As the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches, Muslims around the world prepare for one of the most spiritually significant acts of worship — Qurban, also known as the Ud'hiyah. This noble practice is not just a ritual of animal sacrifice but a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and devotion to Allah (ﷻ). In this guide, we will explore the origins, significance, rulings, and practical aspects of the Qurban, making it easy for you to understand and perform it correctly.
The tradition of Qurban dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), a man who was not just a Prophet of Allah but one of the only two human beings to have earned the title of Khalilullah (the dear friend of Allah); the other person being our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) stood as a towering example of devotion and submission to Allah’s will. When commanded by Allah (ﷻ) in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (عليه السلام), Prophet Ibrahim did not hesitate, and His unwavering faith was met with divine mercy, as Allah replaced Ismail with a magnificent ram, symbolizing that true sacrifice lies in the sincerity of one’s faith and obedience.
This practice of sacrifice is also rooted in the story of Habil and Qabil, the two sons of Prophet Adam (عليه السلام). While Habil offered a choice ram as a sincere sacrifice, Qabil presented a substandard offering, leading to the rejection of his sacrifice. This teaches us that the value of sacrifice lies in sincerity and purity of intention - seeking Allah’s pleasure through the best of what He has given us.
Qurban is a highly emphasized Sunnah (recommended practice) for Muslims who can afford it, and it is disliked that someone who is able to afford it, does not do so; based on the opinion of the majority of the scholars.
This was the opinion narrated from Abu Bakr, Umar, Bilal and Abu Mas‘ud al-Badri. It was also the view of Suwayd ibn Ghafalah, Saeed ibn al-Musayyab, ‘Alqamah, al-Aswad, Ata’, ash-Shafi‘i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir. ....
There is also the report narrated by Imam Daraqutni, with his chain from Ibn Abbas, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There are three things that are obligatory for me, but for you they are optional.” According to another report, they are: “Witr, the sacrifice (udhiyah) and the two (Sunnah) rakahs of Fajr.”
However, some scholars did differ on its obligation:
Narrated Aishah رضي الله عنها: That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr (10th of Dhul Hijjah) more beloved to Allah then spilling blood (of sacrificial animals). On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it." [Tirmidhi]
Not every animal qualifies for Qurban. The following guidelines should be observed:
It is best to slaughter a goat or a sheep that has crossed one year in age to be safe from any difference of opinion.
One sheep suffices for one person. When we say one person, we include his household who are all those financially dependent on him under this sacrifice.
A full camel or a full cow suffice seven people or seven households. Add to this, there is no impermissibility with regards to the sacrifice of a buffalo as is the misconception in certain areas. It takes the same ruling as that of a cow.
The Qurban must be performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and can continue until the end of the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Aisha رضي الله عنها reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to Aisha: "Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying:
بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنْ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَمِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ
In the name of Allah," O Allah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Ummah of Muhammad" [Muslim]
There are adab to be followed even while slaughtering an animal.
The person slaughtering says:
In the Name of Allah! O Allah! This is from You and for You!
or
With the Name of Allah, Allah is the Most Great! O Allah! This is from You and for You. O Allah, accept it from me. [Muslim]
Note: Saying Bismillah is obligatory.
It is recommended to split the ud’hiyah into 3 parts:
This division allows the spirit of Qurban to spread beyond the individual, nurturing a sense of generosity, gratitude, and community.
While some may think of donating the value of the animal instead of performing Qurban, this is not in line with the Sunnah. Qurban is an act of worship that involves the direct ritual of sacrifice, symbolizing submission to Allah. Giving money instead of performing Qurban nullifies the spiritual essence of this great act.
Udhiyah is a symbol of Islam just like the adhaan (call to prayer) or salah which cannot be removed and the Ummah has to continue performing it. This is not talking about the obligation or recommendation of the sacrifice. Here, it talks about the obligation on the Ummah to continue this practice.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said, "Offering a sacrifice when it is prescribed is better than giving its price in charity even if one gives more than the price, like sacrifices offered during Hajj and at Eid al-Adha, because the aim is to carry out the actual act of slaughter and shedding the blood, because this is an act of worship which is mentioned alongside prayer, as Allah says: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)"
Sheikh Ibn al-Uthaymeen رحمه الله said, "Slaughtering the sacrifice is better than giving its price in charity, because that was what the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims with him did. And because the sacrifice is one of the ritual of Islam; if the people turn away from it and give charity instead, that symbol will die out.”
Our Sheikh Ibrahim Nuhu حفظه الله said, "Udhiyah is a Symbol from the Symbols of Islam. It is not necessarily linked to the poor as a person can eat all of it and not give any to charity. The authorities should make sure that these symbols are maintained. Giving money to people instead of the Udhiyah (conceptually) is changing the religion of Allah. If we have all the sacrificial animals being sent away from Country 1 to Country 2 in such a manner that no animals are slaughtered in Country 1, then this is wrong. It has to be done in Country 1 and then the rest is sent off to other countries that have a pressing need. If you find someone right in front of you who is in extreme extreme need, only then can you give them the money instead. But if we start looking around the world for the needy, then a person will never give Udhiyah and this is wrong."
