Hajj & Eid Qurbani in Makkah

Hajj Qurbani (Hady)

The Hajj Qurbani, also known as the Hady (Arabic: هدي) or Damm al-Shukr (Arabic:دم الشكر) involves the sacrifice of an animal—typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel—on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Eid al-Adha, or during the days of Tashreeq (11th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

It is a compulsory act for pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran, following the completion of their Hajj rites such as Wuquf Arafah and staying the night at Muzdalifah. Although desirable, it is not necessary for pilgrims performing Hajj al-Ifrad.

What is the significance of the Hajj Qurbani?

Hady is performed during Hajj to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s I willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail I (or Ishaq I, according to some narrations), at Allah’s command. As Ibrahim I prepared for the sacrifice, Allah provided a sacrificial animal as a substitute.

The Quran mandates Hady for those performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran in Surah al-Baqarah:

فَمَنْ تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَةِ إِلَى الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَيْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْيِ

And whosoever performs the  Umrah in the months of Hajj before (performing) the Hajj, (i.e. Hajj al-Tamattu and al-Qiran), he must slaughter a Hady such as he can afford.

[Surah al-Baqarah, 2:196]

When is the Hajj Qurbani performed?

For this performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran, Hady takes place on the third day of Hajj (the 10th of Dhul Hijjah) which is also the day of Eid al-Adha. If it isn’t carried out on this day, it may be performed during the following days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).

The sacrifice should be carried out after the pilgrim has completed Rami al-Jamarat (stoning of the pillars) and is often followed by shaving or cutting the hair, signalling the end of the major restrictions of Ihram.

What is the sequence of rituals (tarteeb) on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah?

The rites of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah are as follows:

1. Rami al-Jamarat: Stoning the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqaba) with seven pebbles.
2. Hady (Sacrifice): Offering the required sacrifice of an animal (for those performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran).
3. Halq or Taqsir: Shaving the head or trimming the hair, signifying the release from Ihram.
4. Tawaf al-Ziyarah: Performing the Tawaf of Hajj, followed by Sa’i (if not done previously).

This sequence ensures adherence to the rituals in their prescribed order, as per the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ:

Anas bin Malik I reported that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ came to Mina; he went to the Jamra and threw pebbles at it, after which he went to his lodging in Mina, and sacrificed the animal. He then called for a barber and, turning his right side to him, let him shave him; after which he tiimed his left side. He then gave (these hair) to the people.
[Narrated in Sahih Muslim]

This sequence or order is known as tarteeb (Arabic: ترتيب)

Do I have to strictly follow the correct sequence of rituals (tarteeb)?

The concept of tarteeb—following the prescribed sequence for specific rites on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah—varies in its emphasis and interpretation across the four major Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

1. Hanafi School of Thought

In the Hanafi school, if a pilgrim alters the order, the act remains valid, but expiation (dam) becomes necessary for the deviation.

Key Points:

• The preferred sequence includes performing Rami al-Jamarat first, followed by Hady (Qurbani), then Halq/Taqsir (shaving/trimming hair).
• Performing the rituals out of order does not invalidate them but is considered improper and requires dam.

2. Maliki School of Thought

The Maliki school places a strong emphasis on tarteeb, considering it integral to the proper performance of many rites. However, slight deviations from the prescribed order, if done unintentionally, are not sinful.

Key Points:

• The sequence of Rami, Hady (Qurbani), and Halq is highly recommended and forms part of the Sunnah.
• If the tarteeb is not followed, the ritual is still valid, but the pilgrim should seek forgiveness and strive to complete the remaining rites properly. Expiation is not required.

3. Shafi’i School of Thought

In the Shafi’i school, following the prescribed sequence is preferred (mustahabb) but not obligatory. Deviating from the sequence does not affect the validity of the rites.

Key Points:

• Pilgrims are encouraged to adhere to the order as it reflects the Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ.
• No expiation is required for completing the rites out of sequence.

4. Hanbali School of Thought

The Hanbali school views tarteeb in Hajj and Qurbani as strongly recommended but does not make it a condition for validity. Pilgrims are advised to follow the sequence to maintain harmony with the Sunnah.

Key Points:

• The order of Rami, Hady (Qurbani), and Halq is considered Sunnah, and performing the rites in this order is highly meritorious.
• Deviations from tarteeb do not invalidate the acts but may reduce their reward.

