Saudi Arabia's Khuroof Najdi ( Najd Sheep)

When one thinks of Saudi Arabia and what it is known for the usual things that come to mind are probably oil and gold. Saudi also has its exquisite Arabian horses as well camels. And among other things, Saudi is known for the Khuroof Najdi. Khuroof meaning sheep and Najdi, indicating the sheep originated from the Naj’d region. The Khuroof Najdi is unique in its appearance where unlike other sheep from Australia, South Africa or the United States for example, they are a very tall breed, averaging 76-86 centimeters (30-34 inches) in height at the withers.They have long, Roman nosed faces with drooping ears. Ewes are polled and rams may be either polled or have scurs. They are generally black with white faces and white on the legs and tail.

(http://www.acacialand.com/food.html - picture)

 The Khuroof Najdi sheep were a predominant part of the Bedouin lifestyle.In fact, the bedus would make their traditional tents (sedu) from the Khuroof Najdi wool often referring to these tents as the “hair house.” However, over the years and in modern times, they are popular throughout the Kingdom and GCC for breeding due to their elegant style and appearance. The Khuroof Najdi continue to also be used for milk and meat but their popularity has skyrocketed with the introduction of “The Khuroof Najdi beauty pageants"

A Khuroof Najdi beauty pageant was held just outside of Riyadh in October 2008. More than 4000 men showed up for this event. "The pageant was organized to encourage Saudis to breed their sheep for quality. And it also offered an opportunity for breeders to do business and a rare outlet for entertainment in a country where the few recreational activities that exist are conducted under the strict glare of the religious police."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najdi_(sheep) - picture)

According to the event’s organizer, Faisal Al-Saadoun, “Just like humans, sheep should n’t have fat in unwanted places,” “They should also be tall.”

The female sheep (ewes) will sell for between 20,000 to 30,000 Saudi riyals (equivalent to US$5,300 – 8,000). A Ram or male sheep is more expensive because it can produce up to 100 sheep per year to ones flock whereas the ewe will usually give birth to two per year. As a result, a male Khuroof Najdi may be sold for hundreds of thousands of riyals.

Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,445807,00.html

http://bayourenaissanceman.blogspot.com/2008/11/beauty-contest-with-difference.html

http://www2b.abc.net.au/science/k2/stn/newposts/3866/topic3865791.shtm

"Neither their flesh reaches Allah nor their blood; it is your piety that reaches HIM. He has subjected these animals that you may magnify Allah for the guidance He has bestowed upon you. Give glad tidings to those who do good."     Surah Al Hajj- Ayah 37

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family Eid Mubarak. May the Almighty accept our humble sacrifices and reward us all abundantly. May He bless and protect us and grant us all good health, success and prosperity, Insha Allah!!!!!!

Udhiya (Qurbani)

What is Udhiya?

‘Udhiya’ is an Arabic word meaning "blood sacrifice", 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.

The sacrifice of an animal has always been a recognised form of worship in many religions, but in the ‘Shariah’ (Islamic sacred law) of our beloved Noble Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him)  the sacrifice of an animal has been recognised as a form of worship during the three days of the month Zul Hijjah, namely the 10th, 11th, and 12th .

This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Sayyidna Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah Ta’ala conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Sayyidna Isma'il, Alayhi Salam, and actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim."

On who is it obligatory? 

Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) on every Muslim who is

• Of sound mind - mature (has  reached the age of puberty),
• Muqeem (i.e. he is not a Shari traveller)
• Possesses the amount of 612,36 grams of silver or wealth equivalent to that value which is in excess of   one's basic needs and debts on any of the three days of Qurbani. It is not necessary that this amount be in one's possession for a complete lunar year.

What the Quran and Hadith says:

Allah Ta'ala, The Most Wise says:

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, it is your piety that reaches Him. Indeed He has subjected them (animals) to you so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you, and give glad tidings  to those who excel in good." (Quran-22:37)

The Noble Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

"For every hair that is on the sacrificial animal, one reward is recorded for the person making the Qurbâni."

"There is nothing dearer to Allâh during the days of Qurbâni than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Qiyamah with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed inreward). The sacrifice is accepted by Allâh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart."

"Whoever has the capacity to sacrifice and does not do so, should not come to the place where the Eid prayer is offered." (Hadith-Ibn Majah).

Source:

http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2012/10/udhiya-qurbani.html

Hajj 1953-Around Jeddah

Here is the final set of photographs from the July 1953 edition of the National Geographic magazine, showing areas of Jeddah during the Hajj.