Blog

Qurban / Udhiyah

قُلۡ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحۡيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَٰلَمِينَ

Say, surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, Lord of all worlds. (6:162)

Qurbān (also known as Udhiyah) refers to the ritual animal sacrifice performed by Muslims during the days of Eid al-Adha (10th–12th Dhul-Hijjah), commemorating the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Rewards / Benefits

The Prophet (SAW) said: “There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of sacrifice than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves. The blood of the sacrifice reaches Allah before it falls on the ground. So, sacrifice with an open and happy heart.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3126; Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1493; graded Hasan)

Types & Shares of Animals

Animal Number of People Allowed Age of the animal
Goat 1 Person Minimum 1 year old
Lamb 1 Person Minimum 1 year old (Over 6 months’ age can be accepted if it is big enough)
Cow/Buffalo Up to 7 persons Minimum 2 years old (2 teeth)
Camel Up to 7 persons Minimum 5 years old

The price of the animal must be paid before the sacrifice, and it is not acceptable to determine the price of the animal based on the weight of the meat of that animal after the sacrifice.

Timing of the Qurban

Begins: After Eid al-Adha prayer (10th Dhul-Hijjah)

Ends: Sunset on 12th Dhul-Hijjah (some scholars allow up to the 13th)

Whoever slaughters before the prayer, it is just meat, not a sacrifice. Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5545)

Misconception:

  • Can sacrifice before Eid prayer.

Distribution of Qurban meat

  • One part for own, one part for relatives/friends, one part for poor people.
  • Must not sell or use meat/skin.