Eid al-Adha, the "Feast of the Sacrifice," honors Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) ultimate act of faith. We remember his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (AS), in obedience to Allah (SWT). This holy occasion is a time for reflection, gratitude, and sharing blessings. Reciting Qurbani Duas (supplications) is an essential part of this sacred practice. These prayers allow us to connect directly with Allah (SWT), expressing our intentions and seeking His blessings during the sacrifice.
The Power of Duas and Takbeer in Qurbani
Eid al-Adha celebrations hold immense importance for reciting Qurbani Duas (supplications) and Takbeers (expressions of God's greatness). These acts not only accompany the sacrifice but also mark the spiritual significance of the entire four-day period, from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Qurbani Dua Before and After Eid Payers
This gathering signifies unity and strengthens the feeling of community. In some traditions, Muslim takes a different route to the prayer ground, symbolizing a departure from routine and a renewed spiritual commitment. Similarly, returning home via a different path reinforces the concept of spiritual growth. Throughout this journey, Muslims recite the Takbeer, which typically consists of the phrase:
"الله أكبر، الله أكبر، لا إله إلا الله، الله أكبر، الله أكبر، ولله الحمد."
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd
Qurbani Takbeer:
الله أكبر الله أكبر لا إله إلا الله الله أكبر الله أكبر ولله الحمد
Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La ilaha illallah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa lillahil hamd
This joyful chant means " Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity worthy of worship but Him. Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. And for Allah is all praises. "
It's said throughout Eid al-Adha to show how much we appreciate Him!
Intention of Sacrifice for Allah (SWT)
The intention behind the sacrifice is crucial. Before slaughtering an animal, Muslims reaffirm their dedication to Allah alone.
The intention, "نويت أن أاضحي للهِ تَعَالى" (Nawaitu An Udhahhi Lillaahi Ta’ala) emphasizes the sacrifice's sole purpose for the pleasure of Allah.
Dua for Qurbani Before Slaughtering the Animal
Upon sacrifice, specific Dua are recommended based on the recipient. Here's what to recite first:
إِنِّي وَجَهتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَوتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَ مَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ إِنَّ صَلاتِي وَنُسُكَى وَ مَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَلَمِينَ ،لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَ بِذلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَاَنَا اَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ .
“Iní wa jjahhtu wajhiya lil-ladhī fatara as-samawati wal-arda hanifan wa maa ana mina al-mushrikeen. Inna salaati wa nusuki wa mahyaaya wa mamaati lillahi rabbil-'alameen, laa sharika lahu wa bidhalika umirtu wa ana awwalu al-muslimeen." سورة الانعام
Then say, اللهُم تَقَبَّلُ ((Allahuma Taqabbal) )if sacrificing for yourself, instead of مِنَ (mina) you can say مِنِّىْ, (minni) otherwise after the مِنَ (mina) you can mention the name of the one for whom the sacrifice is being performed.
Then continue by saying,
كَمَا تَقَبَّلْتَ مِن خَلِيلِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ وَحَبِيبِكَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم
“Kama taqabbalta min khalilik Ibrahim 'alayhi as-salam wa habibik Muhammadin sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.”
Qurbani Takbeer During Sacrificing the Animal
Saying " بسم اللہ أللہ أکبر " "Bismillah Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest) is essential during sacrifice. It honors Allah and clarifies the reason for the sacrifice. The animal should face the Qiblah (direction of the Kaaba) before a quick and merciful slaughter, following Islamic guidelines.
Qurbani Dua after Sacrificing the Animal
After completing the sacrifice, express gratitude to Allah and make supplications. Here are some ways to perform that:
Give thanks to Allah: You may say " ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ " (All praise is due to Allah)," or in your own words make a dua expressing appreciation for letting you have the chance to perform Qurbani.
Make supplications (Dua): This is an ideal time for Dua, imploring Allah's forgiveness; asking Allah to bless both you and your family, and praying for the welfare and prosperity of the entire Muslim community (Ummah). You may pray for anything you want.
Here's an example dua you can use:
اللهم تقبل مني واجعل هذا عني وعن ذريتي وعن جميع المسلمين
"Al-lahuma taqabbal minni wa-j'al haadha 'anni wa-'an dharriyati wa-'an jami'il-muslimeen"
(O Allah, accept this sacrifice from me and make it (reward) from me, from my offspring, and from all the Muslims)
But remember, this is only a part of the many Duas offered on Qurbani. The most important thing is the heart full of sincerity and devotion that you do Qurbani in the name of Allah (SWT).
You can also Donate Qurbani to less fortune on the behalf of your loved ones.
