Qurbani, or the act of sacrifice, holds immense spiritual and religious significance for Muslims worldwide, especially during the time of Eid al-Adha. It symbolizes obedience to Allah’s command and the willingness to submit oneself to His will, as demonstrated by the Prophets and early believers. The Hadiths provide a detailed account of how Qurbani should be performed, the conditions for its validity, and the lessons it teaches. In this guide, we will explore various Hadiths about Qurbani, breaking down their teachings into simple and easy-to-understand explanations.
Qurbani is not just a ritual but a manifestation of deep devotion and sacrifice for the sake of Allah. The Hadiths related to Qurbani emphasize specific guidelines that need to be followed, such as the timing of the sacrifice, the importance of intention, and the treatment of the sacrificial animal. Each Hadith discussed in this content offers a unique perspective on the essence of Qurbani, from avoiding haste in the sacrifice to making sure it is done with sincere devotion. Let us delve into these teachings, one by one.
Importance of Timing in Qurbani
English Translation
“
Jundab b. Sufyan reported: I was with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the day of ‘Id al-Adha. While he had not returned after having offered the prayer and finished it, he saw the flesh of the sacrificial animals which had been slaughtered before he had completed the prayer. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: One who slaughtered his sacrificial animal before his prayer, he should slaughter another one in its stead, and he who did not slaughter should slaughter by reciting the name of Allah. (Sahih Muslim: 4819)”
Urdu Translation
“
جندب بن سفیان نے روایت کی کہ میں اللہ کے رسول صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے ساتھ عید الاضحیٰ کے دن تھا۔ جب انہوں نے نماز ادا نہیں کی تھی اور واپس نہ آئے تھے، انہوں نے دیکھا کہ قربانی کے جانوروں کا گوشت جو نماز سے پہلے ذبح کیا گیا تھا، تب انہوں نے فرمایا: جس نے اپنی قربانی نماز سے پہلے ذبح کی ہے، اسے دوسری قربانی کرنی چاہئے، اور جس نے قربانی نہیں کی، وہ اللہ کا نام لے کر قربانی کرے۔”
Arabic Text
“
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ حَاتِمٍ حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ عَنْ سُفْيَانَ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ عَنْ قَيْسٍ عَنْ جُنْدَبٍ قَالَ شَهِدْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي يَوْمِ الْأَضْحَى قَالَ فَأَتَى عَلَى شَاةٍ قَدْ ذُبِحَتْ قَبْلَ الصَّلَاةِ فَقَالَ إِنَّمَا هَذِهِ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ فَذْبَحْ شَاةً أُخْرَى”
Key Lessons from Hadith
The first Hadith emphasizes the importance of timing when performing the Qurbani. It highlights that the sacrifice must be made after the Eid prayer and not before. If someone mistakenly offers their Qurbani before the prayer, it is considered invalid, and they must offer another sacrifice.
Correct Timing
The Qurbani should only be performed after the Eid prayer, as per the Sunnah.
Intention and Sincerity
This Hadith underscores that sacrifices are not merely about the physical act but are deeply tied to intention and following the correct procedure.
Obedience to Allah’s Command
Following the precise timing reflects obedience to the guidelines laid out by the Prophet (PBUH).
Proper Sacrifice and Its Spiritual Value
English Translation
“
Al-Bara’ b. ‘Azib reported that his maternal uncle sacrificed his animal before the Eid prayer. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: That is a goat (slaughtered for the sake of) flesh (and not as a sacrifice on the day of Adha). (Sahih Muslim: 4823)“
Urdu Translation
“”
البراء بن عازب نے روایت کی کہ ان کے ماموں نے نماز عید سے پہلے قربانی کی۔ تب اللہ کے رسول صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: یہ گوشت کے لیے ذبح کی گئی بکری ہے، قربانی نہیں۔“”
Arabic Text
“
عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبَ قَالَ ذَبَحَ خَالِي قَبْلَ الصَّلَاةِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ «تِلْكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ»“
Key Lessons from Hadith
In this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) makes it clear that a sacrifice performed before the Eid prayer is akin to slaughtering an animal for meat and not for the sake of Qurbani. The lesson emphasizes the distinction between a regular act of slaughter and a sacrifice that is part of the ritual of Eid al-Adha.
