Offer a Prophetic Qurbani

The Qur’an tells us the Prophet, sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, is the best example for mankind,

"There is indeed a good model for you in the Messenger of Allah sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely"   (Qur’an 33:21)

For the ones who are able, it is encouraged to follow the Sunnah and give the Prophetic Qurbani as well as their own sacrifice. He sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, used to sacrifice two animals each year, one on behalf of himself and the members of his household, and the other on behalf of his Ummah.

There are great rewards in following the actions of the Prophet sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, and what an opportunity we have every year to make one extra sacrifice for the Ummah as our Prophet sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, did. The extra sacrifice can be given to the needy just as Zakat ul-Fitr is given at the end of Ramadan, so that the poorest communities can enjoy a healthy, filling meal with fresh meat on the days of Eid ul-Adha.

The Sunnah of social consciousness and being aware of those who are less fortunate extended to all parts of our Prophet Mohammad’s sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam's way and lifestyle. Our beloved Prophet sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, would spend his nights praying for his Ummah, and his days inviting all to the truth of Allah subhanahu wa ta'āla, and treating everyone with fairness and love.

Especially during the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah, the Prophet Mohammad sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, would partake in sacred acts of devotion and sacrifice. Remembering and commemorating the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim, alayhi as’salaam, our Prophet sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam, would offer his Qurbani and then offer another on behalf of his Ummah and those that could not afford to do it themselves. 

Following in our beloved Prophet Mohammad sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam's footsteps, re-trace his sacrifices on behalf of the Ummah and re-assert the Sunnah of social consciousness.

On the authority of Kathir bin Abdullah, narrated from his father, that his grandfather said,

"I heard the Messenger of Allah sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam say, "Whoever revives a Sunnah of mine that dies out after I am gone, he will have a reward equivalent to that of those among the people who act upon it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest…" "  (as narrated by Ibn Majah)

Giving a Prophetic Qurbani is a special act because it follows the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’salaam. There is wisdom in everything the Prophet, sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’salaam did and plenty of benefit in following him. As an Ummah, we can revive this Sunnah and help feed the neediest families around the world, many of whom only eat fresh meat a few times a year. In poverty-stricken communities, meat is an unaffordable luxury and so it is a joyous occasion when they can enjoy the generosity of a Prophetic Qurbani.

Anas, radhi Allahu'anhu, relates that the Prophet, sallallāhu 'alayhi wa’sallam said,

"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself ". (as narrated by Bukhari)

For the people who have the means to give on behalf of the Ummah, this hadith holds much importance. The families who receive the Qurbani meat do not have the means to offer a sacrifice themselves. They are unable to participate in this religious ritual which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, alayhi as’salaam. By giving an extra Qurbani on behalf of these people, you are not only doubling your reward and your impact, you are also ensuring that they are involved in the blessed festivities of Eid ul-Adha. Aisha, radhi Allahu'anhu, narrated,

"There is nothing dearer to Allah, subhanahu wa ta'āla, during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed on a person’s good deeds). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah, subhanahu wa ta'āla, before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice with an open and happy heart".   (as narrated by Tirmidhi)