QURBAANI

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The one who has the means and does not perform Qurbaani, must not approach our Muswalla (Eidgah).” (Ibn Majah / Musnad Ahmad / Muswanaf Ibn Abu Shaibah / Ad-Daarqutni / Mustadrak Al-Haakim)

This Hadith is classified as Saheeh (authentic) by Allaamah Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalaani in his commentary Fat-hul Baari, which he wrote concerning Saheeh Al-Bukhari. Similarly, Al-Haakim also classified this Hadith as Saheeh (authentic) in his Al-Mustadrak.

It is to be noted that this Hadith was narrated in two ways: Some Rawi (narrators) narrated it as a statement of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) while another group of Rawi narrated it as the statement and the saying of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). However, the difference among the Rawi in narrating this Hadith is not a criteria that may weaken the position of this Hadith as it is possible that Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu Anhu) narrated it to his students, at times without referring it to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and at times by referring it to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Therefore, every student and every group narrated it in the way they heard it.

According to the scholars of Hadith, in such a situation, if those who narrated it as the statement of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) are serious Rawi, then their version must be given preference over the version of others. Here those who narrated this Hadith as the saying of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) are serious Rawi (narrators). Therefore, according to the principle, this must be accepted as the statement of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) itself.

Explanation:

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has adopted a relatively harsh tone towards the one who does not perform Qurbaani despite having the means. He has even prevented such a person from approaching the Eidgah. A harsh tone cannot be adopted in regards to an action that is optional. It must be an action which is important and obligatory. This harsh tone has been adopted in regards to neglecting Qurbaani despite having the means to perform it. So, this proves that Qurbaani is Wajib (obligatory) on a person who has the means.

[English version of "Qourbaani" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.2]