Qurbaani (sacrifice/offering) rulings:
Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) and Eid-ul-Adha (the festival of sacrifice feast) being the two significant days in Islam, basing on the same has two type of charity. Similar to Zakatul-Fitr made obligatory on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast), udhiya/qurbaani is obligatory during Eid-ul-Adha (the festival of sacrifice feast). Slaughtering sheep, cow, camel, etc for the sake of Creator is what is called as qurbaani. Let us see this qurbaani’s rulings.Prophet Ibrahim who had a dream sacrificing his son, while he was attempting to fulfil that, the Creator had stopped that made a sheep to be sacrificed. When the Prophet Ibrahim dreamed that he had sacrificed his son and tried to fulfill it, the Lord hindered it and sacrificed a goat. This history is mentioned in chapters 37 to chapter 102 to 108. At the end of it we are told, "We have left the practice with the following people."
لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ - 22:28
That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.
URL reference : https://quran.com/22/28
In this verse, Allah uses the word ‘anAAam’ while mentioning the animals meant for qurbaani. ‘anAAam’ refers to sheeps, cows and camels. Hence, sheeps, cows and camels are ought to be offered as qurbaani.
Days when qurbaani ought to be offered:
For whom it is duty bound to give qurbaani, the qurbaani should be offered only after the end of the Eid prayer. If offered before the Eid prayer that shall not be considered as qurbaani as per the time limit set by Prophet Muhammad (saws).
حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ، عَنِ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ خَطَبَنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ الأَضْحَى بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ " مَنْ صَلَّى صَلاَتَنَا وَنَسَكَ نُسُكَنَا فَقَدْ أَصَابَ النُّسُكَ، وَمَنْ نَسَكَ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّهُ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ، وَلاَ نُسُكَ لَهُ ". فَقَالَ أَبُو بُرْدَةَ بْنُ نِيَارٍ خَالُ الْبَرَاءِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَإِنِّي نَسَكْتُ شَاتِي قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ، وَعَرَفْتُ أَنَّ الْيَوْمَ يَوْمُ أَكْلٍ وَشُرْبٍ، وَأَحْبَبْتُ أَنْ تَكُونَ شَاتِي أَوَّلَ مَا يُذْبَحُ فِي بَيْتِي، فَذَبَحْتُ شَاتِي وَتَغَدَّيْتُ قَبْلَ أَنْ آتِيَ الصَّلاَةَ. قَالَ " شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ ". قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَإِنَّ عِنْدَنَا عَنَاقًا لَنَا جَذَعَةً هِيَ أَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ مِنْ شَاتَيْنِ، أَفَتَجْزِي عَنِّي قَالَ " نَعَمْ، وَلَنْ تَجْزِيَ عَنْ أَحَدٍ بَعْدَكَ ".
Narrated Al-Bara' bin `Azib:
The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered the Khutba after offering the prayer on the Day of Nahr and said, "Whoever offers the prayer like us and slaughters like us then his Nusuk (sacrifice) will be accepted by Allah. And whoever slaughters his sacrifice before the `Id prayer then he has not done the sacrifice." Abi Burda bin Niyar, the uncle of Al-Bara' said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I have slaughtered my sheep before the `Id prayer and I thought today as a day of eating and drinking (not alcoholic drinks), and I liked that my sheep should be the first to be slaughtered in my house. So slaughtered my sheep and took my food before coming for the prayer." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sheep which you have slaughtered is just mutton (not a Nusuk)." He (Abu Burda) said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I have a young she-goat which is dearer to me than two sheep. Will that be sufficient as a Nusuk on my behalf? "The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Yes, it will be sufficient for you but it will not be sufficient (as a Nusuk) for anyone else after you."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 955
In-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 7
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 75
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/13/7
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا مُطَرِّفٌ، عَنْ عَامِرٍ، عَنِ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ ضَحَّى خَالٌ لِي يُقَالُ لَهُ أَبُو بُرْدَةَ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ، فَقَالَ لَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ ". فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ عِنْدِي دَاجِنًا جَذَعَةً مِنَ الْمَعَزِ. قَالَ " اذْبَحْهَا وَلَنْ تَصْلُحَ لِغَيْرِكَ ". ثُمَّ قَالَ " مَنْ ذَبَحَ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّمَا يَذْبَحُ لِنَفْسِهِ، وَمَنْ ذَبَحَ بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ فَقَدْ تَمَّ نُسُكُهُ، وَأَصَابَ سُنَّةَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ ". تَابَعَهُ عُبَيْدَةُ عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ. وَتَابَعَهُ وَكِيعٌ عَنْ حُرَيْثٍ عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ. وَقَالَ عَاصِمٌ وَدَاوُدُ عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ عِنْدِي عَنَاقُ لَبَنٍ. وَقَالَ زُبَيْدٌ وَفِرَاسٌ عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ عِنْدِي جَذَعَةٌ. وَقَالَ أَبُو الأَحْوَصِ حَدَّثَنَا مَنْصُورٌ عَنَاقٌ جَذَعَةٌ. وَقَالَ ابْنُ عَوْنٍ عَنَاقٌ جَذَعٌ، عَنَاقُ لَبَنٍ.
