What is the Prophetic Qurbani?
This year, the first day of Eid-ul-Adha will be on 28th June 2023. See our Qurbani locations here.
Not many people know that, on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, the Prophet (saw) used to give Qurbani on behalf of himself and another sacrifice on behalf of those in his Ummah that were unable to give. This extra sacrifice is what we call the Prophetic Qurbani.
The Qur’an tells us the Prophet (saw) is the best example for mankind: ‘There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah [saw] for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely’. (Qur’an 33:21)
For the ones who are able, it is encouraged to follow the Sunnah and give the Prophetic Qurbani as well as their own sacrifice. He (saw) used to sacrifice two animals every year, one on behalf of himself and the members of his household, and the other on behalf of his Ummah.
There are great rewards in following the actions of the Prophet (saw), and what an opportunity we have every year to make one extra sacrifice for the Ummah as our Prophet (saw) did. The extra sacrifice can be given to the needy just as Zakat al-Fitr is given at the end of Ramadan, so that the poorest communities can enjoy a healthy, filling meal with fresh meat on the days of Eid-ul-Adha.
Why give a Prophetic Qurbani?
On the authority of Kathir bin Abdullah, narrated from his father, that his grandfather said, 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, “Whoever revives a Sunnah of mine that dies out after I am gone, he will have a reward equivalent to that of those among the people who act upon it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest…”' (Ibn Majah)
Giving a Prophetic Qurbani is a special act because it follows the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (saw). There is wisdom in everything the Prophet (saw) did and plenty of benefit in following him. As an Ummah, we can revive this Sunnah and help feed the neediest families around the world, many of whom only eat fresh meat a few times a year. In poverty-stricken communities, meat is an unaffordable luxury and so it is a joyous occasion when they can enjoy the generosity of a Prophetic Qurbani.
Anas (ra) relates that the Prophet (saw) said, ‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself’. (Bukhari)
For the people who have the means to give on behalf of the Ummah, this hadith holds much importance. The families who receive the Qurbani meat do not have the means to offer a sacrifice themselves. They are unable to participate in this religious ritual which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as). By giving an extra Qurbani on behalf of these people, you are not only doubling your reward and your impact, you are also ensuring that they are involved in the blessed festivities of Eid-ul-Adha.
Aisha (ra) narrated, ‘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 Judgement with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed on a person’s good deeds). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice with an open and happy heart’. (Tirmidhi)
So why not give a Prophetic Qurbani this year with the intention of following the Sunnah, feeding the poor and gaining Allah’s reward?
Check out our blog to learn more about the rules of Qurbani and the history of Qurbani in Islam.
See all our Qurbani locations and order your Qurbani here.
