Is Qurbani (Sacrifice) Mandatory?

By Moulana Imraan Vawda
Posted: 27 Zul-Hijjah 1423, 1 March 2003


Q.) Is there any reference in the Holy Qur'an that Qurbani is mandatory for non-Hajis on Eid-ul-Adha or is it a sunnah on those that have the financial perquisites? [Farabi Mufti]

A.) We should understand that not everything has been explained in the Qur'an itself. The Hadith also clarifies and explains many things of the Qur'an, e.g. the number of rakats in our daily salats, etc.

Mullah Ali Qari (RA) states in Mirqaat, the commentary of Mishkaat that Qurbani is legislated in Shari'ah by consensus of opinion. It is mentioned in the Qur'an, 'Perform Salat for your Lord and slaughter' (Surah Kawthar). The majority of commentators of the noble Qur'an say it means, 'Perform Salatul Eid for your Lord and slaughter the animal.'

The Hanafi scholars take the command of Allah to slaughter as Wujoob (necessary) because of the Hadith of Nabi Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, 'Whosoever has the wealth to slaughter and does not, then he should not come to our Eid-Gah.' (Mirqaat)

It is only wajib upon those who own the value of Nisab on the morning of Eid-ul-Adha. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best