Q: Did Sahaabiyah (female companions) or Ummahaatul Mu’mineen (wives of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) take part in or performe Qurbani?
A: I could not find mention of them actually performing the Qurbani.
‘Took part’ is very vast.
I found a narration in Abu Dawood wherein it is mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) instructed Hadhrat Aa’ishah (Radhiyallaahu Anhaa) to bring the knife and to sharpen it on a stone, which she done. Thereafter he took the knife and performed the Qurbani with his own blessed hands. (Abu Dawood V3 P51). So her part was bringing and sharpening of the knife only.
In a narration in Bukhaari it is mentioned that at the time of Haj, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) performed the Qurbani on behalf of his womenfolk. (Bukhaari V5 P2113). So here, they took no part in the sacrifice on this occasion.
In At Targheeb Wat Tarheeb V2 P99, Al Mu’jamul Kabeer of Tabraani V13 P152 and Mustadrak of Haakim V4 P247 a narration is recorded that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to Hadhrat Fatima (Radhiyallaahu Anhaa):
“O Fatima! Stand near your Qurbani and witness it’s sacrifice. For, every drop of blood is a means of forgiveness for your past sins”.
The Hadeeth mentions some other points thereafter.
So we learn from this narration that a female is permitted, in fact, encouraged to witness her Qurbani. Of course, only if the laws of Hijaab are not flouted. If it is in a public place, she should not attend.
In this narration we also learn that she was encouraged to witness the Qurbani, but no mention of her physically taking part is recorded.
The Kitabs do mention that an animal slaughtered by a female is Halaal. If she slaughters her own Qurbani it will be permissible, but as I mentioned earlier, I could not find proof of them physically taking part in the Qurbani.
Allah Ta’aala knows best.