Qurbani means sacrifice. Qurbani is our annual ritual sacrifice of a chosen animal, preferably a goat, or sheep - or a larger beast such as a cow or camel - during the opening days of Eid al-Adha, which follows the completion of Hajj (the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah) – and is in remembrance of the sacrifice made by our Prophet Ibrahim (as) did long ago.
The Holy Quran reports that Prophet Ibrahim (as) had a vivid dream where he was commanded to sacrifice his son, Ismail (as) for Allah (swt). Having described this vision to his son, Ismail (as) said: "O my father! Do as you commanded: Allah (swt) will find me fortitude and patience if He chooses."
Therefore, Ibrahim (as) led his beloved son Ismail (as) to the top of Mount Arafat, tied his hands, and drew his knife. But, certain the experience of sacrifice his son would haunt him forever, he blindfolded himself to spare his eyes the awful horror of the moment. In the meantime, Allah (swt), replaced Ismail (as) with a ram, leaving him blindfolded, and had him slaughter it instead of Ismail (as). Therefore, Ibrahim (as), as a sign of gratitude to Allah (swt) for his mercy, sacrificed the ram, and his blessed son was spared.
Ibrahim's (as) extraordinary commitment to faith will never be forgotten. Therefore, we echo Ibrahim's (as) deed long ago by offering an animal in sacrifice, usually a sheep or goat, but sometimes a camel, or a cow, to demonstrate our own devotion, obedience, and submission to Allah (swt).
Qurbani falls every year, during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the holy calendar - one of the holiest - and we celebrate Qurbani in Eid-ul-Adha – second of Islam’s two Eid festivals, following Hajj, (Muslim’s annual pilgrimage to Makkah) - Qurbani being carried out on one of three days following Eid Salaah, our prayers on the first morning of Eid.
All of us. Qurbani is obligatory in Islam for every adult Muslim who has wealth in excess of their needs – that is those who meet the nisab threshold to give Zakat.
No-one expects you to find and sacrifice an animal in your own back yard, garden, or apartment. Rather we ask you to donate a certain sum of money, which buys a carefully selected and healthy sacrificial animal in a designated and approved place, where its Qurbani sacrifice can be undertaken in your name, with your prayers.
We follow Sharia Law to guide our choice of the very best animal in each region – that each animal is healthy, older than one year in age, is not stunned before sacrifice, and completely safe for human consumption.
As early as possible, before Qurbani, so that animals can be selected for sacrifice in good time.
Qurbani is performed following Eid ul Adha prayers, but can be performed at any time in the following two to three days.
We ensure that all Qurbani sacrifice is performed after UK's Eid prayer time. We will release pictures and feedback on a range of marketing platforms such as email and social media once they are received.
We share the benefits of your Qurbani sacrifice - the nutritious meat of the sacrificed animal shared among the poor and hungry, in Britain, and abroad. Smaller animals, a sheep, of goat, is regarded as comprising one share, a larger animal, such as a cow, or camel regarded as seven shares – each share then further divided into thirds – and each portion then distributed to those in need. This is your Qurbani gift, and is rewarded by Allah (swt).
We will strictly follow all guidance available in the relevant countries, and ensure we are practicing the highest levels of safety and hygiene. Our teams will all be wearing protective clothing, be working 2 metres apart and be frequently washing their hands. All deliveries of Qurbani meat will be contactless. When we deliver meat to people’s homes, we place the package outside their door, knock on the door and step away. At distribution points, we ensure all those receiving their Qurbani meat are waiting 2 metres apart, wearing masks and been provided with hand sanitiser.
The Prophet (saw) said, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (as). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (swt)."
We distribute approximately 1.5 kgs to each family – enough generally to be part of the meals for up to a week. SKT Welfare works to make Qurbani special for every family it helps, and to make Eid ul Adha a time to celebrate.
Our delivery teams follow strict local rules regarding Covid 19, and the most stringent practices of safety and hygiene. Protective clothing is worn, social distancing and frequent handwashing. Packages are delivered to the door, social distancing maintained, and we ensure that recipients are also masked and provided with hand sanitiser.
Animal waste is disposed of locally in a safe and environment-friendly manner. Animal skins are donated to a mosque or educational institution, with permission to sell on, and any money received used to pursue the quality education of local vulnerable children. Thus no potential benefit of your Qurbani gift is wasted.
Traditionally, Qurbani is celebrated among family, friends, and loved ones. And we dress for the occasion; we wear our best clothes, and exchange gifts.
You can perform Qurbani with us and donate by sending a cheque, cash, online www.sktwelfare.org or by calling us on: +44 (0) 300 3020 786
This depends on the location and type of animal available in addition to local customs which affects which animal is sacrificed and given to the beneficiary i.e either goat, sheep or cow, etc.
Our 100% Donation Policy means that every penny you donate is used in the delivery of humanitarian projects and directly related costs. Indirect and administrative costs are covered by either direct donations themselves or by using Gift Aid.
