Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Islam – Rules, Meaning & Distribution Guide
What is Udhiyah (Qurbani) in Islam?
Udhiyah (Qurbani) is one of the holiest practices in Islam and is carried out during the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha.
This worship ritual entails the slaughter of specific livestock animals, including goats, sheep, cows, or camels, as an expression of gratitude, submission, and loyalty to Allah (SWT).
It stems from the unparalleled test of faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he displayed remarkable obedience by trying to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). Allah, in turn, miraculously exchanged Ismail with a ram, establishing the practice of Udhiyah for many years to come.
Meaning and Significance of Qurbani in Islam
“Udhiyah” derives from an Arabic root that signifies “sacrifice” or “nearness to Allah.” It represents piety, charity, and submission to Allah’s will. The Quran states:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Quran 22:37)
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Origin of Udhiyah: Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
This tradition stems from Allah‘s test of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who dreamed about sacrificing his son.
Allah then replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram for the act of Udhiyah the moment he showed willingness.
Sunnah or Fard? Is Udhiyah Obligatory?
Scholars differ:
- Hanafi school: Mandatory for financially capable Muslims.
- Mālikī, Shāfi’ī, Ḥanbalī Schools: Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended).
Eid al-Adha and the Ritual of Sacrifice
Importance of Eid al-Adha in Islam
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is among the holiest Islamic events, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
Dates of Udhiyah: 10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah
The sacrifice should take place after Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah until before sunset on the 12th.
Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Timing
- Best Time: After Eid prayer and khutbah.
- Permissible Until: 13th Dhul Hijjah (Hanafi view).
Rules and Conditions for Udhiyah Animals
Minimum Age for Qurbani Animals
| Animal | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Sheep/Goat | 1 year |
| Cow/Buffalo | 2 years |
| Camel | 5 years |
Physical and Health Requirements
The animal must be:
✔ Healthy (no disease)
✔ Free from defects (blindness, lameness, missing teeth)
✔ Well-fed (not emaciated)
Approved Animals: Goat, Sheep, Cow, Camel
Only halal livestock are permissible. Wild animals (e.g., deer) are invalid.
Can We Give Qurbani to a Butcher?
Yes, but not as payment — give meat as charity, not as wages.
Key Guidelines Before Performing Udhiyah
Intention and Taqwa in Sacrifice
- Sacrifice: Intention, Taqwa , and Acceptance
- The niyyah (intention) should be only for Allah’s sake.
Cutting Hair or Nails Before Qurbani
From 1st Dhul Hijjah until sacrifice, avoid:
✖ Trimming hair
✖ Cutting nails
Sunnah of the Prophet Regarding Qurbani
- Sacrifice with a sharp knife (minimize pain).
- Face the animal toward Qiblah.
- Recite:“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”
How to Distribute Qurbani Meat Properly
Distribution: For Family, Friends, and the Needy
Divide into three equal parts:
- Family
- Relatives/Friends
- Poor & Needy
Rules for Distributing Qurbani Meat
- Cannot sell meat or skin (invalidates sacrifice).
- Raw or cooked distribution allowed.
Charity and Obedience to Allah
The action encourages charity, thankfulness, and equality.
Common Questions About Udhiyah Answered (FAQ)
What is Udhiyah in Islam?
It is the ritual slaughter of an animal as a godly act during Eid al-Adha, as a Sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim.
Who Should Perform Qurbani?
Muslims who:
- Are adults
- Own wealth above Nisab
- Are not traveling
Is Udhiyah Mandatory?
Others refer to it as Sunnah Mu’akkadah, but Hanafis say yes.
Can One Share a Cow for Qurbani?
Yes, 7 people can share a cow or camel for Qurbani.
What If I Miss the Sacrifice Time?
Donate equivalent money as Sadaqah.
Can Women Perform Udhiyah?
Yes, if financially capable.
Is Aqiqah the Same as Udhiyah?
No, Aqiqah is for newborns; Udhiyah is for Eid al-Adha.
Can I Give Qurbani Meat to Non-Muslims?
Yes, especially if they are needy.
What Defects Make an Animal Invalid?
Blindness, sickness, lameness, or missing limbs.
What Are the Spiritual Benefits of Udhiyah?
- Expiation of sins
- Increased Taqwa (piety)
- A reward for every hair of the animal
Benefits of Qurbani and Its Spiritual Significance
Rewards and Virtues of Udhiyah
- Hadith: “For every hair of the sacrificed animal, you receive a reward.” (Tirmidhi)
Connection to Piety and Obedience
Strengthens faith, gratitude, and submission to Allah.
Social and Charitable Impact
- Feeds the poor
- Strengthens community bonds
Summary: Performing Udhiyah the Right Way
Step-by-Step Udhiyah Checklist
- Select a healthy animal.
- Avoid cutting hair/nails before the sacrifice.
- Sacrifice after Eid prayer.
- Divide the meat into three parts.
- Recite the Sunnah dua.
Final Reminders for Eid al-Adha
- Pray Eid Salah.
- Give charity.
- Celebrate with family.
✅ Additional Recommendations
- Use trusted charities for overseas Qurbani.
- Verify animal health before purchasing.
- Teach children the significance of Udhiyah.
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