Narrated Al-Bara' bin `Azib:
An uncle of mine called Abu Burda, slaughtered his sacrifice before the `Id prayer. So Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him, "Your (slaughtered) sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice)." Abu Burda said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have got a domestic kid." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will not be permissible for anybody other than you" The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "Whoever slaughtered his sacrifice before the (`Id) prayer, he only slaughtered for himself, and whoever slaughtered it after the prayer, he offered his sacrifice properly and followed the tradition of the Muslims."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5556
In-book reference : Book 73, Hadith 12
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 68, Hadith 463
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/73/12
From this hadith we get to know that the start time for qurbaani is right after finishing the Eid prayer. No just on the day of Eid-ul-Adha, the then following three days on 11th, 12th and 13th day are also suitable for giving qurbaani. Those who did not give on the day of Eid, can give the qurbaani on the the then following three days.
لِّيَشْهَدُوا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الْأَنْعَامِ ۖ فَكُلُوا مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا الْبَائِسَ الْفَقِيرَ - 22:28
That they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.
URL reference : https://quran.com/22/28
In the Quran verse “they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days..”, while pondering on this we get to know that qurbaani can be offered on known days. Without the need of explaining the specific days, Allah mentions the known days.
The acts associated to Hajj are performed until the three days following the day of Eid-ul-Adha. This is something that is known for all Hajees (one who performs Hajj). Therefore, the known days refers to 10, 11, 12, 13 days indeed. Since this is something that is known by laymen, Allah refers to as known days.
Therefore from this verse until the 13th moon day the qurbaani can be offered is understood.
The method to cut:
While cutting the qurbaani animal Prophet Muhammad (saws) had said bismillahi wallahu 'akbar and then cut.
حَدَّثَنَا هَارُونُ بْنُ مَعْرُوفٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ وَهْبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ حَيْوَةُ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو صَخْرٍ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ قُسَيْطٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ بْنِ الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَمَرَ بِكَبْشٍ أَقْرَنَ يَطَأُ فِي سَوَادٍ وَيَبْرُكُ فِي سَوَادٍ وَيَنْظُرُ فِي سَوَادٍ فَأُتِيَ بِهِ لِيُضَحِّيَ بِهِ فَقَالَ لَهَا " يَا عَائِشَةُ هَلُمِّي الْمُدْيَةَ " . ثُمَّ قَالَ " اشْحَذِيهَا بِحَجَرٍ " . فَفَعَلَتْ ثُمَّ أَخَذَهَا وَأَخَذَ الْكَبْشَ فَأَضْجَعَهُ ثُمَّ ذَبَحَهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ " بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنْ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَمِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ " . ثُمَّ ضَحَّى بِهِ .
'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to 'A'isha:
Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: Bismillah, Allah-humma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa Al-i-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin (In the name of Allah," O Allah, accept [this sacrifice] on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Umma of Muhammad" ).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1967
In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 28
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 22, Hadith 4845
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/muslim/35/28
In another report in the Muslim book, it is mentioned as Prophet Muhammad (saws) has said “bismillahi wallahu 'akbar”.
In Bukhari it is mentioned as Prophet Muhammad (saws) has said bismillah and takbeer.
Therefore, the one who cuts should say bismillahi wallahu 'akbar and then cut. Along with that the knife should be kept sharpened.
How many goats/sheeps?
