What is Ramazan or Ramadan or Ramzan?

Ramzan is the ninth month according to Islamic Lunar calendar. Ramzan (written as Ramadan) is derived from the Arabic root word 'ramida' or 'arramad' that means intense scorching heat and dryness, especially of the ground. Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst. Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins as it burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat.

Ramadan begins after the month of Shaban, after the new moon has been sighted. In case new moon is not sighted then after 30 days of Shaban, Ramadan begins. The month of Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. If the moon is sighted on the night of 29th fast then the month of Shawwal begins from tomorrow and Ramadan is over. The 1st of Shawwal is the Eid also know as Eid-ul-fitr to distinguish it from Eid-ul-azha (Bakri Eid).

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. The Quran clearly says "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and rightousness" - Al Baqarah, 2:183. Fasting is to be done by all able bodied men and women and children who have reached puberty. If a person is sick or has some medical reason or if a women is pregnant then they are waived from fasting.

During Ramadan the people who fast are not allowed to eat or drink anything (including water) from dawn to after sunset. Also one has to restrain other body parts, which may render the fast worthless despite the main factor of hunger and thirst; so the tongue, for instance, must avoid backbiting, slander, and lies; the eyes should avoid looking into things considered by the Lawgiver as unlawful; the ears must stop from listening to conversation, words, songs, and lyrics that spoil the spirit of fasting; and finally restraining of the heart, and mind from indulging, themselves in other things besides zikr or Allah (remembrance of Allah).

10 Muharram-History Of Muharram

Muharram happens to be the first month of the Islamic calendar and considered auspicious for the Muslims all over the world. The tenth day of Muharram, called the Ashura is observed in the name of the month. Hence it is called as 10 Muharram.

10 Muharram is observed to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali (Hazrat Imam Hussain), the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who died in the battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD).

History Of Muharram

The history of Muharram dates back to the pre-historic times, the era of warring tribes, in the Arabian peninsula. Owing to lack of good leadership, fighting for minor issues was prevalent. However, four months, out of which Muharram was one, was considered a non-fighting period.

With the advent of Islam, the rule was still followed, however with minor alterations that the practice can be relaxed in face of threat to the sovereignty from other empires.

This relaxation in the observance triggered the enemity between the tribes and the Muslims. The inhabitants on the banks of rivers Euphrates and Tigris were traditional rivals. During the time of Prophet Mohammaed the issue lay dormant. However, when Hazrat Ali was the Caliph(Muslim civil and religious leader considered to be Allah's representative on earth), the problem surfaced again.

Hazrat Imam Hussain, the descendant of Hazrat Ali. It is said that he peacefully lived in Medina, until he was forced to leave by Yazid's governor according to Yazid's instructions (the ruler of Kufa), demanding allegiance to the tyrant Yazid or get beheaded. When Hussain refused to sccumb to the tyranous ruler's demand, he was beheaded.

Muharram | Karbala

Karbala has the unique feature of having its name engraved in the memory of generations and all along the history of the Muslim world. Believers recall this name with sorrow and distress, for they remember the grand sacrifice of Imam Hussain, peace be upon him (a.s.), and his family members and friends.

Up to this day, a huge number of devotees visit this holy place all year around to pay homage to the master of martyrs Imam Hussain (a.s.). Two main roads lead the visitor to Karbala. One is from the Iraqi capital Baghdad, through Al-Musails, and the other is from the holy city of Najaf. Upon reaching Karbala, the holy place would draw the visitor's attention to its glorious minarets and domes shining due to the light of its lord.

Two grand holy shrines in Karbala are those of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his brother Abul-Fazl al-Abbas (a.s.). Also present inside the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s.) are the holy tombs of his two sons Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.) and 6-month old Hazrat Ali Asghar (a.s.) and his trusted friend Hazrat Habib ibn-e-Mazahir (a.s.). In one of the corners of the inside area of the shrine, is the Ganj-e-Shuhada where bodies of all the 72 martyrs of Karbala are buried. Next to one of the entrances "Bab-ul-Dhahab" , is the Qatl-gah, where the actual martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) took place. All the tombs and shrines are beautifully decorated with golden windows and beautiful illumination.

"Karbala" Origin & Meaning

There are many opinions among different investigators, as to the origin of the word "Karbala".