Ritual vs. Regular Slaughter
Only a sacrifice performed after the Eid prayer holds the spiritual value of Qurbani.
Spiritual Significance
The act of Qurbani must be done to fulfil a religious obligation, not merely to acquire meat.
The Excellence of a Well-Treated Sacrificial Animal
English Translation
“
Al-Bara’ b. ‘Azib reported that his maternal uncle Abu Burda b. Niyar sacrificed his animal earlier than the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) had sacrificed. He said: I have a small milch goat of less than one year, better than two dry goats. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: That is better than the two animals of sacrifice on your behalf, and the sacrifice of a goat of less than six months shall not be accepted as a sacrifice on behalf of anyone after your sacrifice. (Sahih Muslim: 4824)”
Urdu Translation
“
البراء بن عازب نے روایت کی کہ ان کے ماموں نے رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم سے پہلے قربانی کی۔ انہوں نے کہا: میرے پاس ایک دودھ دینے والی بکری ہے جو دو خشک بکریوں سے بہتر ہے۔ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: یہ قربانی تمہارے لیے بہتر ہے، لیکن چھ ماہ سے کم عمر کی بکری کسی اور کے لیے قربانی کے طور پر قبول نہیں کی جائے گی۔”
Arabic Text
“
عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبَ، أَنَّ خَالَهُ أَبَا بُرْدَةَ بْنَ نِيَارٍ ذَبَحَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَذْبَحَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ إِنَّ عِنْدِي جَذَعَةً خَيْرًا مِنْ مِسْنَّتَيْنِ فَقَالَ اذْبَحْهَا فَإِنَّهَا خَيْرٌ مِنْ مِسْنَّتَيْنِ، وَلَنْ تُجْزِئَ جَذَعَةٌ عَنْ أَحَدٍ بَعْدَكَ“
Key Lessons from Hadith
This Hadith highlights the importance of selecting a proper animal for sacrifice. The Prophet (PBUH) acknowledges the value of a well-treated, healthy animal, even if it is smaller in size or younger. However, he also establishes that a smaller animal is acceptable only under specific circumstances.
Animal Condition
The quality and condition of the animal are crucial for a valid Qurbani.
Age Limitation
Animals that are too young (below six months) are generally not acceptable for Qurbani unless explicitly allowed, as in this case.
Care for Animals
The emphasis on the animal’s well-being reflects the broader Islamic value of treating animals with kindness.
Following the Prophet’s Example in Qurbani
English Translation
“
Al-Bara’ b. ‘Azib reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said: The first (act) with which we started our day (the day of ‘Id-ul-Adha) was that we offered prayer. We then returned and sacrificed the animals, and he who did that adhered to our Sunnah. (Sahih Muslim: 4827)”
Urdu Translation
“
البراء بن عازب نے روایت کی کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا: عید الاضحیٰ کے دن ہمارا پہلا عمل نماز تھا۔ پھر ہم نے قربانی کی، اور جس نے ایسا کیا وہ ہماری سنت پر عمل کرتا ہے۔“
Arabic Text
“
عَنْ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ «إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا نَبْدَأُ بِهِ فِي يَوْمِنَا هَذَا أَنْ نُصَلِّيَ ثُمَّ نَرْجِعَ فَنَنْحَرَ، فَمَنْ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ فَقَدْ أَصَابَ سُنَّتَنَا“
Key Lessons from Hadith
This Hadith reiterates the significance of adhering to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) when performing Qurbani. Muslims align themselves with the Prophet’s practice by performing the prayer first and then offering the sacrifice.
Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)
The sequence of actions on Eid al-Adha—praying first, then sacrificing—emphasizes the correct method of following the Prophet’s example.
Reward of Adherence
Adhering to the Sunnah carries spiritual rewards, ensuring one’s sacrifice is accepted.
Conclusion
The Hadiths about Qurbani guide Muslims in correctly performing the sacrifice, emphasising the physical and spiritual aspects. From the timing of the sacrifice to the selection and treatment of the animal, each step must be followed carefully to ensure that the Qurbani fulfills its purpose as an act of devotion to Allah. By understanding and adhering to these teachings, Muslims can strengthen their faith and earn greater rewards during Eid al-Adha.