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَهَّابِ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ أَبِي قِلاَبَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم انْكَفَأَ إِلَى كَبْشَيْنِ أَقْرَنَيْنِ أَمْلَحَيْنِ فَذَبَحَهُمَا بِيَدِهِ. تَابَعَهُ وُهَيْبٌ عَنْ أَيُّوبَ. وَقَالَ إِسْمَاعِيلُ وَحَاتِمُ بْنُ وَرْدَانَ عَنْ أَيُّوبَ عَنِ ابْنِ سِيرِينَ عَنْ أَنَسٍ.
Narrated Anas:
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came towards two horned rams having black and white colors and slaughtered them with his own hands.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5554
In-book reference : Book 73, Hadith 10
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 68, Hadith 461
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/73/10
We should not come to the understanding that since Prophet Muhammad (saws) gave two sheeps, we too must give two sheeps as qurbaani. As, there is another report informing that Prophet Muhammad (saws) himself saying that, among those two sheeps offered as qurbaani one was for him and the other was for his civilization/community. Since, no one has the responsibility for offering to the civilization other than Prophet Muhammad (saws), it is sufficient to offer one sheep for himself and his family.
Abid bin Hifz, the companion of Prophet Muhammad (saws) had offered only one goat on behalf of himself and for his family, which is recorded in Bukhari.
Moreover, we can know how was the practice during the time of Prophet Muhammad (saws) from the following report.
حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ مُوسَى، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ الْحَنَفِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنِي عُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، يَقُولُ سَأَلْتُ أَبَا أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيَّ كَيْفَ كَانَتِ الضَّحَايَا عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ كَانَ الرَّجُلُ يُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ عَنْهُ وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ فَيَأْكُلُونَ وَيُطْعِمُونَ حَتَّى تَبَاهَى النَّاسُ فَصَارَتْ كَمَا تَرَى . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ . وَعُمَارَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ هُوَ مَدَنِيٌّ وَقَدْ رَوَى عَنْهُ مَالِكُ بْنُ أَنَسٍ . وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَى هَذَا عِنْدَ بَعْضِ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ أَحْمَدَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَاحْتَجَّا بِحَدِيثِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ ضَحَّى بِكَبْشٍ فَقَالَ " هَذَا عَمَّنْ لَمْ يُضَحِّ مِنْ أُمَّتِي " . وَقَالَ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ لاَ تُجْزِئُ الشَّاةُ إِلاَّ عَنْ نَفْسٍ وَاحِدَةٍ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الْمُبَارَكِ وَغَيْرِهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ .
Narrated 'Ata bin Yasar:
"I asked Abu Abyub [Al-Ansari] how the slaughtering was done during the time of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: 'A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household. They would eat from it and feed others, until the people (later) would boast about it and it became as you see now."
Grade : Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1505
In-book reference : Book 19, Hadith 16
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 17, Hadith 1505
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/19/16
وَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ عُمَارَةَ بْنِ صَيَّادٍ، أَنَّ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيَّ أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ كُنَّا نُضَحِّي بِالشَّاةِ الْوَاحِدَةِ يَذْبَحُهَا الرَّجُلُ عَنْهُ وَعَنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ ثُمَّ تَبَاهَى النَّاسُ بَعْدُ فَصَارَتْ مُبَاهَاةً .
Yahya related to me from Malik from Umara ibn Yasar that Ata ibn Yasar told him that Abu Ayyub al-Ansari had told him, "We used to sacrifice one sheep, and a man sacrificed for himself and his family. Then later on people began to compete with each other and it became boasting."
Malik said, "The best that I have heard about a single camel, cow or sheep, is that a man should sacrifice a camel for himself and his family. He sacrifices a cow or sheep which he owns for his family, and shares with them in it. It is disapproved for a group of people to buy a camel, cow or sheep, to share for the ritual and sacrifices, each man giving a share of its price, and taking a share of its meat. We have heard the tradition that people do not share in the ritual. However, it may be that the people of one household can share."
Reference : Muwatta Malik
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 23, Hadith 10
Arabic reference : Book 23, Hadith 1040
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/urn/410620
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سَيْفُ بْنُ أَبِي سُلَيْمَانَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ مُجَاهِدًا، يَقُولُ حَدَّثَنِي ابْنُ أَبِي لَيْلَى، أَنَّ عَلِيًّا ـ رضى الله عنه ـ حَدَّثَهُ قَالَ أَهْدَى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِائَةَ بَدَنَةٍ، فَأَمَرَنِي بِلُحُومِهَا فَقَسَمْتُهَا، ثُمَّ أَمَرَنِي بِجِلاَلِهَا فَقَسَمْتُهَا، ثُمَّ بِجُلُودِهَا فَقَسَمْتُهَا.
Narrated `Ali:
The Prophet (ﷺ) offered one hundred Budn as Hadi and ordered me to distribute their meat (in charity) and I did so. Then he ordered me to distribute their covering sheets in charity and I did so. Then he ordered me to distribute their skins in charity and I did so.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1718
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 196
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 776
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/25/196
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مَالِكٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُ - قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ أَبِي الزُّبَيْرِ عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ نَحَرْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَامَ الْحُدَيْبِيَةِ الْبَدَنَةَ عَنْ سَبْعَةٍ وَالْبَقَرَةَ عَنْ سَبْعَةٍ .
Jabir b. 'Abdullah (Allah be pleased with him) reported:
In the year of Hudaibiya (6 H ), we, along with Allah's Messenger (way peace be upon him), sacrificed a camel for seven persons and a cow for seven persons.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1318 a
In-book reference : Book 15, Hadith 389
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 7, Hadith 3024
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/muslim/15/389
So it can be understood from these that if a person sacrifices only one goat for himself and his family, his obligation is completed. At the same time, there is no prohibition against giving more than one. The Prophet (PBUH) sacrificed a hundred camels.
Performing distribution:
Prophet Muhammad (saws) had initially instructed not to store the qurbaani meat beyond three days. Once the poverty which was prevalent among Muslims during the initial days got away with, when there was economic prosperity, Prophet Muhammad (saws) had allowed by saying you can eat and save it as much as needed. This is recorded in the Bukhari hadith (see below).
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي عُبَيْدٍ، عَنْ سَلَمَةَ بْنِ الأَكْوَعِ، قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَنْ ضَحَّى مِنْكُمْ فَلاَ يُصْبِحَنَّ بَعْدَ ثَالِثَةٍ وَفِي بَيْتِهِ مِنْهُ شَىْءٌ ". فَلَمَّا كَانَ الْعَامُ الْمُقْبِلُ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ نَفْعَلُ كَمَا فَعَلْنَا عَامَ الْمَاضِي قَالَ " كُلُوا وَأَطْعِمُوا وَادَّخِرُوا فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ الْعَامَ كَانَ بِالنَّاسِ جَهْدٌ فَأَرَدْتُ أَنْ تُعِينُوا فِيهَا ".
Narrated Salama bin Al-Aqua':
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever has slaughtered a sacrifice should not keep anything of Its meat after three days." When it was the next year the people said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Shall we do as we did last year?" He said, ' Eat of it and feed of it to others and store of it for in that year the people were having a hard time and I wanted you to help (the needy).
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5569
In-book reference : Book 73, Hadith 25
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 68, Hadith 476
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/73/25
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَطَاءٌ، سَمِعَ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يَقُولُ كُنَّا لاَ نَأْكُلُ مِنْ لُحُومِ بُدْنِنَا فَوْقَ ثَلاَثِ مِنًى، فَرَخَّصَ لَنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ " كُلُوا وَتَزَوَّدُوا ". فَأَكَلْنَا وَتَزَوَّدْنَا. قُلْتُ لِعَطَاءٍ أَقَالَ حَتَّى جِئْنَا الْمَدِينَةَ قَالَ لاَ.
Narrated Ibn Juraij:
`Ata' said, "I heard Jabir bin `Abdullah saying, 'We never ate the meat of the Budn for more than three days of Mina. Later, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave us permission by saying: 'Eat and take (meat) with you. So we ate (some) and took (some) with us.' " I asked `Ata', "Did Jabir say (that they went on eating the meat) till they reached Medina?" `Ata' replied, "No."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1719
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 197
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 777
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/25/197
Moreover there is a report in Bukhari announced by Jabir (rah) that qurbaani meat of the goat that was offered in Mecca was taken to Madina towards Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Therefore, one who wants to offer qurbaani should give to the poor and the remaining can be stored. From this hadith we also understand that the qurbaani meat can be taken to other places as well.
حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي الْحَسَنُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، وَعَبْدُ الْكَرِيمِ الْجَزَرِيُّ، أَنَّ مُجَاهِدًا، أَخْبَرَهُمَا أَنَّ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ أَبِي لَيْلَى أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ عَلِيًّا ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَمَرَهُ أَنْ يَقُومَ عَلَى بُدْنِهِ، وَأَنْ يَقْسِمَ بُدْنَهُ كُلَّهَا، لُحُومَهَا وَجُلُودَهَا وَجِلاَلَهَا، وَلاَ يُعْطِيَ فِي جِزَارَتِهَا شَيْئًا.
Narrated `Ali:
The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered me to supervise the (slaughtering) of Budn (Hadi camel) and to distribute their meat, skins and covering sheets in charity and not to give anything (of their bodies) to the butcher as wages for slaughtering.
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 1717
In-book reference : Book 25, Hadith 195
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 775
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/25/195
From this hadith we see that the wages for the one who cuts, removes the skin should be given separately and one should not give any part of qurbaani animal as wages.
Some say that the one who offers qurbaani can keep the meat for himself only without giving it to others. This is against the commandment of Quran. In Chapter Al-Haj 28th verse, Allah commands “So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.” Although there is no specific limit on how much to eat and how much to give for feeding the poor; we should take what is justified and give the rest to the poor.
In some places, there is practice of dividing the qurbaani meat into three portions, where one is kept for himself, the second portion for the relatives and the third portion for the poor. There is no evidence for this by the way of the Prophet.
The qurbaani animals:
We have already highlighted earlier that goats/sheeps, cows, camels and such should be offered as qurbaani.
The qurbaani animals to be offered should not be for just name sake. Instead they should be of good quality.
أَخْبَرَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدٌ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، مَوْلَى بَنِي أَسَدٍ عَنْ أَبِي الضَّحَّاكِ، عُبَيْدِ بْنِ فَيْرُوزَ مَوْلَى بَنِي شَيْبَانَ قَالَ قُلْتُ لِلْبَرَاءِ حَدِّثْنِي عَمَّا، نَهَى عَنْهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ الأَضَاحِي . قَالَ قَامَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَيَدِي أَقْصَرُ مِنْ يَدِهِ فَقَالَ " أَرْبَعٌ لاَ يَجُزْنَ الْعَوْرَاءُ الْبَيِّنُ عَوَرُهَا وَالْمَرِيضَةُ الْبَيِّنُ مَرَضُهَا وَالْعَرْجَاءُ الْبَيِّنُ ظَلْعُهَا وَالْكَسِيرَةُ الَّتِي لاَ تُنْقِي " . قُلْتُ إِنِّي أَكْرَهُ أَنْ يَكُونَ فِي الْقَرْنِ نَقْصٌ وَأَنْ يَكُونَ فِي السِّنِّ نَقْصٌ . قَالَ مَا كَرِهْتَهُ فَدَعْهُ وَلاَ تُحَرِّمْهُ عَلَى أَحَدٍ .
It was narrated that Abu Ad-Dahhak 'Ubaid bin Fairuz, the freed slave of Banu Shaiban, said:
"IU said to Al-Bara bin Azib: 'Tell me of the sacrificial animals that the Messenger of Allah disliked or forbade, He said: The Messenger of Allah stood up, and my hands are shorter than his, and he said: "There are four that will not do as sacrifices: the animals that clearly has one bad eye: the sick animals that is obviously sick; the lame animal with an obvious limp; and the animal that is so emaciated that it is as if three is no marrow in its bones."' I said: "I dislike that the animals should have some fault in its horns or teeth' He said;'what you dislike, forget about it and do not make it for bidden to anyone.""
Grade : Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4369
In-book reference : Book 43, Hadith 9
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 43, Hadith 4374
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/nasai/43/9
Based on this hadith, when obvious clear visible defects/flaws exists, it should be avoided. If minute defects/flaws are there, one who wishes to avoid can avoid that as well. We also understand from this that it is not compulsory to avoid it as well.
Qurbaani animal’s age:
Before this we understood that goats/sheeps, cattle, camels and such only can be given as qurbaani. The animals chosen for qurbaani should have attained certain age which is specified by Prophet Muhammad (saws).