Some have pointed out that "Karbala" has a connection to the "Karbalato" language, while others attempt to derive the meaning of word "Karbala" by analyzing its spelling and language. They conclude that it originates from the Arabic word "Kar Babel" which was a group of ancient Babylonian villages that included Nainawa, Al-Ghadiriyya, Karbella, Al-Nawaweess, and Al-Heer. This last name is today known as Al-Hair and is where Imam Hussain's (a.s.) grave is located.

The investigator Yaqut al-Hamawy had pointed out that the meaning of "Karbala" could have several explanations, one of which is that the place where Imam Hussain (a.s.) was martyred is made of soft earth - "Al-Karbalat".

The Karbala

After the supreme sacrifice had been accepted and our Imam Hussain (as) had been martyred, a gloomy silence hung over the battlefield of Karbala.

Every now and then the silence would be broken by the sound of drum-beating to celebrate victory. Not content with spilling the innocent blood of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions, Amr ibne Sa'ad, the commander of Yazid's army, ordered the horses to be shod afresh and then run over the bodies of the dead Muslims. Although some people from his army objected to this gross disrespect to the dead, he managed to enforce this horrible action. Having trampled over the bodies of the martyrs, the enemy next turned their attention to the defenseless camp of Imam Hussain (as).

Yazid's soldiers marched into the camp where they subjected the grief-stricken ladies to further torment and indignity. They had expected to find luxurious articles in the tents of the family of the Rasulullah (S.A.W), but all they found were simple items and clothes, some of which had been stitched by Bibi Fatima (as) with her own hands. The ruthless soldiers snatched away these few possessions of sentimental value. They were angry at the lack of booty, and they took the veils off the struggling ladies forcing them to expose their hair and faces. This humiliation was almost too much to bear.

Not satisfied with this, the enemy set fire to the tents. The terrified ladies gathered their children and rushed from tent to tent, trying to escape the burning flames. One young child was seen rushing out of a tent with her clothes on fire. One of the enemy soldiers, seeing her pitiable condition came forward and put out the flames. The child looked at him, surprised at the unexpected kindness. Tearfully, the little child asked him, "O Shaikh, do me one more kindness and tell me the way to Najaf." The soldier was very surprised at this unusual request, and replied, "Najaf is far away from here. Why do you want to know the way there?".

The child said with heartbreaking innocence, "I want to go to the grave of my grandfather Imam Ali (as) and complain about what your people have done to us - how our men were butchered and how our ladies have been whipped. I want to tell him how the earrings were snatched from my cousin Sakina's ears, leaving her earlobes torn and bleeding."

Bibi Zainab (as), who had been left in charge of the camp by Imam Hussain (as), was at a loss as to what to do. She went to the seriously ill Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (as). He lay unconscious on the ground after the enemy had even robbed the mattress on which he lay. She shook him urgently to ask his advice. He was burning with fever but with a great effort he replied that it was compulsory on them to save their lives and he asked her to get everyone out from the burning tents into the open.

Soon the raging fires subsided leaving only one tent standing, although it was also damaged by fire. The ladies and children salvaged whatever they could of their few belongings and huddled together in that little shelter waiting for nightfall.

The night following the day of Ashura is known as Shame Ghariba. It was the night when the exhausted, hungry and tired families of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions sat in loneliness, each thinking about the loved ones they had lost in the unjust battle on that day.

Due to the illness of Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (as), Bibi Zainab (as) realised that she would have to take care of the small group of women and children herself. She called her sister Bibi Umme Kulthum (as) to help her and they decided to count all the children to see that none had gone missing in the confusion of the fire. To her horror and dismay Bibi Zaynab (as) found that Bibi Sakina (as), the beloved daughter of Imam Hussain (as), was not there.

History of Muharram

IN THE house of the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf), which presented the best image of both the worlds - the heaven and the earth - a child who benefited humanity as if he was Divine Impression reflecting the earth, was born on the 3rd night of the month of Shaban. His father was Imam Ali (a.s.), the best model of kindness towards his friends and the bravest against the enemies of Islam, and his mother was Hazrat Fatimah (s.a.), the only daughter of the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf) who had as universally acknowledged, inherited the qualities of her father. Imam Hussain (a.s.), is the third Imam. 

When the good news of his birth reached the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf), he came to his daughter's house, took the newly-born child in his arms, recited adhan and iqamah in his right and left ears respectively, and on the 7th day of his birth, after performing the rites of aqiqah, named him al-Hussain, in compliance with Allah's (swt) command. Hassan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.), the two sons of the Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) and Hazrat Fatimah (s.a.),our Lady of Light, were respected and revered as the "Leaders of the Youths of Paradise" as stated by the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hf) had openly prophesied that the faith of Islam would be rescued by his second grandson Hussain (a.s.), when Yazid, son of Muawiayh, would endeavour to destroy it. 

