History:
Qurbani, derived from the Arabic word "qurban," refers to the act of sacrificing an animal. Qurbani means sacrifice, which can be traced back from the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim. Qurbani reminds us of the deep love and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah’s order. Prophet Ibrahim sacrificed his son Ismael while obeying Allah Almighty’s order and in reward of this devotion Allah SWT placed a lamb/sheep in its place. Every year Muslims from all around the world sacrifice animals in the remembrance of that day.

What Qurbani symbolizes?
It symbolizes submission to Allah, compassion, love, faith and devotion towards the creator of this whole universe and His authorities. It symbolizes charity and delivering needy people of our society with the meat of animals and creating a sense of harmony.

Why is Qurbai important?
·       Qurbai is the remembrance of the sacrifice of Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim.

·       It’s the submission to Allah Almighty’s will.

·       The practice of Qurbani is firmly established in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who performed Qurbani and encouraged his followers to do the same.

·       It’s a fundamental aspect of Eid ul Adha.

·       It’s a fundamental essential of Hajj.

Benefits of Qurbani:
·       The act of Qurbani purifies the soul.

·       It acts as a means of seeking forgiveness and atonement for past sins.

·       There are a lot of rewards for the Qurbani. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals" (Sunan Ibn Majah).

·       Qurbani encourages generosity and charity by sharing meat.

Nisab of Qurbani:
·       Usually a person who is eligible to give Zakat is eligible to sacrifice an animal in the way of Allah.

·       Every sane and major Muslim adult is eligible for qurbani.

·        Non-travelling person

Qualities of animal which is to be sacrificed:
·       Animals like sheep, cows, goats, camels can be sacrificed on the eve of Eid ul Adha.

·       Animals must be halal.

·       Animals must be reached to a certain age.

·       Animals must not be ill and blind.

·       Sheep and goat must be of at least one year of age.

·       Cow must be of at least two years of age.

·       Camels must be of at least 5 years of age.

·       Height and body shape of the animal must be good.

·       Animals must be physically healthy and active.

·       Animals must not be toothless or almost missing half of their teeth.

·       It can be male or female.

How should be sacrificed?
Hazrat Anas (R.A) narrated that:

“The Prophet offered as sacrifices, two horned rams, black and white in color. He slaughtered them with his own hands and mentioned Allah's Name over them and said Takbir and put his foot on their sides.” [Bukhari, Edahi: 7]

 While sacrificing an animal, it is also necessary to say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar". The purpose of saying this is to make the animal halal.

Conclusion:
In the end, qurbani holds a true essence of Islam as it promotes generosity, love, compassion and submission to Allah. It tends to make a streamlined balance in society by letting all the people enjoy the same. Every year this act boasts a sense of harmony in people and refreshes Islamic knowledge and firmness in faith.