With regards to this lets see some important hadiths that we have.
حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا زُهَيْرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " لاَ تَذْبَحُوا إِلاَّ مُسِنَّةً إِلاَّ أَنْ يَعْسُرَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَتَذْبَحُوا جَذَعَةً مِنَ الضَّأْنِ " .
Jabir reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Sacrifice only a grown-up animal, unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a ram (of even less than a year, but more than six months' age).
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1963
In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 19
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 22, Hadith 4836
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/muslim/35/19
حَدَّثَنَا عُثْمَانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، عَنْ مَنْصُورٍ، عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ، عَنِ الْبَرَاءِ بْنِ عَازِبٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ خَطَبَنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ الأَضْحَى بَعْدَ الصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ " مَنْ صَلَّى صَلاَتَنَا وَنَسَكَ نُسُكَنَا فَقَدْ أَصَابَ النُّسُكَ، وَمَنْ نَسَكَ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّهُ قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ، وَلاَ نُسُكَ لَهُ ". فَقَالَ أَبُو بُرْدَةَ بْنُ نِيَارٍ خَالُ الْبَرَاءِ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَإِنِّي نَسَكْتُ شَاتِي قَبْلَ الصَّلاَةِ، وَعَرَفْتُ أَنَّ الْيَوْمَ يَوْمُ أَكْلٍ وَشُرْبٍ، وَأَحْبَبْتُ أَنْ تَكُونَ شَاتِي أَوَّلَ مَا يُذْبَحُ فِي بَيْتِي، فَذَبَحْتُ شَاتِي وَتَغَدَّيْتُ قَبْلَ أَنْ آتِيَ الصَّلاَةَ. قَالَ " شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ ". قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، فَإِنَّ عِنْدَنَا عَنَاقًا لَنَا جَذَعَةً هِيَ أَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ مِنْ شَاتَيْنِ، أَفَتَجْزِي عَنِّي قَالَ " نَعَمْ، وَلَنْ تَجْزِيَ عَنْ أَحَدٍ بَعْدَكَ ".
Narrated Al-Bara' bin `Azib:
The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered the Khutba after offering the prayer on the Day of Nahr and said, "Whoever offers the prayer like us and slaughters like us then his Nusuk (sacrifice) will be accepted by Allah. And whoever slaughters his sacrifice before the `Id prayer then he has not done the sacrifice." Abi Burda bin Niyar, the uncle of Al-Bara' said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I have slaughtered my sheep before the `Id prayer and I thought today as a day of eating and drinking (not alcoholic drinks), and I liked that my sheep should be the first to be slaughtered in my house. So slaughtered my sheep and took my food before coming for the prayer." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The sheep which you have slaughtered is just mutton (not a Nusuk)." He (Abu Burda) said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I have a young she-goat which is dearer to me than two sheep. Will that be sufficient as a Nusuk on my behalf? "The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Yes, it will be sufficient for you but it will not be sufficient (as a Nusuk) for anyone else after you."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 955
In-book reference : Book 13, Hadith 7
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 2, Book 15, Hadith 75
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/13/7
حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ فَضَالَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى، عَنْ بَعْجَةَ الْجُهَنِيِّ، عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ الْجُهَنِيِّ، قَالَ قَسَمَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بَيْنَ أَصْحَابِهِ ضَحَايَا، فَصَارَتْ لِعُقْبَةَ جَذَعَةٌ. فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَارَتْ جَذَعَةٌ. قَالَ " ضَحِّ بِهَا ".
Narrated `Uqba bin 'Amir Al-Juhani:
that the Prophet (ﷺ) distributed among his companions some animals for sacrifice (to be slaughtered on `Id-al-Adha). `Uqba's share was a Jadha'a (a six month old goat). `Uqba said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I get in my share of Jadha'a (a six month old ram)." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Slaughter it as a sacrifice."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5547
In-book reference : Book 73, Hadith 3
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 68, Hadith 455
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/73/3
وَحَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رُمْحٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الْخَيْرِ، عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَعْطَاهُ غَنَمًا يَقْسِمُهَا عَلَى أَصْحَابِهِ ضَحَايَا فَبَقِيَ عَتُودٌ فَذَكَرَهُ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ " ضَحِّ بِهِ أَنْتَ " . قَالَ قُتَيْبَةُ عَلَى صَحَابَتِهِ .