Yazid was known for his devilish character and brutish conduct. He was known as the most licentious of men. The people having known and understood the character of Yazid, formed a covenant by which Muawiyah could not appoint Yazid as his successor. This undertaking was given by Muawiyah to Imam Hassan (a.s.) from whom Muawiyah had snatched power. Muawiyah violated this undertaking and nominated Yazid who succeeded his father. Immediately as he came to power, Yazid began acting in full accordance with his known character. He started interfering in the fundamentals of the faith and practised every vice and wickedness freely with the highest degree of impunity and yet held himself out as the successor of the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf), demanding allegiance to himself as the leading guide of the faith. 

History of Muharram

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar. On the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed by Muslims. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calender that is used in the western nations. When compared with the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the lunar month of Muharram shifts from year to year.

The month of Muharram is of great religious significance to Islamic people the world over. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan. The word "Muharram" is often considered synonymous with "Ashura", the tenth day of the Muharram month.

"Ashura" is a highly important day for both sects of Islam - the Shias and the Sunnis. The Shia muslims

believe that Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, became a martyr at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of Muharram in 61 AH(680 AD).

The pre-Islamic period in the Arabian peninsula was the era of warring tribes. In the absence of a strong leadership, there were conflicts and battles on minor issues. But fighting was prohibited in four months of the year. These months, of which Muharram was one, were considered sacred. Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning forbidden. This period of inactivity was a necessity in heavily decorated replicas of the tomb of the Imam and his family are made for Muharram the era of warring tribes. The tradition was maintained even after the advent of Islam, though provisions to accommodate and accept war in special situations, like a threat to the sovereignty of an empire, were introduced. The gory battle of Karbala was fought against this law and tradition of Islam. The inhabitants on the banks of rivers Euphrates and Tigris were traditional rivals. Their animosity was contained to some extent by Muhammad. But when his son-in-law Hazrat Ali was the Caliph(Muslim civil and religious leader considered to be Allah's representative on earth), the old enmity re-surfaced. Hazrat Ali had two descendants, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Imam Hassan. Hussain was the ruler of the part of the empire known today as Iran. The other part in modern Iraq was ruled by the Umayyads. Hussain was called upon by the Shiahs of Kufa, a small town in the Umayyad kingdom, to accept their allegiance and claim his place as the leader of the Islamic community. This was against the wishes of the ruler of Kufa, Yazid, who instructed his governor, Ibn-e-Ziad to take appropriate action. Meanwhile, in response to the call of the Shiahs, Hussain accompanied by his family members, headed for Kufa. When they reached Karbala, en route to Kufa, the forces of the governor surrounded them and their 70 men. Hussain, his family and his troops were tortured and killed, and Hussain's head was severed and presented to the king. They received no help from the Shiahs of Kufa.

Total information of Qurbani

Bismillah’l-Raḥmān’l-Raḥīm

In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Udhiyah is an Arabic term which means ‘sacrificing an animal’, and Qurbani is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word Qurban which literally means an act performed to seek Allāh’s pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allāh.

Virtues of Udhiyah

Allāh Most High Says:

‘So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals).’ (Qur’an 108:2)

There is nothing dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (Sunan Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Mājah)

Sayyiduna Zayd ibn Arqam (may Allāh be pleased with him) relates that the Companions asked, ‘O Messenger of Allāh! What is Udhiyah?’ He replied, ‘It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him).’ They asked again, ‘What benefit do we get from it?’ He answered, ‘A reward for every hair (of the sacrificed animal).’ ‘And [what reward is there for animals with] wool, O Messenger of Allāh?’ they asked. ‘A reward’, he said, ‘for every fiber of the wool.’ (Sunan Ibn Mājah)

When a person slaughters an Udhiyah animal, he is forgiven at the fall of the first drop of blood, and verily, the animal shall be brought forward on the Day Of Judgment with its blood, meat etc., and shall be increased in weight seventy times more than its own weight, and thereafter it will be placed on the scale of deeds. (See: Kanz al-Ummal)

Story of Ibrahim AS

During Eid ul Adha, when we order our Qurbani, it is useful to remember what happened all those years ago and why it continues to be relevant for us today.

Ibrahim (AS) did not have children and throughout his prophethood, he desperately longed for a son. After much prayer, Allah (SWT) granted him a baby boy named Isma’eel and the joy was overwhelming.

