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Ramadan 2025 – 1446

Religion

Qurbani or Sacrifice in Islam

Qurbani, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important Islamic holiday that commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. According to Islamic tradition, as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah intervened and provided a lamb in his place.

During the days of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world sacrifice a domestic animal such as a cow, goat, or sheep as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat from the animal is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy. The meat can also be donated to charitable organizations to help those in need.

Qurbani is performed on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of great joy and celebration for Muslims, as they reflect on the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice and the importance of obedience to Allah.

It is important to note that Qurbani is not obligatory for all Muslims, but rather it is a recommended act of worship for those who are able to afford it.

There are three types of Qurbani in Islam:

Wajib Qurbani: This type of Qurbani is obligatory on those Muslims who meet certain financial criteria. According to Islamic jurisprudence, those who have reached the age of puberty, are mentally sound, and possess the minimum amount of wealth known as Nisab, must perform Wajib Qurbani. The Nisab amount is calculated based on the current value of gold and silver, and it is the minimum amount of wealth a person must have before they can be liable to pay Zakat or perform Qurbani. Wajib Qurbani must be performed on behalf of the individual and cannot be fulfilled through a donation to charity.

Sunnah Qurbani: This type of Qurbani is a recommended act of worship that is performed by Muslims who are financially able to do so. It is not obligatory like Wajib Qurbani, but it is highly encouraged as a way to follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim and to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings. Sunnah Qurbani can be performed on behalf of oneself or on behalf of another person, such as a deceased family member.

Nafl Qurbani: This type of Qurbani is a voluntary act of worship that can be performed at any time throughout the year, unlike Wajib and Sunnah Qurbani which are specific to the days of Eid al-Adha. Nafl Qurbani is performed by Muslims who wish to earn extra rewards and blessings from Allah. It can be performed on behalf of oneself or on behalf of another person, such as a sick or needy individual.

Regardless of the type of Qurbani, the animal being sacrificed must meet certain criteria related to its health and age, and the slaughter must be performed in a humane and proper manner following Islamic guidelines. The meat from the animal is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy, as well as to charitable organizations.

As a brief explanation, Aqiqah(Aqeeqah) and Udhiyah is two separate Islamic ritual and is not considered a type of Qurbani. While Aqiqah and Udhiyah and Qurbani involve the sacrifice of an animal, they have different purposes and requirements.

Religion
Halal Qurbani

Animal Sacrifice in Islam and the Rules

Animal sacrifice is an important tradition in Islam and has been practiced since the time of Prophet Ibrahim. The sacrifice of an animal is seen as an act of worship and a way to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings. It is also a way to remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command.

There are three types of animal sacrifice in Islam:

  1. Qurbani: Qurbani is the sacrifice of an animal that is performed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, specifically on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days, as a way to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Qurbani involves the sacrifice of a larger animal such as a cow, goat, or sheep, and the meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy. Click here to make a donation for Eid al-Adha.
  2. Aqiqah(Aqeeqah): Aqiqah is the sacrifice of an animal that is performed as a way to express gratitude to Allah upon the birth of a child. It involves the sacrifice of a sheep or goat, and the meat is traditionally distributed among family and friends, as well as to the poor and needy. The sacrifice is performed on the seventh day after the child’s birth, and it is recommended that two animals be sacrificed for a baby boy and one animal for a baby girl. Click to donate to the intention of Aqeeqah for a newborn baby.
  3. Udhiyah: Udhiyah is similar to Qurbani, but it is performed on the days of Eid al-Adha as a way to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. Udhiyah involves the sacrifice of a larger animal such as a cow, goat, or sheep, and the meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy. You can make a animal sacrifice and share in the reward of sacrifice.

It’s important to note that all three types of animal sacrifice have specific rules and guidelines that must be followed in order for the sacrifice to be considered valid in Islam. The animal must be healthy and of a certain age, and the slaughter must be performed in a humane and proper manner following Islamic guidelines. In our Islamic charity, we follow these rules and perform the slaughter of the animal sacrifice based on Islamic principles.

Animal sacrifice in Islam has specific rules and guidelines that must be followed in order for it to be considered valid. These guidelines are based on Islamic jurisprudence and are designed to ensure that the sacrifice is performed in a humane and ethical manner.

