Introduction
If you were looking for a complete guide on Qurban, Nazar, and Aqiqah, especially in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place! We commend you for your dedication to learning more about your religious traditions and rituals. May Allah reward you and increase you in
knowledge!
We understand that there might be confusion in understanding the difference between Qurban (korban), Nazar, and Aqiqah (Akikah). We will try our best to explain these practices and answer all related questions
simply and clearly.
While most articles around these topics focus on the rulings and rewards only (and that is important!), we hope to also provide you with the spiritual significance of these acts and how they came about so
that you may perform your religious rites of Qurban, Nazar or Aqiqah with greater presence, and gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to grow in closeness to Him through them. InshaAllah.
What is
Qurban?
Qurban, or in Malay we say ibadah korban, is a deeply rooted Islamic tradition that holds great significance for millions of believers around the globe. The sacrificing of an animal represents an act of
devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT) that stretches back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is a ritual that transcends borders and cultures, unifying Muslims in their commitment to faith and compassion. By sacrificing an animal during Qurban, believers express their gratitude, humility, and willingness to give something up for Allah, and to give back to their community.
However, performing the Qurban is more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a call to generosity and charity, reminding us of our responsibility to care for those in need and our capacity for sacrifice in our daily lives.
Why do we perform the Qurban?
In talking about why, we need to revisit the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail, in the Qur’an. This time, when reading it again, let’s bring it to mind and heart that this isn’t just a story, but something that actually happened. Imagine the immense difficulty it must be for a father who had wanted a child for so long and when he was finally granted a son, was then asked
to sacrifice his son.
Then when he (Prophet Ismail a.s.) reached the age to work with him, he (Prophet Ibrahim a.s.) said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O
my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”
(Surah As-Saffaat, 37:102)
Right as Prophet
Ibrahim was about to slaughter his son, Allah changed him into a ram. Allah then said in the Qur’an:
“Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead
for slaughtering). And We called out to him: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinūn (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations. Peace be upon Ibrahim!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinūn (good-doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.”
(As-Saffaat, 37:103-111)
As mentioned, the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and the willingness to submit by Prophet Ismail is a good remembrance that has stood the test of time. Even in 2023, we are still inspired by their act of devotion, submission and surrender. This is something we should remember when we want to perform our Iibadah Qurban: as we set aside some money to sacrifice a sheep or a cow, what other
areas of our lives need pruning? What are we willing to sacrifice for Allah to bring us closer to Him? What is no longer serving us and tying us down to the lowliness of dunya? Can we give it up for Allah?
Aside from
reflecting on the ideas of sacrifice, the Iibadah Qurban is also highly encouraged by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
“There is no
act by the sons of Adam on Eidul Adha that is more pleasing to Allah then by the outpouring of blood ( the slaughter of the sacrificial animal). Verily the sacrificial animal will come on the Day of Judgement with its horn, hooves and skin and Allah will grant the blessings of the Qurban even before the blood of the animal reaches the ground. Therefore, make good your Qurban.”
(Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Hadith narrated by at-Tirmidzi, Ibnu Majah and Hakim.)
When do we perform the Qurban?
Qurban is done
after the sunrise of Eidul Adhā / Hari Raya Haji (10th Zulhijjah) and ends by sunset on the last day of Tashrīq (13th Zulhijjah).
What is the difference
between Qurban and Nazar and Aqiqah?
Hopefully the explanation above is clear about Qurban.
Nazar (also spelled nadhr) is making a vow in the name of Allah. For example, one person may say, “If I get this job, I nazar to sacrifice a sheep.” A vow is the action, on the part of a person who is adult and of sound mind (mukallaf), of obliging himself to do
something that is not obligatory, whether he intends to do it straight away or makes his doing it conditional upon something else.
If the person
making that vow gets what he/she made nazar (nadhr) for, then it becomes obligatory (wajib) for them to perform the act that they said they would do, whether it is to sacrifice a sheep, to fast a certain number of days, to give in charity, to feed people, etc.
Aqiqah is a highly encouraged sunnah of sacrificing livestock on the occasion of a birth of a child. It is done by the parents or the guardians. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his Companions used to perform Aqiqah when they had a newborn.
It was narrated that ‘Aishah said: “The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, commanded us to sacrifice two sheep for a boy’s ‘Aqiqah and one sheep for a girl.”
It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin Buraidah, from his father, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, offered the 'Aqiqah for Al-Hasan and Al-Husain.
An Aqiqah usually takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth but is sometimes performed later on.
Why do we perform the
Aqiqah?
Our scholars have explained that the Aqiqah is a gesture or expression of thanks to Allah SWT for the blessing of a child, as protection from shaytaan, an expiation of sins, and preventing any calamities inshaAllah.
Beyond the Aqiqah, it is a recommended Sunnah for parents to give sadaqah or charity of equal value to the weight in silver of their baby's hair (when it is shaved on the seventh day after birth).
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, also performed the Tahnik when there was a newborn.
Asma' reported that she had become pregnant at Mecca with Abdullah b. Zubair (in her womb) and she said:
I set out (for migration to Medina) as I was in the advanced stage of pregnancy. I came to Medina and got down at the place known as Quba' and gave birth to a child there. Then I came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). He placed him (the child) in his lap and then commanded for the dates to be brought. He chewed them and then put the saliva in his mouth. The first thing which went into his
stomach was the saliva of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). He then rubbed his palate with dates and then invoked blessings for him and blessed him. He was the first child who was born in Islam (after Migration).
All these recommended rituals or Sunnahs all point to the great blessing of having a child and are different ways to show gratitude to Allah for that blessing and also to pray for the child’s guidance and protection.
What livestock is sacrificed for the Qurban or Nazar or Aqiqah?
The condition of the livestock in Aqiqah and Nazar is the same as the conditions for the animals in Qurban. The livestock to be slaughtered must be a goat/sheep, cow, or camel. The animals must be free from any form of handicap such as being blind, sick, limp, or undernourished. The livestock must be slaughtered in a humane way.
In conclusion, Qurban, Nazar, and Aqiqah are not just mere religious rituals; they carry deep spiritual significance and meaning for Muslims. They serve as reminders of devotion, gratitude, sacrifice, and the importance of caring for others. Through Qurban, we connect with the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (RA) and his willingness to surrender everything to Allah. Nazar teaches us the
importance of fulfilling vows in the name of Allah. Aqiqah celebrates the gift of a child and reminds us to express our thanks through acts of charity.
By understanding
the historical context, significance, and recommended practices of Qurban, Nazar, and Aqiqah, we can approach these rituals with greater presence, sincerity, and gratitude.
May your
sacrifices, be it Qurban, Nazar, or Aqiqah, be accepted and rewarded abundantly by Allah, and may they be a source of blessings, unity, and fulfillment for you, your family, and your community. Ameen.