Some years passed and Isma’eel had grown into a wonderful young boy whom his father was very fond of. But Ibrahim (AS) was plagued by a repeat vision in which he was commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his only son.

The magnitude of his anguish cannot be fathomed. It stirred fear and trembling in his heart. What would Ibrahim (AS) choose? Love of God or love of his only son?

Clearly troubled, he decided to consult his son.

"O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am offering you in sacrifice to Allah (SWT), so what do you think?" The ever obedient Isma’eel replied "O my father! Do that which you are commanded Insha’Allah, you shall find me of the patient." (As-Saffat: 102)

When both father and son proceeded to the place of sacrifice, on three occasions the devil attempted to divert them. However, Ibrahim (AS) threw stones at the devil and remained steadfast.

When they had both submitted themselves to the Will of Allah (SWT) the Quran recounts how the story then unfolded: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision!" Verily! Thus do We reward those who perform good deeds, totally for Allah's sake. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram) and left him thus to be remembered among later generations.” (As-Saffat: 104-108)

So Isma’eel was replaced by a ram due to the firm faith of both father and son. In this story we must therefore remember that our Eid ul Adha is not just a celebration but the remembrance of one of human history’s greatest sacrifices.

Qurbani ke bareme sawaal aur Jawaab as per Hadees

IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO PARE NAILS AND CUT HAIR BEFORE THE SACRIFICE?

This could be understood from the following ‘Hadith’:

Hazrat Umm-e- Salama radiyallahu anha reports that the Apostle of Allah said, "Whoever sights the crescent moon of ‘Zul-Hijjah’ and is intending to make a sacrifice should refrain from cutting his bodily hair and paring his nails". (Muslim)

Thus after sighting the ‘Zul-hijjah’ crescent, it is desirable for a man intending to make a sacrifice to refrain from cutting the hair of his body and paring his nails till he has slaughtered the animal. This is because he is making a sacrifice in lieu of the sacrifice of his own life. Each part of the sacrificial animal is in lieu of each part of his own body.

The Holy Prophet has given this order that no part of his body may be absent at the time of the descent of divine mercy. If more than forty days have passed one should not be idle in removing unwanted hair, nails, etc, in order to save oneself from ‘karaahat’ (abomination).

WHAT IS THE BEST MANNER OF OFFERING IT?

It is preferable that one selects on animals oneself, nourishes it and becomes familiar with it, as this animal is to become the means great recompense and not only that, but it is a substitute for the sacrifice of ones own child.

IS A SACRIFICE CARRIED OUT IN ANOTHER PLACE VALID?

As for getting the ‘Qurbani’ done in other places one deprives oneself from all the aforementioned blessings. If it is carried out on account of some ‘Uzr’ (disability) or legal expediency, one can hope for the whole or even more reward for it all depends on the correct method and intention. One can also organise sacrifice at ones native land in order to fulfil the rights of ones relatives.

WHAT IS THE RULE REGARDING THE MEAT?

Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep all its meat for his own use, yet it is preferable to distribute one third among the poor, another one third among his friends and relatives, and then keep the rest for his personal consumption. Thus, if possible, one should eat its meat on the very day.

IS IT PERMISSIBLE IN THE SHARIAH TO MAKE THE ANIMAL UNCONSCIOUS BY GUN OR CURRENT BEFORE SLAUGHTERING IT?

There are a few grave defects in this so-called humane method of slaughtering. This has been explained in great detail by Hazrat Aqdas Hakeemul-Ummah, Mujadid –ul-Millah, Moulana Ashraf Ali Sahed Thanwi (May Allah fill his grave with light), in his book Imdadul-Fatawaa and also the Mufti of Mazahirul- Uloom, Sahranpoor. I briefly mention the details of this. This method is not permissible in any circumstance whatsoever.

It is the Muslims ‘fardh’ and duty that they do their best in putting an end to this means of slaughtering and that they never slaughter in this manner again.

1. The jurists have clarified that it is prohibited to inflict pain to an animal when there is no benefit in doing so. It is stated in the book Dur-ul-Mukhtar:

"Any sort of pain infliction, which is of no benefit, is ‘makrooh’ (undesirable), for example; the cutting off the head and the skinning of the animal before the animal becomes still i.e. ceases to shake and shiver."

