7. Sickness. 8. So skinny that the bones are visible.<br />
Hazrat Umme Salmah (Radiallahu anha) reported that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said “When any one <strong>of</strong> you intending to sacrifice the animal then) he should not get<br />
his bodily hair or nails touched (cut <strong>of</strong>f) after sighting the moon <strong>of</strong> Zil-Hajj. (Muslim)<br />
Even those who cannot afford to do <strong>Qurbani</strong>, should observe the above practice will get the<br />
reword <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Qurbani</strong>. (Aboo Dawood –Nesa,ee)<br />
Sacrifice can be made on behalf <strong>of</strong> someone else:<br />
Sacrifice can be made on behalf <strong>of</strong> others such as minor <strong>of</strong>fspring and a dead person.<br />
When this day <strong>of</strong> qurbaani will pass, then we will never get an opportunity like this again, and<br />
how will he be able to receive such innumerable rewards so easily? If Allah Ta'ala has blessed a<br />
person with wealth, then apart from making qurbaani for himself, he should also make<br />
qurbaani for his relatives such as his parents who have passed away so that their souls will also<br />
be amply rewarded.<br />
One should also try and make qurbaani on behalf the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihiwasallam)<br />
his blessed wives, on behalf <strong>of</strong> one's spiritual guides, etc. If all this is not possible, one should at<br />
least make on one's own behalf because qurbaani is wajib on the person who is wealthy and<br />
who has been blessed with everything. If one does not make qurbaani despite all this wealth,<br />
who can be more unfortunate than him? Apart from this, he will also be regarded as a sinner.<br />
Hazrat Hanash (Radiallahu anhu) narrated that I saw Hazrat Ali(Radiallahu anhu) slaughtering<br />
two rams I asked him ,”What is this? Hazrat Ali (Radiallah ahnu) answered; indeed, the Holy<br />
prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)left instruction to me to sacrifie <strong>of</strong> the animal on his<br />
behalf,so Iam sacrifing on his behalf(Tirmizi-Abu Dawood)<br />
In other place Hazrat Aisha (Radiallahu anha) reported the Messenger <strong>of</strong> Almighty Allah asked<br />
me to bring the a Horny ram which has black legs,blach stomach and black eyes it was brought<br />
before the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihiwasallam) then the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said, “Aisha! Get the knife and sharpen it on the stone then the Holy prophet hold<br />
thee knife and placed the animal on the ground and sacrifed the ram and said: O Allah! Accept<br />
it on behalf <strong>of</strong> me, my faimily and my Ummah.”(Muslim)<br />
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This Hadees shareef gave us the lesion and teaches us that we should also have a share <strong>of</strong> the<br />
the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in our sacrifice.<br />
the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) once said to his beloved daughter Hazrat Bibi Fatima<br />
(Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), “You must stand in the presence <strong>of</strong> your animal sacrifice, and bear<br />
witness to it, for then you will be granted forgiveness, with the first drop <strong>of</strong> blood that drips<br />
from it, for every sin you have committed. (As you stand there) you must say:<br />
‘ نیملاعلا بر لله ىتاممو ىایحمو ىكسنو ىتلاص نا (Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3)<br />
What the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)told Hazrat Bibi Fatima (Radiallahu Ta’ala<br />
Anha)to recite in the above Hadith is a verse <strong>of</strong> the Holy Qur’an, the translation <strong>of</strong> which is,<br />
“Undoubtedly, my prayer, and my sacrifices, and my living and my dying are all for Allah Who is<br />
the Lord <strong>of</strong> all the worlds.” [Surah 6, Verse 162)<br />
the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)once said, “Hazrat Dawood (Alaihis Salaam) asked, “Ya<br />
Allah! what will be the spiritual reward <strong>of</strong> a member <strong>of</strong> the Ummah <strong>of</strong> Muhammad<br />
(SallallahuAlaihi Wasallam), who <strong>of</strong>fers an animal sacrifice?” Almighty Allah replied, “As his<br />
spiritual reward, he will be granted ten good deeds for every hair (on the animal’s body), and<br />
ten bad deeds will be erased from his record. He will also be promoted by ten degrees.” Hazrat<br />
Dawood (Alaihis Salaam) then asked, “Ya Allah, what will be his spiritual reward when he carves<br />
open the stomach?” To this Almighty Allah replied, “When the grave is split open to release<br />
him, AllahTa’ala will bring him forth secure from hunger and thirst, and safe from the terrors <strong>of</strong><br />
the Resurrection. O Dawood, for every piece <strong>of</strong> its meat, he will be awarded poultry in the<br />
Garden <strong>of</strong> Paradise, and those birds will be the size <strong>of</strong> Bactrian camels. For every one <strong>of</strong> its<br />
forelegs, he will be awarded one <strong>of</strong> the steeds <strong>of</strong> the Garden <strong>of</strong> Paradise. For every hair on its<br />
body, he will be awarded a palatial mansion in the Garden <strong>of</strong> Paradise. For every hair on its<br />
head, he will be awarded a maiden from among the Hoors (<strong>of</strong> Paradise). Surely you must know<br />
O Dawood, that the animal sacrifices represent the riding animals (<strong>of</strong> Paradise), and that those<br />
sacrifices wipe out sinful errors and drive away misfortunes.” [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq,<br />
Vol. 3]<br />
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiallahanhu) narrated that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)<br />
said: the wealth, money which is spent by doing the <strong>Qurbani</strong> on the day <strong>of</strong> Eid is more dearer<br />
than the others ;(Tabrani)<br />
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (Radiallahu anhu) narrated that the Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi<br />
wasallam) said: “I have been ordered for the Yame Adha, Allah Subhanahoo wata,ala has made<br />
this an Eid for the Ummah. A man asked O prophet <strong>of</strong> Allah! Should I sacrifice the<br />
Maneeha(“Maneeha” is a Milked animal which someone gave the others for some days, so<br />
that he might be benefited by its milk then he must return to the owner)if I have no sacrificed<br />
animal beside it? Holy prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: NO, but you cut your hair, trim<br />
your nails and moustache and remove unwanted hairs, by practicing <strong>of</strong> this , and in this way<br />
your <strong>Qurbani</strong> will be fulfill in the sight <strong>of</strong> Almighty Allah and you will bestowed the reward <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Qurbani</strong>;(Abu Dawood –Nisa,ee)<br />
It means whosoever does not have the means to sacrifice the animal will get the reward for<br />
<strong>Qurbani</strong> by observing and embracing <strong>of</strong> these practices.<br />
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