The Udhiyah or Qurbani in Arabic is one of the most important rituals in the Islamic Calendar. It is aPhysical and Financial act of worship that is performed during the month of Dhul Hijjah, in commemoration of the absolute submission of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to the will of Allah.

1. The Historical and Spiritual Significance

The origin of Qurbani is the great history of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was ordered by Allah SWT to sacrifice his most precious possession, in this case his son Ismail (AS) in a dream. Both father and son were about to accept Allah’s command but Allah substituted Ismail (AS) with a ram and accepted their faith and saved the boy. This is not just a ritual but a symbol of a believer’s willingness to sacrifice what he loves to the creator. The Quran says:

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” (Quran 22:37)

2. Who is Required to Perform Qurbani?

Qurbani is a duty (Wajib) for every Muslim who satisfies the following conditions during the days of the Eid al-Adha: Adult & Sane: They should be mature enough and able to self-reproduce. Financial Ability (Nisab): They have to have money (that which is not enough for basic needs) that is at least Nisab (traditionally it’s the value of 52.5 tolas of silver). Resident: They should not be travelling (as defined in Shariah).

3. Rules for the Animals

For the Qurbani to be valid, the animal must be healthy and meet specific age requirements.

*A sheep that is 6 months old but appears as large and healthy as a 1-year-old is also permissible.

Physical Health Standards:

The animal should not have any significant deformities. It is not allowed to slaughter an animal that is:

• Is blind or has lost more than one-third of his/her sight.
• Having lost over one third of the ear or tail.
• So impotent that he cannot go to the slaughterhouse on his own.
• Very slender or unhealthy.

4. The Method of Slaughter (Dhabihah)

The sacrifice is to be made in a manner that is considered “humanely”:

1. Sharpen the Knife: The blade has to be sharp so it can cut through and cause a rapid and painless death.
2. Keep the Knife out of the animal’s sight: The animal should not see the Knife being sharpened.
3. Compassion: Animals should not be slaughtered in front of each other.
4. Direction: Animal is placed on its left side and facing the Qibla.
5. The Prayer: The person who is making the sacrifice says: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).

5. Timing of Qurbani

The sacrifice can only take place during the three days of Eid al-Adha:

• Start: After the Eid-ul-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

• End: At sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Sacrifices made before the Eid prayer or after the 12th are considered regular meat and do not fulfill the religious obligation of Qurbani.

6. Distribution of the Meat

The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal portions to ensure the benefit of the entire community:

1. One-Third for the Needy: This ensures that those who cannot afford meat throughout the year can celebrate Eid with a nutritious meal.

2. One-Third for Friends and Neighbors: This strengthens community bonds and fosters social harmony.

3. One-Third for the Family: To be enjoyed by those who offered the sacrifice.

7. The Sunnah of the Ten Days

For those intending to perform Qurbani, it is a recommended Sunnah (Mustahabb) to refrain from cutting their hair or nails from the first day of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is completed. This allows the believer to spiritually align themselves with the pilgrims performing Hajj in Makkah.