Since the aforementioned blow is not sufficient for slaughtering, therefore, it obviously is a means of hurting the animal without there being any benefit in doing so and this is prohibited in the ‘Shariah’. If anyone were to say that by this method no pain comes to the animal, but in fact it helps in discharging the blood from the body and it also idles the senses, then this is not true. The reason for this is that before it became unconscious the senses of the animal had been sound and after unconsciousness the breaking of the senses is not certain. It is possible that with the use of this instrument the movement becomes still, yet the senses remain sound. This is also stated in the book Dur-ul-Mukhtar:

"The nullification of the senses is not necessary for the inactivity of movement."

It is apparent that in the state of the senses remaining sound the use of this instrument will be means of no pain.

2. The ‘Shariah’ has stated that the purpose of slaughtering is to discharge flowing blood. It is obvious that, when conscious, the natural health of the body will be stronger, and further more, this is also evident that the discharging of flowing blood is an act of the healthy body. Hence the stronger the body health the more blood will be discharged. Thus, the purpose of the ‘Shariah’ will be fulfilled to a greater extent. Therefore, to cause less blood to discharge by weakening the body health purposefully is not permissible in the ‘Shariah’, as it leads to opposing the purpose of slaughtering.

3. The third point which is the most detestable, when the first two are disregarded, is enough to clarify its impermissibility. This is that the person who carries this out will believe that this manner of slaughtering is more commendable than the way shown by the ‘Shariah’ (where the animal is not made unconscious). In respect of this he will think the method (of slaughtering) shown by the ‘Shariah’ as being inferior and defective, and to give priority to invention over revelation is close to ‘kufr’. Allah knows best and He is The Most Wise.

IF QURBANI WAS NOT OFFERED IN THE SPECIFIED DAYS IS THERE ANY SUBSTITUTE?

If somebody out of his/her ignorance and negligence, did not offer ‘Qurbani’ on the three prescribed days (10th, 11th and 12th ‘Zulhijjah’) they should then give the price of the ‘Qurbani’ as ‘sadaqah’ (alms and charity) This does not mean that Sadakah is an alternative, this will only be the case when it is not offered on the prescribed days, thus there is no alternative to ‘Qurbani’ in the prescribed days.

CONCLUSION

Finally I end by quoting the following ‘Hadith’:

Hazrat Abu Hurairah reports that the Apostle of Allah has said : "Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Ibn Majah). Hence we can understand the importance of ‘Udhiya’ from the above ‘Hadith’, therefore each and every Muslim who is obliged should offer it, and if possible within their domicile. This will not only create an atmosphere of ‘Eid’ and ‘Qurbani’ in the community but will also serve as a lesson for generations to come.

CAN A SACRIFICE BE MADE ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE?

A sacrifice can be made on behalf of others such as minor offspring. This offering is not ‘wajib’ (compulsory) but is ‘mustahab’ (desirable). Similarly if one decides to sacrifice on behalf of the spouse or a father decides to sacrifice on behalf of an adult offspring (apart from offering his/her own ‘Qurbani’) can do so with their permission. A sacrifice can also be made on behalf of a deceased Muslim. This can be classified into three categories:

1- If the deceased had made a will for a sacrifice then, it is permissible to sacrifice to fulfil the will but is incumbent to give all the meat of the sacrificed animal to the poor and needy (those who are entitled to receive ‘Zakaat’). ("Vide Shami" vol.5 p293)

2- Whether or not the deceased had made this will, his/her relative or friends can make a ‘nafl’ (voluntary) sacrifice from their own money; the meat of this sacrificed animal can be partaken by the rich and poor alike.

3- One may make a voluntary sacrifice from one’s own wealth for the deceased persons and this meat can partaken by all, rich and poor.

If ones intention is of mere remittance of recompense to a dead person then it will be superior to slaughter an animal during the Days of ‘Nahar’ instead of giving money in charity. This is because reward is attained both for spending wealth and for sacrificing.

In a ‘Hadith’ it is stated.

Hazrat Hanash reported: I saw Hazrat Ali sacrificing two rams. I asked him, "What is this?" He said: "Verily the Messenger of Allah left instruction to me to sacrifice on his behalf, and so I am sacrificing on his behalf. (Tirmizi, Abu Daud)

Note: Rasulullah is so generous that he had sacrificed on behalf of his whole ‘Ummah’ and we see here Hazrat Ali sacrificing for Rasulullah after he has passed away. We learn from this that we should also put a share of Rasulullah in our sacrifice.

WHO IS OBLIGED TO OFFER THE SACRIFICE?

