KORT Qurbani Project 2021

Alhamdulillah KORT has carried out its annual Udhiya/Qurbani project 2021.

‘Udhiya’ is an Arabic term which means ‘sacrificing an animal’, and ‘Qurbani‘ is an Urdu and Persian word derived from the Arabic word ‘Qurban’ which literally means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. It is technically used for the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.

A record 212 cows were sacrificed on behalf of donors and supporters from around the world. This included 9 cows that were sacrificed in the name of our beloved Prophet Muhammed may peace and blessings be upon him from funds that were leftover during our 2020 Qurbani project.

As the prices of animals fluctuate during the Qurbani season, it is difficult to get a final price until the animals have been purchased. Therefore, KORT initially provided an estimated price for the Qurbani project based on general market rates. As KORT were able to purchase the animals at a lower cost, donors were offered a refund or were provided the option to put the balance funds towards the following years Qurbani project when animals would be sacrificed in the name of the Prophet Muhammed may peace and blessings be upon him.

What Does KORT Do With The Meat?

As KORT carries out Qurbani on behalf of oversees donors, the meat is divided into bags weighing 2kg each and distributed among poor and needy families across Azad Kashmir. 2kg meat is enough to feed a family of five persons two good meals.

KORT carries out the Qurbani project with 100% honesty and integrity. Therefore, KORT sacrificed its animals in over 20 different cities/towns across Azad Kashmir including Mirpur (KORT), Dina, Jehlum, Bhimber, Samanhi, Dadyal, Islamghar, Chakswari, Kotli, Nakhyal, Bagh (2 locations), Deerkot, Rawalakot, Trarkhal, Palandri, Haveli, Abbaspur, Hajeera, Muzaffarabad (4 locations), and Leepa Valley.

“Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah , Lord of the worlds.” (Al-‘An`am 6/162)

This is to ensure that the animals can be sacrificed correctly, and the meat is provided to the poor and needy in various parts of Azad Kashmir rather than in one single location.

This year’s Qurbani project also took place in very hot weather and so a refrigerated truck was used to store the meat before it was distributed to ensure the meat didn’t go off before it reached the poor families.

Virtues of Udhiya (Qurbani)

Allah Most High Says: ‘So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals).’ (Qur’an 108:2)

There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Udhiya than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, Sacrifice with an open and happy heart. (Sunan Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Majah)

The Meat and Skin of the Udhiya Animal

It is allowed for the one performing Udhiya/Qurbani to either eat off the meat or give it to whomsoever he pleases, rich or poor, Muslim, or non-Muslim. It is preferable, however, that the meat is divided into three parts: One part for the home, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy.

The meat or skin of the animal cannot be sold or given to an employee or butcher in payment of his labour. It may be given as a gift. The skin of the Udhiya animal can be kept for personal use or given to anyone else for their personal use. If the skin is sold, it is necessary to give the money accrued in charity as Sadaqah.

Thank you to all our donors and supporters for booking your Qurbani with KORT. A massive thank you also to our Muskorteers across Azad Kashmir who gave their time to ensure our Qurbani project was carried out successfully from purchasing the animals and sacrificing, all the way to distributing the meat to deserving needy families.