Qurban Guide
What is Qurban - Udhiyah?
Here are some helpful guides related to Qurban
Qurban, Qurbani, or Uḍḥiyah 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 performing the pilgrimage mark the completion of their Hajj by sacrificing an animal and Muslims around the world partake in this great act of worship following the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), in sacrificing and sharing the meat with those most in need.
Qurban is not merely the slaughtering of an animal and the distribution of its meat; it transcends being a mere ritual. 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.
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 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 emphasised the importance of sincerity and the intention behind the sacrifice. Reviving this Sunnah by offering an extra Qurbani can bring immense blessings and benefit those most in need.
Qurban 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 Most Needed' Qurban option?
The ‘Where Most Needed’ Qurban option ensures affordable Qurban distribution to in-need communities in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
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?
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
What diverse Qurban options does MAA offer?
MAA provides diverse Qurban options including Fresh Qurban in emergency zones like Yemen, Lebanon and more. 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?
Our Orphans, Widows and Elderly option guarantees distribution of your Qurban to orphans, widows and the elderly in countries where most needed.
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 be paid for?
Qurban will take place on the first, second, and third days of Eid ul Adha. It is advisable to pay for 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 those most in need; this includes widows, orphans, the elderly, refugees, internally displaced persons, and the poor.
Which countries does MAA's Qurban program reach?
This year our Qurban program will be facilitated in 19 countries across 3 continents.
These include:
Afghanistan, Tanzania, Fiji, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Rohingya Refugees, Syria, Lebanon, Sudanese Refugees, Yemen and Nigeria.
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.