Here are some of the main rules and guidelines for animal sacrifice in Islam:

  • The animal must be healthy: The animal to be sacrificed must be free from any illnesses or defects that could affect its health or quality of meat. It should be examined by a veterinarian or someone qualified to determine its health.
  • The animal must be of a certain age: The animal to be sacrificed must be of a certain age, depending on the type of animal and the purpose of the sacrifice. For example, cows must be at least two years old, while sheep and goats must be at least one year old.
  • The slaughter must be done in a humane and proper manner: The slaughter must be performed using a sharp knife to ensure a quick and painless death. The animal must be facing the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) and the person performing the slaughter must say the name of Allah before making the cut.
  • The blood must be drained: The blood must be completely drained from the animal’s body after slaughter, as consuming blood is prohibited in Islam.
  • The meat must be distributed: The meat from the animal must be distributed among family, friends, and the needy, as well as to charitable organizations.
  • The sacrifice must be performed by a sane and accountable person: The person performing the sacrifice must be of sound mind and have reached the age of puberty.

It’s important to note that these rules and guidelines apply to all three types of animal sacrifice in Islam, including Qurbani, Aqiqah, and Udhiyah. By following these guidelines, Muslims ensure that the animal sacrifice is performed in a manner that is both ethical and in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Overall, animal sacrifice in Islam is seen as an act of worship and a way to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and the importance of obedience to Allah’s commands.

Religion
sadaqah jariyah with crypto

What is Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam

Understanding Sadaqah Jariyah in Islam

In Islam, the concept of Sadaqah Jariyah, meaning “continuous charity,” offers a powerful path to leave a lasting positive impact. It refers to charitable acts that provide ongoing benefits, even after the donor’s passing. Unlike one-time donations, Sadaqah Jariyah allows you to continuously reap rewards in the afterlife while significantly improving the lives of others here on earth.

Why is Sadaqah Jariyah Significant?

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of Sadaqah Jariyah in this Hadith: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him” (Muslim). This emphasizes the potential for ongoing rewards associated with Sadaqah Jariyah.

Examples of Effective Sadaqah Jariyah Projects

Here are some impactful ways to engage in Sadaqah Jariyah:

  • Providing Sustainable Water Sources: Building a well or borehole offers a community clean water, a critical resource for health and well-being, for years to come.
  • Investing in Education: Constructing a school or mosque fosters a space for learning, worship, and community building, empowering individuals and promoting long-term growth.
  • Planting for the Future: Planting fruit tree gardens provides families with a source of nutritious food and income, while contributing to environmental sustainability.
  • Empowering Through Financial Aid: Interest-free loans can equip families and entrepreneurs to start or expand businesses, fostering self-sufficiency.
  • Supporting Vulnerable Communities: Contributing to orphanages or social welfare programs offers crucial support and resources to those in need.
  • Equipping Future Leaders: Entrepreneurship workshops equip individuals with the skills to become successful business owners, impacting their lives and the broader community.

Maximizing the Impact of Sadaqah Jariyah

To ensure the long-term success of your Sadaqah Jariyah project, consider these steps:

  • Partner with Local Organizations: Collaborate with local communities and organizations to identify specific needs and ensure project sustainability.
  • Conduct Needs Assessments: Evaluate the community’s requirements to determine the most impactful project type.
  • Develop Implementation Plans: Create a detailed plan for project execution and ongoing support.

At our Islamic charity organization, we prioritize collaborating with local communities and organizations to identify specific needs and ensure project sustainability. We go a step further by identifying the best and most reliable local people to serve as trustees. These trustees are instrumental in ensuring the projects are carried out in the best way and with the highest quality.

Also, with the help of local trustees, we create a detailed plan for project implementation and ongoing support. Their continued guidance is also crucial for the projects’ activities in the coming years. You can read more about Defining Projects and Local Trustees here.

By engaging in Sadaqah Jariyah, you contribute to a lasting legacy of giving. You’ll not only benefit those in need but also pave the way for continuous rewards in the hereafter.

Let’s work together to make a difference that transcends generations. Explore Sadaqah Jariyah opportunities today!

Religion

Praying or Ibadah in Islam

Ibadah is a broad concept in Islam that refers to acts of worship and devotion to God. It includes both physical and financial acts of worship. Some key points about ibadah:

• Ibadah literally means “to worship, serve and obey.” It refers to any act done solely to please and obey God. but in Islamic terminology, it refers to acts of worship that are done in accordance with the Shariah (Islamic law). So ibadah must comply with the guidelines and teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

The purpose of ibadah is to attain the pleasure of Allah and come closer to Him. It is not meant as a means to show off or gain praise from others. Ibadah done with sincerity solely for Allah is most beloved to Him. all acts of ibadah, whether obligatory or voluntary, must be done with the correct intention, focusing the heart and mind on Allah. Without correct intention, ibadah is not valid.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Deeds are judged by intentions, and everyone will get what was intended.” This emphasizes the importance of intentions in all acts of ibadah.

• The five pillars of Islam – shahada, salah, zakat, sawm and hajj – are all forms of ibadah. They are the most basic acts of worship for Muslims.

• Other acts can also be considered ibadah, including reciting the Quran, making supplications, giving sadaqah and spreading knowledge.

