Eid-ul-Adha 2024: What is qurbani? Important rules related to Bakrid qurbani and meat distribution

Muslims across the world are celebrating the festival of Eid-ul-Adha, which is also known as Bakrid, Eid-al-Adha or Eid ul Zuha in Arabic is the ¡°festival of sacrifice¡± celebrated prominently amongst Muslims.

Eid ul Adha (Eid al-Adha or Bakrid) is a festival celebrated among Muslims all over the world in remembrance of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made out of his strong faith in Allah.

Ibrahim was asked by God to sacrifice his only son on Allah¡¯s wish and the former had agreed. Looking at his faith, God intervened and he was asked to sacrifice a lamb instead.

Hence, every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims all over the world celebrates Eid ul Adha which is celebrated for three days. The celebration dates of Eid al-Adha differ in different countries due to differences in geographical locations.

Eid-ul-Adha 2024: What is qurbani? Important rules related to Bakrid qurbani and meat distribution | Freepik

Bakird 2024: What is Qurbani?

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah or Sacrifice, is a religious practice observed by Muslims during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha (also called the Festival of Sacrifice). It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.

This tradition is followed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijah every year. As per traditions, Muslims across the world slaughter an animal¨C a goat, sheep or camel¨Cas a tribute to Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.

Eid-ul-Adha 2024: Tradition of Qurbani

The tradition of Qurbani dates back to the times of Prophet Ibrahim, who once dreamed that God wanted him to sacrifice Ismail, his only son. Being a devoted follower, Prophet Ibrahim followed God's wish and started making preparations to sacrifice the son he loved the most. However, Ismail (the son of Prophet Ibrahim) was saved when God intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in place of the innocent boy.

Prophet Ibrahim's act of obedience and piety is still remembered by all and the practice of Qurbani acts as a reminder of the great Prophet's act of obedience to the divine. Hence, Eid-ul-Adha is also called the Festival of Sacrifice.

Bakrid 2024: Qurbani rules and guidelines | Rules of Sacrifice

The sacrifice of an animal or Qurbani on the day of Eid al Adha is a confirmed Sunnah of not only Prophet Ibrahim but also the beloved Prophet Mohammad. However, some scholars are of the opinion that it is ¡®Wajib¡¯ (obligatory).

Sacrificing cattle in the way of Allah is a great act of worship. It brings the person offering the sacrifice close to Allah.

The process of Qurbani involves selecting an eligible animal that meets certain criteria, including age, health, and quality. The animal is then slaughtered by a trained person known as a butcher, adhering to Islamic rituals and the proper method of slaughter, which involves swiftly cutting the throat and allowing the blood to drain.

Only goats, sheep, cattle and camels can be slaughtered. There are also certain rules while selecting livestock for sacrifice. Too young or too old animals should be avoided and they should be healthy and without any missing body parts like limbs, horns, or tails. Also, the animals should be fed well and the owner should take good care of it before it is sacrificed.

The person should mention the name of Allah and recite Takbeer (Bismillah, Allahu Akbar) at the time of slaughtering the animal.

Bakird 2024: Qurbani meat distribution

Many scholars are of the opinion that the meat of the sacrificed animal should be divided into three parts. One-third for the person (and his family) who is offering the sacrifice, one-third should be distributed among relatives/neighbors as a gift and one-third should be given in charity to poor people.

If the Qurbani is performed in partnership between several people, the meat should not be distributed by mere approximation but it should be divided after proper measurement of weight. Also, the butcher who sacrifices the animal should not be paid for the meat of the slaughtered animal.

The rules dictating the distribution of Qurbani meat states that the sacrificed animals should be equally distributed in three parts.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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