Who Needs to Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is the Islamic practice of animal sacrifice performed during the festival of Eid al-Adha. This ritual commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, who then provided a ram to sacrifice instead. It holds great significance in the Muslim community, symbolizing devotion, piety, and willingness to give up what one cherishes for the sake of Allah.
The practice involves slaughtering a permissible animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, and distributing its meat among family, friends, and the needy. However, understanding who is required to perform Qurbani involves delving into Islamic jurisprudence and considering various factors such as financial capability, age, and the fulfillment of specific religious obligations.
Financial Capability and Nisab
The primary criterion for determining who needs to perform Qurbani is financial capability. According to Islamic law, the person must possess wealth equivalent to or exceeding the nisab threshold. The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth one must have before they are obliged to perform certain acts of worship, including paying Zakat (almsgiving) and performing Qurbani.
The nisab for Qurbani is typically calculated based on the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If a Muslim possesses wealth above this threshold, after accounting for their essential needs and liabilities, they are required to perform Qurbani.
This wealth includes savings, investments, business merchandise, and other forms of wealth that exceed one’s basic necessities. It’s important to note that the value of nisab may fluctuate based on market prices, and it is usually announced by Islamic authorities or scholars before Eid al-Adha. For those whose wealth is below the nisab, Qurbani is not obligatory but can be performed voluntarily as an act of charity and devotion.
Age and Maturity
Another consideration for who needs to perform Qurbani is age and maturity. According to Islamic teachings, Qurbani is obligatory for every adult Muslim who meets the nisab requirement. An adult, in this context, is defined as someone who has reached puberty.
For children who have not yet reached puberty, Qurbani is not obligatory, regardless of their financial status. However, parents or guardians may choose to perform Qurbani on behalf of their children as a form of voluntary charity and to instill the practice and significance of Qurbani from a young age.
Sanity and Sound Mind
Sanity and sound mind are also essential criteria for the obligation of Qurbani. The person required to perform Qurbani must be of sound mind, meaning they should have the mental capacity to understand and perform the religious duties.
This criterion excludes those who are mentally incapacitated or suffer from severe mental illnesses that impair their ability to comprehend and fulfill the act of Qurbani. In such cases, Qurbani is not obligatory upon them.
Residents and Travelers
The status of a person as a resident or a traveler during the days of Eid al-Adha can influence the obligation of Qurbani. While the obligation is generally binding on residents who meet the financial criteria, travelers are exempt from performing Qurbani.
A traveler, in this context, refers to someone who is on a journey that exceeds the Shar’i distance (approximately 48 miles or 77 kilometers) and intends to stay at the destination for less than 15 days. However, if a traveler wishes to perform Qurbani voluntarily, they are encouraged to do so, and it is considered a meritorious act.
Gender and Family Considerations
Qurbani is equally obligatory for both men and women who meet the necessary criteria. In a family context, if multiple family members possess wealth above the nisab individually, each is required to perform their own Qurbani.
However, it is permissible for a single Qurbani to be performed on behalf of an entire household if the household members do not individually meet the nisab but collectively do. This communal approach can foster a sense of unity and shared religious experience within the family.
The Timing of Qurbani
The timing of Qurbani is also a critical aspect to consider. Qurbani is to be performed during the specific days of Eid al-Adha, starting from the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah after the Eid prayer and lasting until the sunset of the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah.
Performing Qurbani outside these specified days is not valid. Therefore, individuals who meet all the conditions must ensure they perform the sacrifice within this time frame to fulfill the obligation properly.
Summary
Qurbani is a significant religious obligation for Muslims who meet specific criteria outlined in Islamic jurisprudence. The primary factors include financial capability above the nisab threshold, adulthood, mental soundness, and residency status. The practice of Qurbani serves not only as an act of obedience to Allah but also as a means of providing for the less fortunate, promoting social justice, and reinforcing the values of sacrifice and generosity within the Muslim community. While obligatory for those who qualify, Qurbani can also be performed voluntarily by those who do not meet the strict requirements, thereby extending the spirit of Eid al-Adha to a broader spectrum of the community.
