Qurbani
Zohra Foundation will again be distributing your Qurbani to thousands of elderly people living in extreme poverty across Pakistan. For many of the women and men we support, Qurbani will be one of their few opportunities to consume meat this year. For the millions of elderly people we support who are struggling to survive, your donations will give them an Eid to remember.
Zohra Foundation will:
- Ensure that we only purchase animals that are in good condition and well cared for before Eid.
- Distribute Qurbani meat to the neediest, elderly men and women in communities.
- Ensure that your Qurbani is taken place according to Sunnah.
Allah says:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings O Muhammad to the doers of good.”
Qur’an 22:37
What is Qurbani?
The meaning of the word Qurbani is sacrifice and can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim who dreamt that God had ordered him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim agreed to perform the sacrifice to show is devotion to God but God intervened and sent a ram in Ismail’s place. Ibrahim’s son was spared because Ibrahim showed that he would sacrifice Ismail despite the pain it would cause him.
Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah Muslims around the world slaughter an animal as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God. The meat is then distributed equally between the poor, the rest of the family and neighbours.
When is Eid al Adha?
Eid-al-Adha is the Festival of Sacrifice and is celebrated during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. This is the month when pilgrims travel to Mecca to perform Hajj and visit the Kaaba. Hajj is performed on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of the lunar month and Eid ul-Adha begins on the 10th and lasts for 3 days. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle and so the dates for Eid and other events change every year.
This year Eid al Adha is expected to be around 16th of July in the UK.
5 things you should know about Qurbani
1. Is Qurbani an obligatory act?
Hanafi scholars deem it to be obligatory whilst the Shafi’, Maliki and Hanbali schools say that it is highly recommended.
2. Who is Qurbani obligatory upon?
If the cost of Qurbani is within your financial means and surplus to your essential requirements (and the needs of your dependents), it would be prescribed for you to make the sacrifice.
3. What’s the difference between offering a sheep and a cow or camel?
A sheep would equate to a single share, whilst a cow or camel would equate to 7 shares – perfect if you’re looking for an option for the whole family!
4. How many Qurbani shares can I offer?
One sacrifice would suffice but it is permissible to do more too, based on the fact that the Prophet (peace be upon him) went beyond the minimum amount and carried out multiple Qurbanis for his own sacrifice.
5. Why does Qurbani prevent me from shaving/trimming my hair and nails?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed: “When the ten (days of Dhul Hijjah) begin, and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let nothing touch his hair or skin.” [Muslim] You can therefore cut or trim hair and/or nails before the 1st Dhul Hijjah or after the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah when Zohra Foundation will carry out the Qurbani, but not in between.
Making the most of ‘Dhul Hijjah’ (the month of Hajj)
1. Mark the dates in your diary. The 1st of Dhul Hijjah is due to fall on 12th July 2021 insha’Allah.
2. Maximise your good deeds in the first ten days. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Bukhari]
3. Commit to life-changing decisions! So many of us postpone making key changes to bring us closer to Allah before going to Hajj, but tomorrow is never guaranteed for anyone!
4. Fast on the 9th day of the month (also known as the Day of Arafah). This is recommended for those not performing the Hajj as the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised: “It expiates for the past and coming years.” [Muslim]
5. Give Qurbani to the poor and needy. Allah the Almighty says: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings O Muhammad to the doers of good.” Qur’an: 22: 37