Key Similarities and Differences

Practical Considerations for Pilgrims

1. Consult Your School of Thought: Pilgrims should consult scholars or guides familiar with their school’s rulings to ensure proper adherence.
2. Follow the General Sunnah: While differences exist, all schools agree on the significance of following the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
3. Avoid Deliberate Deviations: Even when deviations are permitted, intentional disregard for tarteeb is discouraged.
4. Seek Forgiveness: In case of mistakes, perform acts of worship with sincerity and ask Allah for forgiveness.

Will you perform my Hajj Qurbani in the correct sequence?

Our Hajj Qurbani service ensures a smooth and timely experience tailored to your needs. If you opt for our Tarteeb option, inform us once you complete the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqaba. You can get in touch via e-mail, SMS or WhatsApp.

We will then provide an estimated timeframe for your Qurbani and confirm its completion, allowing you to proceed with shaving your head and exiting Ihram.

For those not selecting the Tarteeb option, your Qurbani will be carried out on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, ensuring it is completed within the appropriate timeframe.

Eid Qurbani (Udhiyah)

What is the Eid Qurbani?

The Eid Qurbani, formally known as Udhiyah (Arabic: أضحية), is the sacrificial act performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha. According to popular opinion, it is obligatory for every Muslim of sound mind who has the financial means to carry out the sacrifice. Other scholars have deemed it an emphasized Sunnah.

The Eid Qurbani takes place on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

Is the Eid Qurbani mandatory?

There is a difference of opinion whether the Eid Qurbani (Udhiyah) is wajib (compulsory). These are the views according to the four schools of law:

• Hanafi School: Eid Qurbani is considered mandatory (wajib) according to Abu Hanifa, while Abu Yusuf and Muhammad considered it an emphasized Sunnah.
• Maliki School: There are two views. One narration from Imam Malik deems it as mandatory and another considers it an emphasized Sunnah.
• Shafi’i School: Eid Qurbani is regarded as an emphasized Sunnah.
• Hanbali School: Eid Qurbani is considered an emphasized Sunnah.

How does it differ from the Hajj Qurbani?

Below are the key differences between the Hajj Qurbani (Hady) and the Eid Qurbani:

Purpose

• Eid Qurbani: A general act of sacrifice for all Muslims during Eid al-Adha.
• Hajj Qurbani: A specific sacrifice required for Hajj pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran.

Location

• Eid Qurbani: Can be performed anywhere in the world.
• Hajj Qurbani: Must be performed in the Haram of Makkah.

Recipient

• Eid Qurbani: Meat is distributed to the poor locally or globally, depending on the person’s choice.
• Hajj Qurbani: Meat is distributed to the poor in Makkah or the surrounding area.

Do Hajj Pilgrims also have to give the Eid Qurbani (Udhiyah)?

According to the Hanafi school, the Eid Qurbani (Udhiyah) is obligatory only for residents of Makkah (muqim) and not for the pilgrim who is a traveller (musafir). In contrast, the other schools of thought consider giving Udhiyah to be recommended (mustahabb) but not obligatory, regardless of whether the person is a resident or a pilgrim. Therefore, for the vast majority of Hajj pilgrims, the Eid Qurbani won’t have to be given.

Where will you perform the Eid Qurbani?

Like the Hajj Qurbani, we will perform the Eid Qurbani on behalf of Muslims around the world in the Haram of Makkah.

Nafl Qurbani (Sadaqah)

What is a Nafl (voluntary) Qurbani?

A Nafl Qurbani is a voluntary act of worship involving the sacrifice of an animal purely for the sake of Allah. This type of Qurbani is not tied to specific rituals or occasions like Hajj or Eid; instead, it serves as an expression of gratitude, a means to seek Allah’s blessings, or a way to help those in need. It is also common to perform a Nafl Qurbani on behalf of deceased family and friends. It is a form of Sadaqah.

What are some situations that people may give Nafl Qurbanis in?

1. Qurbani for Personal Benefit: Some people may sacrifice an animal in Makkah during Hajj or Umrah with the intention of seeking personal rewards, repentance, or spiritual closeness to Allah.
2. Sadaqah (Charitable Qurbani): A person may perform a Nafl Qurbani as an act of charity to seek Allah’s blessings or to express gratitude for personal favours and blessings. The meat is distributed to the poor and needy.
3. Qurbani for Deceased Loved Ones: It is common to perform a Nafl Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives or friends.
4. Voluntary Sacrifice for a Newborn: An individual may choose to perform a Nafl Qurbani in the form of an Aqeeqah for a newborn as a way of thanking Allah for the child’s safe arrival, even if not obligatory.