Qurbani on behalf of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam

QUESTION:-

I have heard that, to perform Qurbani specifically in the name of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam has no basis in Shari’ah, nor is it a Sunnah. The reason cited is that any good deed we carry out, Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam receives the reward for it. Therefore, it is considered an innovation to earmark specific deeds in the name of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. It has been a long-standing practice of our elders to specifically assign a ram on behalf of Nabi Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, along with shares for Marhoom relatives. Are we guilty of Bid’ah?

ANSWER:-

The following narration is recorded in Abu Dawood Sharif:

عن حنش قال رأيت عليا يضحي بكبشين فقلت له ما هذا فقال ان رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم اوصاني ان أضحى عنه فان أضحى عنه (أبو داود -2408)

Hanash R.A narrates, “I saw Ali Radiallahu Anhu slaughtering two rams so I asked him, what is this? He replied, ‘Verily Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam advised me to slaughter on his behalf, hence I am slaughtering on his behalf.”

This is a clear narration with regards to the permissibility of making Qurbani on behalf of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The advice and bequest of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam can never be categorized as an innovation. Therefore, there is no problem whatsoever to carry out Qurbani on behalf of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. In fact, it is extremely meritorious and a means of attaining great blessings.

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Maulana Ahmed Saeed

Date:- 25 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 15  June 2023

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb