Qurban Guide
What is Qurban - Udhiyah?
Qurban, Qurbani, or Uḍḥiya as it is known in Arabic, is the practice of sacrificing an animal for Allah (SWT). Every year, on the days of Eid al-Adha (from 10th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah), Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal to mark the completion of Hajj. This practice commemorates the sacrifice of Ibrahim (as) thousands of years ago, who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah’s sake.
Qurban is not merely the slaughtering of an animal and the distribution of its meat; it transcends being a mere ritual. The word ‘Qurbani’ is derived from the Arabic, ‘qurban’, rooted in the word ‘qurb’ – meaning ‘nearness’. The essence of offering Qurbani is to draw near to Allah. Through Qurbani, we reaffirm our commitment to Allah, expressing our complete submission to His will, just as Prophet Ibrahim (as) did.
Here are some helpful guides related to Qurban
The First Known Sacrifice
The Qur’an narrates the story of the sons of Prophet Adam (as), Habil and Qabil. To settle a dispute, Adam (as) asked them both to offer a sacrifice. Habil, a shepherd, offered a ram, while Qabil, a farmer, offered produce. Allah accepted Habil’s sincere offering and rejected Qabil’s. This story underscores the importance of sincerity in our sacrifices.
The Sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS)
Ibrahim’s (as) unwavering faith was tested when he dreamt of sacrificing his son, Ismail (as). Both father and son displayed immense faith, willing to obey Allah’s command. However, as Ibrahim (as) was about to sacrifice Ismail, Allah intervened, providing a ram as a substitute. This profound act of submission is commemorated every year during Qurbani. Read the Story of Ibrahim (a.s).
The Ram of Paradise
The ram sacrificed by Ibrahim (as) was special. Some narrations suggest it grazed in Paradise for forty years. Others believe it was the same ram Habil had sacrificed. Its horns were preserved and hung in the Ka’bah for generations.
The Prophetic Qurbani
Prophet Muhammad (saw) continued the tradition of Qurbani, often sacrificing white, horned rams reminiscent of the ones offered by Habil and Ibrahim (as). He also emphasized the importance of sincerity and the intention behind the sacrifice. Reviving this Sunnah by offering an extra Qurbani can bring immense blessings and benefit impoverished communities.must only be performed on the tenth, eleventh and twelfth days of Dhul-Hijjah. You can order your Qurban before this time, but the sacrifice must be carried out on the correct day. The first day is always better than the second, whilst the second is better than the last.
QURBAN FAQs
What is MAA's 'Where More Needed' Qurban option?
The ‘Where More Needed’ Qurban option ensures affordable Qurban distribution to vulnerable populations in Asia and Africa. Donations through this option are distributed to countries including Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Pakistan, Niger, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and India.
Is your Qurban Fresh, Frozen or Canned?
This year, all of our Qurban options are fresh – which means your Qurban is slaughtered, packaged, and delivered to beneficiaries immediately for them to enjoy on Eid!
What are livestock shares and how are they allocated for Qurban distribution?
What are livestock shares and how are they allocated for Qurban distribution?
Livestock shares are designated units used for Qurban distribution.
- A Sheep or Goat (small animal) = 1 Qurban share
- A Cow or Buffalo (large animal) = 7 Qurban shares
Please donate at least one share of Qurban on behalf of yourself and your family. You may donate more if you are able to.
What diverse Qurban options does MAA offer?
MAA provides diverse Qurban options including Fresh Qurban in emergency zones like Yemen, and Lebanon, and Rohingya refugees, Syrian refugees, Palestinian refugees in Egypt, and the Uyghur community. You can also choose to extend your impact by signing up for ongoing grocery support at checkout.
What is MAA's special orphan & widow Qurban?
MAA’s NEW Qurban – Orphan & Widow option guarantees distribution of your Qurban to orphans and widow headed families in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Rohingya Refugees, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, India, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Yemen for AU$250. Donate now and in Dhul Hijjah, during the BEST ten days of the year, earn the rewards for FOUR good deeds – performing Qurban, looking after an orphan, helping a widow, and feeding the poor!
Click here to Donate your Qurban to Qrphans & Widows.
Can my Qurban (sacrifice) be performed overseas before my Eid prayer?
How much meat does one Qurban share provide?
Typically, each Qurban share yields between 15-20kgs of meat, which is then distributed to over 5-7 families in need.
When should Qurban donations be made?
Qurbani will take place on the first, second, and third days of Eid ul Adha. It is advisable to donate your Qurban as soon as you can and no later than the third day of Eid [13th Dhul Hijjah] before Maghrib.
How are admin fees calculated for Qurban donations?
To ensure we continue to maintain the highest quality Qurban practices, a low admin fee is necessary to cover the cost of staff, slaughter, distribution, etc.
How are recipients selected for Qurban distribution?
In every country that we conduct Qurban in, it is distributed to the most vulnerable people; this includes widows, orphans, the elderly, internally displaced persons, and the poor.
Which countries does MAA's Qurban program reach?
How does MAA ensure transparency and accountability in Qurban distribution?
Alhumdulillah, since 1989 we’ve been successfully conducting Qurban around the world and each year, we strive hard to continue exceeding the expectations of our donors when it comes to quality, transparency, accountability, and reporting.
MAA staff from Australia travel to monitor our Qurban Program around the world, to ensure that all Islamic requirements are met and to guarantee that your donations make the maximum impact. Once your Qurban has been completed, an email notification will be sent to you to confirm this
As part of our commitment to be transparent and accountable, we will also share Qurban updates and progress reports with you as they happen either on our website or via email and social media. Please do not forget to Like and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages for all updates.
