8 Rules for the Distribution of Qurbani Meat that Need to be Understood, Fair and Not Neglecting the Rights of the Poor

Dream – The celebration of Eid al-Adha is not far away. Many people have started preparing sacrificial animals that will be slaughtered on the day of the festival. Of course, there are many things that need to be understood by Muslims regarding the slaughter and distribution of qurbani meat.

Slaughtering sacrificial animals on the day of Eid al-Adha is part of the worship to emulate the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim. Besides the selection and slaughter of sacrificial animals, it is also important to pay attention to the distribution of qurbani meat.

The distribution of qurbani meat has several rules that need to be understood. Here is an explanation of the rules for the distribution of qurbani meat that Dream Friends need to understand. Let's take a look at them below!

Rules for the Distribution of Qurbani Meat

1. Ownership of Qurbani Animal

The qurbani animal must be legally owned by someone before it is slaughtered. The owner of the qurbani animal can make it a sacrifice for themselves, their family, or for charitable purposes.

2. Divided into Three Parts

The first rule for the distribution of qurbani meat is to divide it into three parts. One-third for the poor, one-third for relatives and neighbors, and the remaining one-third for the family of the person who is sacrificing.

3. Distribution for the Sacrificer

There are no specific rules in Islam regarding the distribution of meat for oneself, relatives, and those in need. It depends on the policies and agreements made by the owner of the qurbani animal. However, it is important to ensure that the distribution is fair and does not neglect the rights of those who are entitled to receive a share of the qurbani meat.

4. Prioritizing the Interests of the Community

It is important to pay attention to this point. Because this point is related to the previous point. The distribution of qurbani meat should be done, as much as possible, by prioritizing the interests of the community. The qurbani meat should be distributed to the poor and those in need as soon as possible so that it can be immediately utilized, which is consumed.

5. Distribution of Qurbani Meat

The qurbani animal can be directly distributed by its owner to the rightful recipients, or through charitable institutions and organizations that collect and distribute qurbani meat to those in need.

6. Qurbani Animal Must Comply with the Rules

The rules for the distribution of qurbani meat are also important to consider the type of animal that is slaughtered. The meat that is distributed must come from livestock animals that are categorized as qurbani animals, such as cows, buffaloes, camels, goats, or sheep. Livestock animals such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits cannot be used as qurbani animals.

In addition to the type, these animals must be healthy, fat, and free from defects. Furthermore, the qurbani animal must also be of sufficient age. Camels must be at least 5 years old and can be older. Buffaloes or cows must be at least 2 years old, and goats or sheep must be at least 1 year old or have already changed teeth.

7. Qurbani Meat Can Be Stored

Qurbani meat should ideally be distributed to those in need as soon as possible. However, there are other provisions regarding the distribution of qurbani meat. That is, qurbani meat does not have to be distributed on the same day as the slaughter. Qurbani meat can also be stored first. However, of course, the distribution should not exceed the days of tashreeq.

Some scholars argue that qurbani meat that is stored for more than 3 days is not considered qurbani but rather a donation. However, most people choose to immediately distribute qurbani meat on the same day as the slaughter without having to store it first.

8. Distribution of Qurbani Meat Should Not Cause Difficulty

Another rule for the distribution of qurbani meat is that it should not cause difficulty for the recipients of the qurbani meat.

The qurbani committee or individuals in charge of distributing qurbani meat can distribute it by visiting the homes of the targeted individuals. So, the recipients do not have to come by themselves to collect the qurbani meat.

This is to prevent queues and crowds that may actually inconvenience the recipients of the qurbani meat. This method is also in accordance with the circular letter of the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia No. 18 of 2020.

It should be noted that the rules and procedures for the distribution of qurbani meat may vary depending on the culture, tradition, and regulations in each country or region. It is important to understand and follow the applicable rules in the place where Dream Friends live and perform the qurbani.