• There are fard ibadah (obligatory worship), mustahabb ibadah (recommended worship) and nafil ibadah (voluntary worship) – referring to acts that are required, encouraged and optional respectively.

• The purpose of ibadah is to develop a closer connection with God and earn His rewards and pleasure.

• Ibadah should be done sincerely, purely for the sake of God, free from riya (ostentation) and other impure intentions.

• Ibadah encompasses both outward actions (like prayers and fasting) and inward states of mind and heart (like love, devotion and servitude to God).

The categories of Ibadah are as follows:

Fard/Farizah ibadah (obligatory acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are made compulsory in Islam and are considered the minimum required of Muslims. Failure to perform fard acts is considered a sin in Islam. Examples of fard ibadah include the five pillars of Islam – Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj – as well as financial payments like khums and some specific forms of sadaqah that are deemed obligatory. Fard ibadah are considered the foundation of Islam upon which all other acts of worship are built. They hold the greatest reward since they are the minimum requirement for being a true Muslim in practice. However, the reward comes from doing fard acts with sincerity, purely for the sake of Allah.

Mustahabb ibadah (recommended acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are encouraged and recommended in Islam but are not compulsory. They bring extra reward when performed but hold no punishment for being neglected. Examples of mustahabb ibadah include voluntary prayers, reciting Quran frequently, giving more charity or sadaqah beyond what is obligatory, and donating to mosques and Islamic institutions. Mustahabb acts help strengthen one’s faith, draw one closer to Allah, and increase one’s spirituality. However, they are seen as supplementary to fard ibadah, not replacements. This includes nawafil financial payments like sadaqah and donations.

Wajib kaffarah (mandatory atonement):
These are acts of worship done to make amends for offenses or sins committed. They are obligatory in order to gain Allah’s forgiveness and remove the sin. Examples include paying kaffarah for missed fasts in Ramadan, breaking oaths, unjust killing, and having sexual relations during the day in Ramadan. Wajib acts of kaffarah remove the consequences of sins by “paying the due price” through specified acts of worship. While fard ibadah are intended to build one’s faith and spirituality, wajib kaffarah acts are meant to remedy transgressions after the fact. Both are necessary to balance in the spiritual life.

Ibadah helps a person achieve peace, fulfilment and spiritual growth. The more one performs ibadah with sincerity, the closer one feels to Allah and the more contented one becomes.
So ibadah is a comprehensive term referring to the various acts, both physical and financial, that humans do to worship and obey God. There are different levels or degrees of ibadah – from obligatory to recommended to voluntary – but the main purpose is to develop a closer relationship with the Divine and earn His rewards.

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipReligion

Helping others in times of disaster

Disaster relief is the provision of assistance to meet the basic needs of people who are left helpless in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster. Disaster relief involves the provision of necessities like food, shelter, and medical care for people affected by disasters. The aim is to reduce immediate suffering while enabling affected populations to recover and rebuild their lives.

The Quran and hadiths emphasize helping those affected by disasters. Allah rewards those who help others in need.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world,

Islam places great importance on providing disaster relief in a timely, coordinated and compassionate manner that truly meets the needs of victims and enables them to rebuild their lives. The reward from Allah comes not just from giving material aid, but from helping alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings during their time of need.

In the aftermath of a disaster, people most urgently need assistance meeting their basic human needs:

Food and water – This is the most immediate need as many lose access to food, clean water and cooking facilities. Relief agencies must distribute relief supplies like packaged food, bottled water and cooking equipment.

Shelter – Many lose their homes in disasters, so temporary or transitional shelter becomes essential. This could include tents, blankets, tarpaulins and emergency housing units.

Medical care – Injured and ill victims need first aid, emergency medical care and medicine. Relief organizations set up field hospitals, mobile clinics and distribute medicine.

Sanitation – With damage to water and sewage systems, ensuring access to clean water and basic sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks is critical. This includes providing toilets, showers and disinfectants.

Clothing – Many victims lose all their possessions including clothing. Relief supplies include temporary clothing to protect people from weather as they begin rebuilding their lives.

Safety and security – Relief organizations work with authorities to provide safety and security for victims, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.

Communication – Allowing people to reconnect with loved ones is critical for emotional and psychological wellbeing. Relief agencies provide communication tools and services.

Transportation – Temporary transportation may be needed to access relief services, evacuate dangerous areas or move people to temporary shelters.

Financial assistance – Cash grants can allow victims more choice in meeting their needs and stimulating the local economy in recovery.

Psychological support – Natural disasters often cause mental health issues requiring counseling, support groups and psychological first aid. However this area is often underprioritized.

Those are the primary categories of basic needs that relief organizations aim to meet immediately following disasters to prevent further suffering and save lives. Relief efforts then transition to longer-term recovery and rebuilding support.

Religion