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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the Qurbani programme work at Muslim Aid?
Q. What is the Need is Greatest category?
Q. What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?
Q. Is Qurbani obligatory? If so on whom?
Q. What are the days and times for Qurbani?
Q. Which animals can be sacrificed?
Q. Why can’t I choose which animal to sacrifice?
Q. What happens to the meat of Qurbani sacrifice?
Q. How can I perform a Qurbani with Muslim Aid?
Q. Do I need to do anything special if I intend to offer a sacrifice?
A. Qurbani is a sacrifice that is offered at the time of Eid al-Adha to show gratitude towards Allah (SWT) and to provide for the poor and needy.
It is narrated that Allah’s beloved Prophet (SAW) was asked, ‘What is Qurbani?’ The Prophet (SAW) answered, ‘It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT).’ (Hadith - Trimidhi)
Q. How does the Qurbani programme work at Muslim Aid?
A. This year, Muslim Aid will be carrying out Qurbani in over 40 countries around the world. Muslim Aid have arranged the Qurbani programme into four price bands this year to ensure we can distribute meat more effectively. Once you select a band and price which is suitable for you, Muslim Aid will carry out the Qurbani in one of the countries in your chosen band.
A. Muslim Aid has created a Banding system to make it easier for you to give your Qurbani. It ensures that donations are spread over all the countries to reflect donor demand, as well as other factors such as the capacity of the implementing partner and the level of need. The Banding method allows Muslim Aid to be fairer with the allocations of Qurbani, especially given the large numbers of countries where we operate.
Q. What is the Need is Greatest category?
A. The Need is Greatest Qurbani will be carried out on Eid and then canned and distributed to where the Need is Greatest. Canning the Qurbani allows for less wastage and more effective distribution of meat and also allows meat to be used for many months after Eid ul Adha, for example where there is an emergency need due to disaster or crisis.
Q. What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?
A. There is no difference between the two. Udhiyah is an Arabic term for the sacrifice and Qurbani is the term used in the Asian sub-continent for sacrifice. We use the word Qurbani as it is better known of the two amongst UK Muslims.
Q. Is Qurbani obligatory? If so on whom?
A. The Qurbani sacrifice is obligatory on sane male or female Muslims above the age of puberty who possesses “Nisab” (which is 72 grams of Gold or 100 grams of Silver), a minimal level of wealth for that moment in time, not necessarily for one Islamic calendar year. It's possession during the three days of Qurbani will make Qurbani obligatory. Qurbani is not incumbent on a child or an insane person whether they own wealth equivalent to the amount above or not, nor is it wajib upon their guardians to perform it on their behalf. Similarly, it is not wajib on a traveller.
Notes: What is Nisab?
- Nisaab is the value of excess wealth which makes a Muslim liable for Zakaah.
- A Shar'ee traveler is he who goes on a journey with an intention of travelling forty eight miles. He will be treated as a traveller as soon as he goes out of his town.
- It is highly virtuous for one on whom Qurbani is not wajib to offer sacrifice for the Pleasure of Allah. He will be eligible for all the reward mentioned in the Ahadeeth.
- At Muslim Aid, you can order your Qurbani up until the end of the three days of Eid. After that, you may have to pay compensation for missing the obligation. Contact your local imam for advice.
Q. What are the days and times for Qurbani?
A. The days of Qurbani are the tenth, eleventh and twelfth of Dhull Hijjah. The first day is better than the second, and the second better than the last. In towns, cities and villages where jumu'ah and 'Eid prayers are performed, Qurbani is not permissible before the 'Eid Salat. However you can and should order your Qurbani with Muslim Aid at any time before Eid.
We will make sure that the sacrifice is actually carried out on Eid day itself. It is perfectly permissible to order your Qurbani before Eid.
Q. Which animals can be sacrificed?
A. Qurbani animals are goats, sheep, cattle and camels. It is necessary that the goat is one (full) year old, whether male or female. A cow, bull or buffalo will have to be two years old, and a camel five years. Animals that are younger are not suitable for Qurbani.
A sheep (of any kind) not less than six months old, so strong and fat that it appears to be one year old will suffice for Qurbani, otherwise it will have to be one (full) year old.
If an animal seller says that the animal has reached the required age, and outwardly there is no sign to disprove it, then it is permissible to rely on his statement.
No other type of animals are allowed for Qurbani. In addition, the animals should be in good health.
Q. Why can’t I choose which animal to sacrifice?
A. The type of animal availability and local customs play a role in the type of animal that is actually wanted by the beneficiary. Using a system of units, Muslim Aid is able to ensure that the meat received by the beneficiary is of the highest quality and is culturally acceptable.
Q. What happens to the meat of Qurbani sacrifice?
A. Ideally the meat from the Qurbani sacrifice should be shared between one's own family, friends and the poor. It is preferable that the meat from Qurbani be divided into three equal portions; one portion for family, one portion for relatives and friends and one portion for the poor and needy. However the meat of Qurbani can be distributed to the poor, rich or even non-Muslims.
Muslim Aid will perform the Qurbani sacrifice within the band of countries of your choosing and will distribute all the meat to the poor and needy.
Q. How can I perform a Qurbani with Muslim Aid?
A. You can donate a Qurbani by sending a cheque, cash, online
or by calling us on: 020 7377 4200
Please note: Cheques must reach us by 1st November 2011
Q. Do I need to do anything special if I intend to offer a sacrifice?
A. A person who intends to perform a Qurbani sacrifice should refrain from cutting their hair or nails, or removing parts of the skin, during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.*
*Some believe that this applies on everyone who is doing a sacrifice and some say it is only for the people who are performing Hajj.