‘Qurbani’ is ‘wajib’ (compulsory) according to Imam Abu Hanifah (and sunnat-e-muakkadah according to other Imams) upon every ‘mukeem’ (domiciled) and who possesses 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock in trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his/her basic needs. Each adult member of a family who possesses that much wealth must perform his/her own ‘Qurbani’ separately.

Hazrat Ibn Umar reports that the Messenger of Allah lived in Madinah Munawarah for ten years and performed ‘Qurbani’ every year. (Tirmizi)

Note: Despite the fact that the Prophet was not obliged to sacrifice as he never possessed the required amount of wealth, he still did so as can be conceived from the above Hadith.

VIRTUES OF ‘QURBANI’ (UDHIYAH)

The virtues of ‘Udhiya’ are established from the following ‘Ahadith’ (Traditions).

Hazrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah sacrificed with his own hands, two white rams with black markings. He took the name of Allah and recited ‘Takbir’. Hazrat Anas states that he saw him putting his foot upon their buttocks and saying: "In the name of Allah. And Allah is the greatest". (Sahih Bukhari ,Sahih Muslim)

Note: We learn from this Hadith that one should try to make sacrifice with his own hands. If the Prophet can sacrifice by his own blessed hands at the age of sixty, why can’t our young generation follow in his footsteps? If one cannot do so, he should at least be present at the time of slaughter.

Hazrat Jaber reported that the Messenger of Allah slaughtered on the day of sacrifice two horned, white and black castrated rams. When he faced them towards the Qibla, he said: "Verily I turn my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, upon the religion of Abraham, being upright, and I am not one of the polytheists. Verily my prayer, my life and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. There is no partner with him and I have been ordered that, and I am one of the Muslims. O Allah, it is Thine and for Thee, from Muhammad and his Ummah: In the name of Allah. Allah is the greatest". He then slaughtered the rams. (Ahmed, Abu Daud, Ibne Majah)

Hazrat Ayesha radiyallahu anha reports that the Apostle of Allah said, "The son of Adam does not perform any actions on the day of sacrifice which is more pleasing to Allah than the shedding of blood. He will come on the day of resurrection with its hair, horns and hooves, and the blood certainly will fall in a place near Allah before it falls on the ground. So, make yourselves purified there with. (Tirmizi, Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Zaid bin Arkam reports that the Companions of Rasulullah asked him: " Ya Rasulullah, what is this sacrifice?" He said: "it is the way of your fore father Ibrahim ." They asked: what (reward) is for us therein?" He replied: "There is a reward for every hair (i.e. the reward for meat and useful parts of the animal’s body will be very lofty in merit, but there will also be a great reward for the parts which are useless and thrown away such as the hair)."

They asked: "For the wool, Ya Rasulullah?" He replied: "There is one reward for every strand of wool." (Ahmed, Ibn Majah)

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF ‘QURBANI’?

Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmaani states that the philosophy behind ‘Udhiya’ is that it is a demonstration of total submission to Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah’s will or command. When a Muslim offers a ‘Udhiya’ this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the ‘Udhiya’ offered signifies that he is a slave of Allah at his best. And that he would not hesitate even for a moment once he receives an absolute command from his Creator to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions.

This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim did.

Apparently, there was no reason why a father should slaughter his innocent son. But, when the command came from Allah, he never asked the reason to that command, nor did he hesitate to obey it.

This is the true philosophy of ‘Qurbani’.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF ‘QURBANI’?

This act of ‘Udhiya’ is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Ibrahim . When he, in pursuance to a command of Allah Ta’ala conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son Ismail and actually did so, but Allah Almighty after testing him of his submission, sent down a ram and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim.

Concerning this incident the Glorious Quran says:

"And when he attained the age of running with him (Ibrahim), he said: "O my son verily I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering thee, so look, considerest thou?" He said: "O my father! Do that which thou art commanded, thou shalt find me, Allah willing, of the patients."

"Then when the two submitted themselves and had prostrated him on his temple."

"We cried unto him: "O Ibrahim! Of a surety thou hast fulfilled the vision. Verily We! That was a trial manifest. And We ransomed him with a mighty victim. And We left for him among the posterity. Peace be unto Ibrahim. Verily We! Thus we compense the well doers. Verily he was one of Our believing bondsmen." (37:102-111)

Thus this very incident is also the origin of ‘Takbeer-e-Tashreeq’.

Eminent jurispudents have stated that the origin of the ‘Takbeer-e-Tasreeq’ is when the Prophet Ibrahim made Hazrat Ismail lie down, Allah ordered Hazrat Jibraeel to take along a ‘fidyah’(ransom) and when Hazrat Jibraeel arrived there, he feared that Hazrat Ibrahim would slaughter Ismail and so he began shouting "Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar."

