What is the definition of the qurban? What is the importance of the qurban?
a. The Definition of Qurban
The word meaning for qurban is to come close to. As for the meaning of it as a term ‘’It is the animal, that carries the needed qualities for slaughtering, that is slaughtered at a specified time with the intention of ibadah in order to come close to the rahmah (mercy) of Almighty Allah.’’ In Arabic, it is named as ‘’udhiyya’’.
b. The Place of the Qurban in our Religion
The qurban which is a means for people to become closer to Allah, is a debt we owe to Allah Ta’ala to show our gratitude for all the nimahs He has bestowed upon us. Becoming close to Allah, is a means to reaching His rahmah and bounty.
c. The Ruling of the Qurban
It is sunnah muakkadah to slaughter the qurban.
Our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam made clear that this ibadah has been taking place from the time of Ibrahim alayhi salam: “Slaughter the qurban. This is the sunnah of your father Ibrahim.” [1]
The ibadah of qurban will not be carried out if the animal is not slaughtered and if it is, while its still alive, or its badal (worth) is given to a poor person.
d. The Benefits of the Qurban
The qurban has many benefits. We can list some of these in order in this way:
- It will encourage the person to sacrifice financially in the path of Allah.
- It will allow for poor people to be helped.
- The qurban, will help poor people meet their food needs, even if it may be to a small degree. Thousands of animals are slaughtered across the world and wealthy people mostly benefit from this. Whereas the poor and destitute benefit moreso from the qurbans that are slaughtered with the intention of carrying out a religious duty on Eid Al-Adha.
- Charity organisations are supported when the meat and skin of the qurban are given to them, thanks to qurban organisations help is ensured to even the most remote corners of the world.
- The qurban, also brings liveliness to the market economically.
Due to the ibadah of the qurban, the occupation of animal breeding, which is an important source of income, is encouraged in the process. In this way people who breed and sell animals for qurban, are able to ensure their nafaqa.
[1] Sunen Ibn Majah
Source: Fiqh1 (According To The Maliki School Of Islamic Law), Erkam Publications
