Qurbani is an important time in the Islamic calendar and falls in the 12th and final month, known as Dhul Hijjah, alongside the celebration of Eid al-Adha. Dhull hijjah falls on the 7th June this year

What is Qurbani:

• Qurbani, also referred to as Udhiyya in Arabic, means sacrifice and is an important rite in the Islamic religion.

• The word qurbani derives from the Arabic word “qurban”, which has its roots in the word “qurb”, meaning “closeness”.

• Muslims therefore believe that the act of sacrifice is something that helps them grow closer to God and strengthens their faith.

• It also refers to the sacrifice of animals to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) dedication to Allah (SWT) and his willingness to give up what was most important to him in the name of faith.

• It is the ritual slaughtering of an animal – either a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, buffalo, or camel. The Qurbani Eid rules state that slaughter must be done in a Halal way, meaning it is humane and carefully organised to meet standards Allah (SWT) dictated to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Qur’an.

• Qurbani takes place after performing the Eid al-Adha prayer on the following days: the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah.

• Once an animal has been slaughtered, it should be distributed in 3 ways:

• A portion should be saved for the owner of the Qurbani.
• Another portion should be given to the Qurbani doner’s family and friends.
• The final portion should be distributed among the needy and the poor.

Charity at this time is of greater reward:

• Dhu’l-Ḥijjah is the 12th and last month of the Islamic “Hijri” lunar year — one of four months the Quran sets apart as sacred, with Rajab (7), Dhu’l-Qi’dah (11), and Muharram (1).

• Voluntary charity, sadaqah, is one of the best acts of worship one can offer at any time, but especially in these days of Hajj, which God has designated as a sacred month. Charity ranks high among the good deeds one should do in this season.