Hearing his voice, Prophet Ibrahim took it as a glad tiding and exclaimed, "Laa ilaaha allallahu wallahu akbar."

Hazrat Ismail also came to know that the ‘fidyah’ arrived and he got up saying, "Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd," and began to eulogise and thank Allah.

WHAT IS ‘UDHUIYA’ (QURBANI)?

‘Udhiya’ is an Arabic word meaning "blood sacrifice", and ‘Qurbani’ is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word "Qurban" which literally means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.

The sacrifice of an animal has always been a recognised form of worship in many religions, but in the ‘Shariah’ (Islamic sacred law) of our beloved Prophet the sacrifice of an animal has been recognised as a form of worship only during the three days of the month Zulhijjah, namely the 10th, 11th, and 12th .

Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Quran:

"Verily, We have granted you (O Muhammad ) Al- Kauthar (a river in paradise),

So pray on to thy lord and sacrifice. For he who makes you angry will be cut off."

(Surah 10

"And the camels! We have appointed them among the ceremonies of Allah, therein ye have good!"

Of all of the physical and spiritual worships the greatest is ‘salaah’, and among the worships concerning wealth, sacrifice holds a distinguished position, because the original spirit of sacrifice was to sacrifice the soul. The replacement of an animal was made due to some reasons, as it is clear from the story of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail . That is why in other places in the Quran the mention of ‘salaah’ is made together with ‘Qurbani’. (Tafseer-E-Usmaani)

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani is the act of offering a sacrifice to show one’s gratitude to Allah (swt) during Eid al-Adha. It also ensures that the needy and the poor people are provided.

Once the companions of Prophet Muhammad (saws) asked him: “O Prophet of Allah! What is this Qurbani?” To this, Prophet Muhammad replied: “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (as).” (quoted from Hadith – Ibn Majah).

In Qur’an Allah (swt) says: “It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Qur'an 22:37)

It is since the time of Ibrahim (as) that the act of Qurbani has been performed. The act also commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son, who was actually replaced by an animal during the time of Qurbani.

What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?

Essentially, there is no difference between the two terms. Udhiyah is the term used by the Arabs and Qurbani is used in Urdu and several other languages. Qurbani is far more popular among the Muslims of UK and hence, we use the word instead of Udhiyah.

Is Qurbani obligatory?

Yes, Qurbani is obligatory for Muslims who are above the age of puberty and are sane and have a minimum wealth level.

Which animals can be sacrificed?

The animals which can be sacrificed during Qurbani are sheep, camel, goat and cattle. The animals can be either male or female. Other types of animals are not allowed. In addition to this, the other factors which are to be maintained are:

The animals must be in good health and they should not have any kind of deformities or illness.

Sheep and goats must at least be 1 year old.

Cattle must be at least 2 years old.

Camel must be at least 5 years old.

What are Qurbani shares?

Qurbani animals have shares. Sheep and cattle have one share whereas camel and cattle have seven shares. This means that for a single person, Qurbani must be performed with sheep or goat and in case of cattle or camel, seven people must share and purchase one cow or one camel and the sacrifice will be made for seven people at a time. In either cases, the reward remains the same.

What happens to the Qurbani sacrifice?

Normally, the meat of the Qurbani sacrifice must be shared between the family members of the person performing qurbani, his/her relatives, friends and poor people. In most of the western countries, it is very difficult to perform Qurbani and at the same time, finding poor and needy people is also challenge because they are fewer in number. Hence, it is permitted to pay for Qurbani in a different country on one’s behalf and the Qurbani sacrifice is completely distributed among the poor people.

Qurbani Foundation ensures that Qurbani is performed in the country that you choose (or in a country where it is most needed) and distribute the meat of the sacrifice to the needy and poor people.

How much does a Qurbani cost?

The act of performing Qurbani involves the purchase of an animal and hence, the cost will invariably differ from one country to the other.

How can I donate a Qurbani?

Qurbani can be donated over the phone or online. For online donation, it is very important to ensure that the donation is made two days prior to Eid al-Adha so that we have the processing time. In case of telephone donations, you can actually call till the actual day of Eid al-Adha. Qurbani will still be performed timely.

Must I do anything special if I intend to offer a sacrifice?

If you are intending to offer a Qurbani sacrifice, you need to make sure that during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah, you do not cut your nails or hair or even remove your skin parts. In case you do any of these, you cannot offer a Qurbani sacrifice.