Uqba b. 'Amir reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) gave the gifts of goats to be distributed amongst his Companions. They sacrificed them, but a lamb of one year of age was left. (Someone) made a mention of that to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), whereupon he said:
You sacrifice it.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1965 a
In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 21
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 22, Hadith 4838
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/muslim/35/21
These three hadiths give sufficient explanation for question on what should the age of the qurbaani animal ought to be.
The first hadith instructs animal of ‘musinnath’ i.e. coming of age to be offered.
There are lot of difference of opinions with regards what is the age of the animal to be ‘musinnath’. All these difference of opinions have known to be meaningless.
‘Musinnath’ signifies the ones which have reached the age to reproduce (sexual maturity). That is similar to how human beings ‘come of age’ (sexual maturity to reproduce), the livestock animals too at a specific age ‘come of age’ (sexual maturity to reproduce).
Here more than the age, it is the ‘coming of age (adolescence transition)’ is what needs to be focussed mainly..
Among human beings the women don’t come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce) in an uniform manner. Some, come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce) at 15 years and some come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce) at 9 years too. Based on their respective places and its climate, family lineage, food habits, economical status and due to many such reason the difference (in coming of age) occur.
Similar to human beings, these differences exist among livestock animals as well. One cannot say the goats/sheeps from Kashmir and Tamil Nadu to come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce) at the same time.
Mostly camels come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce) by 9 years. Cattle by three years. Goats/sheeps by two years. Animals of this age are known as ‘musinnath’. This calculation is a rough number only. In this the number can vary due to many reasons.
Searching partners, teeth falling off for new teeth formations, and such factors are considered by knowledgeable people of this area in determining when they come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce).
When it is said animal of musinnath to be offered, it means to offer animals that have come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce). In our place, the experienced in this field can be consulted to know when goats, sheeps, cow and such come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce).
The state before coming of age is known as ‘jadhwoo’. That is, it means to say it is of the age when it is about to form teeth. While about to form stronger teeth, the teeth that was there since birth would fall off. If teeth fall in that manner, it is called as ‘jadhwoo’. This also differ among goats/sheeps, cattle and camels. Differs from place to place as well.
One can check if the teeth has starting falling off by checking visually. Or can be known by enquiring about it. Roughly by one year of age the teeth can fall off.
In the first hadith Prophet Muhammad (saws) who said to offer the one which have ‘come of age’, if it is difficult to obtain animals which have come of age, then offer animals of state that is just before coming of age.
In the second hadith, Propher Muhammad (saws) said the age of falling of teeth is only for you and is not sufficent for others. This might appear like it is going against the first hadith.
The first hadith saying if one is unable to obtain ‘jadhwoo’ can be offered, and the second hadith says except for that companion others should not be giving it.
In the third hadith the companion of the Prophet by name Uqba was also allowed (for ‘jadhwoo’). This goes against the hadith referring where it is not allowed anyone else other than you.
The second hadith should be taken such that it is to be followed ideally in best case. Since you were not aware of the ruling and had sacrificed early, giving ‘jadhwoo’ would also get the reward of ‘musinnath’. Others would not get that reward. If ‘jadhwoo’ is offered, only the reward of ‘jadhwoo’ would be achieved; this understanding would not show contradiction among hadiths.
As much as possible one should give the animals which have come of age (sexual maturity to reproduce). If it could not be obtained or do not have the capacity to buy such, at least the one which has fallen teeth (‘jadhwoo’) should be offered. If it is understood in this manner, there is no contradiction.
Male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) and female goats/sheeps (ewe/dam/nanny/doe):
Muslims view male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) and female goats/sheeps (ewe/dam/nanny/doe) differently. In some places, it is considered as if eating male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) is not permissible in the religion.
Even normal days when people who have opinion that male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) should not be eaten, during qurbaani they think that male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) are not qualified to be offered. Seeing even one person offering male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) is hard in Tamil Nadu.
With regards to this what does the religion say, is important.as well for us to know about.
Muslims should first believe that among the ones permissible to eat, male goats/sheeps (ram/billy/buck) and female goats/sheeps (ewe/dam/nanny/doe), male cattle (bull) and female cattle (cow), male chicken (hen) and female chicken (rooster/cock) and all such are equals. The ones who accept this among poultry birds are hesitant to accept for livestock animals.
