Qurbaani or sacrificing animals on the occasion of Eidul Adhaa is obligatory on those on whom Sadqah Fitr is compulsory. Qurbaani is an Ibaadat of such tremendous significance that even if it is not obligatory, one should endeavour to render it. There is great reward in even making Qurbaani on behalf of one’s under age children. Qurbaani made on behalf of the deceased is also very beneficial in that the reward reaches the deceased.
1.) According to the Qur’aan Shareef, there are both worldly as well as Deeni (spiritual) benefits in the Ibaadah of Qurbaani. Allaah Ta’ala has declared the sacrificing of animals as a salient feature of Islam. In addition to reward in the Hereafter, we derive the benefit of consuming their flesh and making use of their skins. Qurbaani is an Ibaadah which has been instituted solely for our benefit.
Hence, the Qur’aan Shareef says, “Neither the flesh (of the sacrificed animals) nor their blood reach Allaah. But, it is your taqwa (piety and sincerity of heart) which reaches Him. Convey glad tidings to the sincere ones.” (Surah Hajj)
The meaning of sincerity in Qurbaani is to make the sacrifice purely for the sake of Allaah Ta’ala and to obtain reward. The intention must not be to eat meat. Although it is only natural that the flesh of the sacrificed animals will be eaten, the intention for making the Qurbaani should never be this. If the intention is consumption of meat, the Qurbaani will not be valid.
2.) Allaah Ta’ala commands Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam, “Perform Salaat for your Rabb and sacrifice (animals).” (Surah Kauthar) The command of Salaat and Qurbaani are given to Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam in the abovementioned verse. Qurbaani being coupled with Salaat and commanded directly to Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam as an obligatory duty for him to discharge, point of the emphasis which Allaah Ta’ala lays on this Ibaadah.
3.) Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “During the days of Qurbaani there is no deed of man more loved by Allaah than sacrificing of animals. On the Day of Qiyaamah the sacrificed animal will arise with its horns, hair and hoofs. The sacrificed animal is accepted by Allaah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, render the Qurbaani wholeheartedly and happily.” (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)
4.) The Sahaabah enquired from Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam about the Qurbaani practice.
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “It is the way of your father, Ibraheem (alayhis salaam).”
The Sahaabah asked, “What will we acquire by it?”
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam replied, “A good deed (is recorded for you) in return for every hair (on its body).”
The Sahaabah asked, “O Rasulullaah! If there is wool on the body?”
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallamsaid, “A good deed in return for every strand (of wool on its body).” (Haakim)
5.) Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam said to Faatimah RadhiAllaahu Anha, “O Faatimah! Get up and be present at your Qurbaani (when it is about to be slaughtered). All your sins are forgiven as the first drop of its blood reaches the earth. Remember that on the Day of Qurbaani its flesh and blood will be brought and after increasing it by seventy times, it will be placed in your Scale of good deeds.”
Abu Saeed RadhiAllaahu Anhu asked, “O Rasulullaah! Is this reward exclusive for the Family of Muhammad? Truly, they deserve such great reward or is this reward for all Muslims as well.”
Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “For the Family of Muhammad as well as for all Muslims in general.” (Isbahaani)
6.) Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “The Qurbaani rendered wholeheartedly, happily and with sincerity of intention will on the Day of Qiyaamah be a shield against Jahannum for the sacrificer.” (Tabaraani)
7.) Ali RadhiAllaahu Anhu sacrificed two sheep. When asked about this sacrifice, he said that Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam commanded him to render these sacrifices. One sheep was for himself and the other was sacrificed on behalf of Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam. Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam has tremendous rights (huqooq) over the Ummah.
It is not possible for us to fulfil adequately those rights. A Qurbaani offered every year by a believer on behalf of Rasulullaah SalAllaahu Alaihi Wasallam is in fact nothing great and no sacrifice. We should not allow this wonderful opportunity to slip by without having taken advantage of this great act of Ibaadat by means of which great rewards is obtained so very easily. Those who have the means, should not be miserly and neglectful.
Condensed from Hayaatul-Muslimeen