About Id/Eid Service

The word `Id (from `ada, he or it returned) is literally "the time of return of joy and of grief" (LL), and hence it comes to indicate of a festival or a periodical festival. The word `Id itself occurs in the Holy Qur'an only in connection with the prayer of Jesus for bread for his disciples in the sense of an ever-recurring happiness (5 : 114). There are two festivals among the Muslims (h. 3), the festival of sacrifices, called `Id al-Adzha, (dzuha meaning early part of the day, and dzahha, he sacrificed a victim in the time of dzuha), and the festival of breaking fasts, called `Id al-Fitr (fatara meaning he split a thing, and aftara, he broke the fast). In the Holy Qur'an, a reference to `Id al-Adzha is contained in the course of the mention of the sacrifices which is the chief feature of that day (v. 1-2).

The dates for the two `Ids are determined with reference to the appearance of the two moon, and hence certain rules are laid down when there is doubt about it (hh. 1, 2). The festivals start, not with any physical enjoyment (h. 3). A sermon is delivered by the imam after two rak`ahs of prayer have been said, and stress is laid in it on matters relating to the welfare of the community (hh. 3, 4). No adhan is delivered, nor the iqamah; a number of additional takbirs is, however, pronounced during the service (hh. 5, 6). Women and children are also required to join in the service and listen to the sermon (hh. 7, 8). The `Id service is held wherever there is a number of Muslims, whether it is a town or a village or a solitary place (h. 8). In the `Id al-Fitr it is necessary to take some food before going out to pray (h. 9). The taking of a bath is also necessary (h. 10). The `Id prayer should be said at an early hour, say be breakfast time (h. 11). The Holy Prophet generally took a different route on returning from the place of prayer (h. 12). Sacrifice should not be offered until prayer has been said (h. 13). Everyone who has the means is required to sacrifice an animal (h. 14). Some details regarding the animals to be sacrificed are given in (hh. 15, 16). One goat or one sheep is sufficient for one man or one household, but seven men may be partners in one cow or one camel (h. 17). The animals may be sacrificed either on the day of `Id or on the two following days (h. 18). A part of the meat of the animal sacrificed is distributed among the poor, and the price of the skin must be devoted to charitable objects (H. xviii : 26). A charitable institution is also connected with the `Id al-Fitr in the form of Fitr charity which must be collected at a central place and then distributed (hh. 19-20). When the `Id occurs on a Friday, the Friday service becomes optional (h. 21). A little music or sport is not prohibited on the `Id day (h. 22).

Ount ( Camel ) ki qurbani Ka Tareeqa

Eid-ul-Azha ke Din Khaas kernay walay Qaam

Ye sub Ed-ul-Azha ke din kerain:

1. subha jaldi uthain.

2. miswak kerain aur bath lain.

3. acha libaas pahnain.

4. khushboo lagayain.

5. eid ki nimaz se pelhay kuch mat khayain.

6. eidgah ki teruf jaatay huay oonchi awaaz ma takbir kahain.

Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar

La-Ilaha ill-Allah

wa-Allah-u Akbar, Allah-u Akbar

wa-lillah-il-hamd

7. 2 rakaht Eid ul Azha ki nimaz eidgah main parhain.,

8. sermon (Kutbah) nimaz ke bahd sunana sunnah hai.

9. doseray different rastay se ghar aatay huay logon ko milain aur mubarik dain eid ki,aur Qurbani kerain.

10.qurbaani ka goosht poor,friends,relatives aur neighbours ko dain plus qurbaani ka meat ghar ma pakayain aur khud bhi khayain.

Qurbani - Sacrifice

Eid-ul-azha qareeb aa raha hai, sab se pehle to meri traf se forum muslims ko aur tamam ahle watan ko advance Eid Mubarak.

Eid-ul-azha Hazrat Adam AS k bête Hazrat Ismail AS ki qurbani ki yaad main manaie jaati hai, aur usi qurbani ko taza rakhne k lie har sahib-e-istita’at muslim par (Halal) janwar ki qurbani wajib ki gaie hai.

Wese to har muslim es din qurbani k lie koi na koi janwar qurbani k lie maidan main late hain, lekin bohot kam khush naseeb log hote hain jin ki qurbani Allah ko qabool hoti hai, ho sakta hai k main ne ye sentence likh kar ghalti ki ho lekin aaj kal k halaat aur logon ki niaton ko dek kar aisa lagta hai k shaied aisa hi hota hai.