Neither Quran says that only female goats/sheeps (ewe/dam/nanny/doe) are qualified for offering sacrifice. Nor the holy words of Prophet Muhammad (saws) say such.
Adding to this, while referring about qurbaani, similar to the masculine form ‘jadhwoo’, the feminine ‘jadh-ath’ is also mentioned. The masculine form ‘musin’ and the feminine form ‘musinnath’ is also mentioned. Therefore, there is no evidence to say that only male livestock animal has to be offered.
Things not to be done by the one who gives qurbaani:
أَخْبَرَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ سَلْمٍ الْبَلْخِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا النَّضْرُ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ شُمَيْلٍ - قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " مَنْ رَأَى هِلاَلَ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ فَأَرَادَ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ فَلاَ يَأْخُذْ مِنْ شَعْرِهِ وَلاَ مِنْ أَظْفَارِهِ حَتَّى يُضَحِّيَ " .
It was narrated from Ummm Salamah that the Prophet said:
"Whoever sees the new crescent of Dhul-Hijjah and wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove any of his hair or nails until he has offered the sacrifice."
Grade : Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4361
In-book reference : Book 43, Hadith 1
English translation : Vol. 5, Book 43, Hadith 4366
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/nasai/43/1
To perform cutting by oneself with own hands:
Prophet Muhammad (saws) was cutting with own hands while giving qurbaani in Madina. This is mentioned in Bukhari, Muslim and many other books. So, one who knows to cut, instead of others it is best to cut by oneself with his hands (while giving qurbaani).
Giving qurbaani from the common public treasury/finance:
Apart from the well to do people, Prophet Muhammad (saws) had arranged the options for the economically disadvantaged people as well. Due to the economic policy that was implemented by him, the state treasury had begun to accumulate enormous funds. A community that could not afford to have a meal continuously for two days had achieved a great economic prosperity.
In this manner, during the time of economic prosperity Prophet Muhammad (saws) provided qurbaani animals to people who wished to offer qurbaani.
حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ فَضَالَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامٌ، عَنْ يَحْيَى، عَنْ بَعْجَةَ الْجُهَنِيِّ، عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ الْجُهَنِيِّ، قَالَ قَسَمَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بَيْنَ أَصْحَابِهِ ضَحَايَا، فَصَارَتْ لِعُقْبَةَ جَذَعَةٌ. فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَارَتْ جَذَعَةٌ. قَالَ " ضَحِّ بِهَا ".
Narrated `Uqba bin 'Amir Al-Juhani:
that the Prophet (ﷺ) distributed among his companions some animals for sacrifice (to be slaughtered on `Id-al-Adha). `Uqba's share was a Jadha'a (a six month old goat). `Uqba said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I get in my share of Jadha'a (a six month old ram)." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Slaughter it as a sacrifice."
Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 5547
In-book reference : Book 73, Hadith 3
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 7, Book 68, Hadith 455
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/bukhari/73/3
وَحَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رُمْحٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الْخَيْرِ، عَنْ عُقْبَةَ بْنِ عَامِرٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَعْطَاهُ غَنَمًا يَقْسِمُهَا عَلَى أَصْحَابِهِ ضَحَايَا فَبَقِيَ عَتُودٌ فَذَكَرَهُ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ " ضَحِّ بِهِ أَنْتَ " . قَالَ قُتَيْبَةُ عَلَى صَحَابَتِهِ .
Uqba b. 'Amir reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) gave the gifts of goats to be distributed amongst his Companions. They sacrificed them, but a lamb of one year of age was left. (Someone) made a mention of that to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), whereupon he said:
You sacrifice it.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1965 a
In-book reference : Book 35, Hadith 21
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 22, Hadith 4838
(deprecated numbering scheme)
URL reference : http://sunnah.com/muslim/35/21
From this hadith, we understand that the practice of providing qurbaani animals from the common public treasury/finance was existing during the time of Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Translated by: Abu Abdul Baari and Ummu Abdul Baari
The original source (Tamizh):
ஏகத்துவம் ஜனவரி 2005, குர்பானி சட்டங்கள் (பக்கம் 22)
