Why is NZF getting involved with Qurbani?
Strictly speaking, there is no direct link between Zakat and Qurbani. Therefore, as a Zakat institution, we have previously signposted those of you who wanted to do Qurbani locally to another organisation that was directly engaged in this effort but unfortunately is no longer offering this service. Given the circumstances, Euro Quality Lambs Ltd – a reputable supplier and long-standing supporter of NZF’s work – was proactive in approaching NZF to see if we wanted to offer the opportunity for local Charity Qurbanis to our Zakat payers and so we’ve done exactly that!
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani or Udhiyyah as it is also known, refers to the act of sacrificing a particular type of animal as an act of devotion to Allah. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims who have the financial means slaughter a special animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel and share one third or more of the meat with the poor and needy.
Who should offer Qurbani?
A Muslim who is of means is meant to offer the Qurbani. If the cost of Qurbani is surplus to your needs and the needs of those on whom you spend, then it would be prescribed for you to offer the Qurbani. This is usually undertaken by the head of the household.
Is Qurbani obligatory?
All the scholars of Islam agree on the Qurbani being legislated by Allah upon us as Muslims. The only difference in this regard pertains to whether it is obligatory or highly emphasised, with the Hanafi school opining that it is obligatory and the other three sunni schools being of the view that it is highly recommended. Undoubtedly it is better and safer to strive to have a Qurbani done if one is able.
How much does Qurbani cost?
Please note, NZF will be offering Qurbani of lambs only. A whole lamb will weigh on average 18kg and will cost £111.
Will I be able to collect the meat?
NZF will be delivering the meat direct to recipients on behalf of our donors.
Who will the Qurbani be distributed to?
Through this programme we will deliver Qurbani to approximately 300 brothers and sisters that we have identified from our Zakat applicants, including those residing within the NZF shelters.
What are the virtues of the Qurbani?
Qurbani is offered as an act of devotion to Allah and obedience to Him. The Qur’an informs us that “neither its meat nor its blood reaches Allah, but what does reach Him is your Taqwa [embodied in the offering].” [22:37]
When is Qurbani performed?
The sacrifice is to be done within the days of the Eid al Adha: 10th, 11th or 12th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
Qurbanis purchased through NZF will be carried out on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah which will either be on Friday 25th or Saturday 26th September 2015, depending on the sighting of the moon and confirmation of Eid.
How many Qurbanis should be offered per household?
The Hanafi school states that a separate Qurbani should be done per person. The Maliki and Hanbali schools purport that the Qurbani is prescribed per household. Thus a single ram/sheep/goat sacrifice is sufficient for the person paying for the sacrifice and his/her household or dependents.
Is it allowed to do more than one Qurbani?
You may wish to undertake one Qurbani in the UK and one abroad as an example and this is permissible. It is allowed to do more than one sacrifice as the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself carried out multiple Qurbanis.
Where should I do my Qurbani – in the UK or abroad?
The Hanafi school understood that transferring Qurbani from one country to another held the same ruling of transferring Zakat; both are detested unless it is for one’s kith or kin, or for a people who are more severely in need than those residing in his/her own country.
The Maliki, Shafi, Hanbali schools opined that it is permissible to transport the Qurbani from the land wherein the money is held, for less than the distance whereby prayers may be shortened due to travel; but it is haram to transport it for more than that, similar to Zakat – it is nonetheless still deemed as being a valid sacrifice.
Is it is better for a person to slaughter Qurbani himself/herself?
In principle it is better as that was the Prophetic example. However legislation within the EU states that only qualified individuals with permits may carry out the slaughter. The scholars of Islam point out that it is permissible to appoint another Muslim to slaughter the sacrifice on one’s behalf. NZF Qurbani will be undertaken by an approved and certified slaughter house.
Will the animal skin be distributed in addition to the meat?
As our beneficiaries will not have any need of the animal skin, NZF will give the skins from the Qurbanis to the slaughter house.
Can I shave/trim my hair and nails during the ten days of Dhul Hijah?
The Prophet (upon whom be peace) instructed: “When the ten (days of Dhul-Hijjah) begin, and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let nothing touch his hair or skin.” [Muslim] You should not cut or trim hair and/or nails until the Qurbani is known to have been offered. Qurbanis purchased through NZF will be carried out on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Moreover if you are undertaking more than one Qurbani, the hair/nails may be trimmed after the first slaughter and one does not need to wait until the last slaughter has been carried out before doing so. If a person offering the Qurbani does cut or trim hair and/or nails accidentally or deliberately before the Qurbani takes place, then the Qurbani is still valid. However the person will according to some scholars have incurred the sin of doing so and should seek Allah’s forgiveness.
