Qurbani

This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Sayyidna Isma'il, Alayhi Salam

Hadrat Zaid ibn Arqam (RAW)relates that the companions of Rasulullah (SAW) asked, "O Rasulullah (SAW) what is Qurbani?" He replied: "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.

Importance of Qurbani
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: “On the 10th of Zil-Hijjah, there is no better act in the view of Allah than shedding the blood (of slaughtered animals). And verily sacrifice earns the approbation of Allah even before the drop of blood (of the slaughtered animal) falls on the ground. Hence you should offer it in good spirit. For every hair of the sacrificial animal, there is a blessing.” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RAZ) reports that the Apostle of Allah (SAW) has said : "Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Ibn Majah).

On Whom Sacrifice is Wajib
Qurbani, like Zakat, is essential for one who has the financial means and savings that remain surplus to his own needs over the year. It is essential for one’s own self

Method of Sacrifice
Although it is permissible to let someone else perform the slaughter of your sacrificial animal, yet it is better if you perform this act with your own hands.
Lay down the animal parallel with the direction of the Qibla and utter the following prayer first:

إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّماَوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ مِلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفَاً وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ . إِنَّ صَلاتِي وَنُسُكِي

وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَبِذَلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ المُسْلِمِينَ ، اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ وَلَكَ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

and cut the throat of the animal with a sharp-edged knife. Having performed the slaughter, read this prayer:

One should eat the meat of the sacrifice, give it to relations and friends, (to non-Muslims also) and also to the poor in charity. One third should be given in charity, but if it be less it will not be a sin.

Meat Distribution
It is preferable to divide the meat into three parts. One part for one’s family, another should be distributed among friends and relatives and the third amongst the poor and needy. If a person has a very large family he may keep all the meat.

It is unlawful to sell the Qurbani meat. It is not permissible to give meat, fat, etc. of the sacrificed animal to the butcher as compensation for services rendered.

Qurbani Skin
It is permissible to utilize the skin for one’s personal use, eg. he may use it as a Musalla or a leather bucket etc. However, if the skin is sold, it is not permissible to use the income thereof. It is Wajib to give it in charity. Sale of the skin without the intention of disbursing the money in charity is not permitted.

The needy and poor students of Islamic institutions are the most favourable beneficiaries of these skins. This entails the reward of Sadaqah which is coupled with the service of reviving Ilm (religious knowledge). However, it is not permissible to give these skins to the teachers and laborers of the institutes as wages or salaries.