Essential Facts about Eid Ul Adha Qurbani/Udhiyah

Updated on December 28, 2025
by Waleed
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What makes Qurbani the heart of Eid Ul Adha? For millions of Muslims, this sacred sacrifice during the month of Dhul Hijjah is a profound expression of faith, charity, and unity.

Essential Qurbani Facts

Eid Ul Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son Ismail, only to be provided a ram instead. Celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, it’s a time of worship, reflection, and generosity, with Qurbani (also called Udhiyah) as its cornerstone.

What is Qurbani/Udhiyah?

1. The Sacred Sacrifice

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is the ritual sacrifice of an animal typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel performed during Eid Ul Adha on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah. This act is a key pillar of the Islamic festival, symbolizing devotion to Allah and commitment to charity. Through Qurbani, Muslims honor a timeless tradition rooted in faith and compassion.

2. Etymology of Qurbani and Udhiyah

The term “Qurbani” derives from the Arabic word “qurban,” meaning “nearness,” reflecting the act’s purpose of drawing closer to Allah through worship. “Udhiyah,” another Arabic term, translates to “sacrifice,” emphasizing the offering made during Eid Ul Adha. Both names underscore the spiritual and sacrificial essence of the ritual.

3. The Story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail

Qurbani’s origins trace back to Prophet Ibrahim’s ultimate test of faith. Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail, and both submitted willingly. As Ibrahim prepared to act, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, rewarding their obedience (Quran 37:100–107). This story, recounted in the Quran, forms the foundation of Qurbani, inspiring Muslims to prioritize Allah’s will.

“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Quran 22:37)

4. Purpose of Qurbani

Qurbani serves multiple purposes: it commemorates Ibrahim’s devotion, fosters gratitude for Allah’s blessings, and promotes charity through meat distribution. By sharing the sacrifice, Muslims express generosity and strengthen community bonds.

Guidelines for Qurbani:

1. Who Must Perform Qurbani?

Qurbani is obligatory for Muslims who meet the Nisab Threshold, possessing wealth equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver after basic expenses. This applies to individuals, not households, meaning each eligible adult must perform their own Qurbani or contribute to a shared sacrifice (e.g., one cow for up to seven people). The act reflects financial and spiritual responsibility.

2. Animal Criteria

The animals eligible for Qurbani must meet specific standards:

Type: Goats, sheep, cows, or camels.
Age: Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, cows two years, and camels five years.
Health: Animals must be free from defects, such as blindness, missing limbs, or severe illness.

3. Timing of Qurbani

Qurbani must be performed after the Eid Ul Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and before sunset on the 12th. This narrow window aligns with the festival’s sacred days, maximizing the act’s spiritual rewards. SAPA coordinates timely sacrifices on behalf of donors, ensuring compliance with Islamic guidelines.

4. Meat Distribution

The meat from Qurbani is divided into three equal parts:

One-third of the family is performing the sacrifice.
One-third for friends and relatives.
One-third for the poor and needy.

Spiritual and Religious Significance:

Qurbani is a deeply spiritual act that enriches faith and aligns Muslims with Islamic values. Here’s why it holds profound religious importance:

1. Strengthening Taqwa

By emulating Prophet Ibrahim’s submission, Qurbani cultivates God-consciousness (Taqwa). It reminds Muslims to prioritize Allah’s commands, deepening their spiritual connection.

2. Amplified Rewards in Dhul Hijjah

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” [Sahih al-Bukhari | 969]

Performing Qurbani during Dhul Hijjah’s first 10 days multiplies blessings, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual growth.

3. Promoting Generosity and Gratitude

Qurbani encourages Muslims to share Allah’s blessings with others, fostering a spirit of charity. It’s a moment to reflect on gratitude for sustenance and divine mercy.

“The best of deeds are those done in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Common Misconceptions about Qurbani:

Despite its deep significance, Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is sometimes misunderstood. Addressing these misconceptions helps clarify its true purpose and relevance, ensuring Muslims perform this sacred act with full understanding. Here are three common myths about Qurbani, debunked:

1. Qurbani is only about the meat

Many assume Qurbani is solely about providing meat, but its essence lies in devotion and charity. The Quran states,

“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him” (Quran 22:37).

The act of sacrifice reflects submission to Allah and a commitment to share blessings with others. While meat distribution is vital, Qurbani’s spiritual and communal value of honoring Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and fostering generosity defines its true purpose.

2. Qurbani is optional for all Muslims

A common misconception is that Qurbani is voluntary for everyone. In fact, it is obligatory (Wajib) for Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold to possess wealth equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver after basic expenses. For those eligible, Qurbani is a religious duty, not a choice.

3. Qurbani is an outdated practice

Some view Qurbani as an archaic ritual that is irrelevant to modern times. On the contrary, Qurbani remains profoundly relevant, addressing contemporary challenges like food insecurity and social disconnection. By sharing meat with poor, Qurbani combats hunger, while its economic benefits support local farmers.

SAPA’s Role in Ensuring Correct and Impactful Qurbani

The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) ensures Qurbani is performed according to Islamic guidelines, addressing these misconceptions through education and action. By sourcing animals that meet age and health requirements, conducting sacrifices within the prescribed Dhul Hijjah timeframe, and equitably distributing meat, SAPA upholds the ritual’s integrity.

Our program also maximizes impact by delivering meat to Sudan’s most vulnerable, aligning with Qurbani’s charitable spirit. With SAPA, your sacrifice is both spiritually valid and socially transformative.

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Conclusion

Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is the heart of Eid Ul Adha, embodying faith, charity, and community. From its roots in Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice to its modern role in combating hunger and uniting the Ummah, Qurbani remains a powerful act of worship. Its obligatory nature for eligible Muslims, strict animal criteria, timely performance, and equitable meat distribution highlight its structured yet profound significance. Globally, Qurbani fosters solidarity, while in Sudan, SAPA’s program delivers 50,000 meals, supports local farmers, and rebuilds communities.

Essential Facts about Eid Ul Adha Qurbani/Udhiyah

Essential Qurbani Facts