QUESTION

What is the meaning of ‘Waqf Qur’baani”? Khanqah Imdadia Ashrafia of Karachi, Pakistan is advertising its “Waqf Qur’baani” project, and is asking for contributors. This is the first time I have heard that Qur’baani of animals also comes within the scope of Waqf. Please explain this concept.

ANSWER

There is no ‘Waqf Qur’baani’ concept or teaching in Islam. Waqf is germane to assets. The Waaqif (the one who makes the Waqf) relinquishes his ownership which reverts to Allah Ta’ala. Waqf is the dedication of an asset in the Path of Allah Ta’ala. The asset remains and its benefits are utilized for the intended purpose of the Waqf, e.g. a property is made Waqf for a Musjid, Madrasah or Yateem Khaanah; a land is made Waqf for a Qabrustaan.

Animals which are slaughtered, regardless of the noble purpose such as Qur’baani/Sadqah, are not Waqf. The act of Qur’baani/Sadqah is rewardable. There is thawaab for it. This cannot be termed Waqf.

Qur’baani is either Waajib or Nafl. It is not Waqf.

SOME QUR’BAANI MASAA-IL

Question

Can one animal be made Qur’baani for several deceased persons?

Answer

Qur’baani of a small animal (goat/sheep) is for only one person whether the person is alive or dead and whether it is Waajib or Nafl Qur’baani. Qur’baani of a big animal (ox/ buffalo/camel) can be made for seven persons, dead or alive.

However, the thawaab of one animal or one share may be intended for many persons whether alive or dead. The Qur’baani will be for the person making it, but the thawaab will be according to his intention.

Question

I did not make Qur’baani for many years although it was Waajib on me. Will the seven shares in a cow suffice for Qadha Qur’baani of seven years?

Answer

No, it will not suffice. For Qadha Qur’baani a whole animal is incumbent. Either a goat/sheep or a big animal. Regardless of the seven shares in a big animal, the animal will suffice for only Qadha of one year.

Question

Is it permissible to give Qur’baani meat to the kuffaar?

Answer

According to the Hanafi Math-hab, it is permissible. It is not permissible for Shaafis.

Question

Is it permissible for a person to sell his Qur’baani meat?

Answer

It is not permissible to sell one’s own Qur’baani meat.

Question

If a person on whom Qur’baani is not Waajib buys an animal with the intention of making Qur’baani, can he later cancel his intention and not make the Qur’baani?

Answer

If he purchases an animal during the days of Qur’baani with the intention of Qur’baani, then making Qur’baani of the animal is compulsory. He may not cancel his intention.

Question

If someone buys an animal for Qur’baani. However, before slaughtering it, the animal died. What is the ruling?

Answer

If Qur’baani is Waajib on the person, he has to purchase another animal for Qur’baani. If Qur’baani is not Waajib, then it is not necessary to buy another animal.

Question

What should be done with the milk of the Qur’baani animal?

Answer

The milk should be given as Sadqah to the poor.

Question

It has happened in the past that the Qur’baani animals become mixed and the owners are unable to recognize their specific animals. In this scenario what should be done?

Answer

Everyone should slaughter any animal from the flock. The Qur’baani of everyone will be valid.

26 Zul Qa’dh 1443 – 27 June 2022