A person should not take loans or go into debt for the sake of making a sacrifice. It is only for those that can afford to do it and have surplus for themselves and their families. Even those scholars who deem ud’hiyah to be obligatory say that it is only to be done when one has reached the ability to do so.
Why? Our Sheikh Ibrahim Nuhu حفظه الله said, "Debt is a serious matter. All the sins of such a person will be forgiven, except for debt. Initially the Prophet ﷺ had said that all the sins would be forgiven. Jibreel came down all the way just to inform the Prophet ﷺ that debt will not be forgiven for it is a right of another. This will not be forgiven. This goes to show just how sensitive the matter of debt is.
Qurban is more than just an act of slaughter. It is a reminder of the importance of sincerity, gratitude, sacrifice, and submission to Allah (ﷻ). As we remember the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and the beautiful obedience of Prophet Ismail (عليه السلام), we are reminded to strengthen our own faith and devotion.
An incredible historical fact that many are unaware of is that the horns of the ram sacrificed by Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) were preserved and hung inside the Ka'bah. They remained there for centuries until they were destroyed in a fire during the Siege of Makkah in 683 CE.
Qurban is not just an act of ritual; it is an expression of love, gratitude, and devotion to Allah. It is a means of drawing closer to Him, a reminder of the timeless lesson of faith from Prophet Ibrahim, and a chance to share our blessings with those in need.
Make your Qurban meaningful this year by performing it with sincerity and ensuring that its blessings reach as many people as possible.
Deepen your understanding of Qurban, Dhul-Hijjah, and other essential Islamic teachings with True Ilm’s vast collection of eBooks and audiobooks.
As a start we’ll recommend listening to the audiobook: The Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj & Umrah Made Easy by Mohammad Zahid Mateen
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As the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah approaches, Muslims around the world prepare for one of the most spiritually significant acts of worship — Qurban, also known as the Ud'hiyah. This noble practice is not just a ritual of animal sacrifice but a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and devotion to Allah (ﷻ). In this guide, we will explore the origins, significance, rulings, and practical aspects of the Qurban, making it easy for you to understand and perform it correctly.
The tradition of Qurban dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), a man who was not just a Prophet of Allah but one of the only two human beings to have earned the title of Khalilullah (the dear friend of Allah); the other person being our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) stood as a towering example of devotion and submission to Allah’s will. When commanded by Allah (ﷻ) in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (عليه السلام), Prophet Ibrahim did not hesitate, and His unwavering faith was met with divine mercy, as Allah replaced Ismail with a magnificent ram, symbolizing that true sacrifice lies in the sincerity of one’s faith and obedience.
This practice of sacrifice is also rooted in the story of Habil and Qabil, the two sons of Prophet Adam (عليه السلام). While Habil offered a choice ram as a sincere sacrifice, Qabil presented a substandard offering, leading to the rejection of his sacrifice. This teaches us that the value of sacrifice lies in sincerity and purity of intention - seeking Allah’s pleasure through the best of what He has given us.
Qurban is a highly emphasized Sunnah (recommended practice) for Muslims who can afford it, and it is disliked that someone who is able to afford it, does not do so; based on the opinion of the majority of the scholars.
This was the opinion narrated from Abu Bakr, Umar, Bilal and Abu Mas‘ud al-Badri. It was also the view of Suwayd ibn Ghafalah, Saeed ibn al-Musayyab, ‘Alqamah, al-Aswad, Ata’, ash-Shafi‘i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir. ....
There is also the report narrated by Imam Daraqutni, with his chain from Ibn Abbas, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “There are three things that are obligatory for me, but for you they are optional.” According to another report, they are: “Witr, the sacrifice (udhiyah) and the two (Sunnah) rakahs of Fajr.”
However, some scholars did differ on its obligation:
Narrated Aishah رضي الله عنها: That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr (10th of Dhul Hijjah) more beloved to Allah then spilling blood (of sacrificial animals). On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it." [Tirmidhi]
Not every animal qualifies for Qurban. The following guidelines should be observed:
It is best to slaughter a goat or a sheep that has crossed one year in age to be safe from any difference of opinion.
One sheep suffices for one person. When we say one person, we include his household who are all those financially dependent on him under this sacrifice.
A full camel or a full cow suffice seven people or seven households. Add to this, there is no impermissibility with regards to the sacrifice of a buffalo as is the misconception in certain areas. It takes the same ruling as that of a cow.
The Qurban must be performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and can continue until the end of the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Aisha رضي الله عنها reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to Aisha: "Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying:
بِاسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنْ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَمِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ
In the name of Allah," O Allah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Ummah of Muhammad" [Muslim]
There are adab to be followed even while slaughtering an animal.
The person slaughtering says:
In the Name of Allah! O Allah! This is from You and for You!
or
With the Name of Allah, Allah is the Most Great! O Allah! This is from You and for You. O Allah, accept it from me. [Muslim]
Note: Saying Bismillah is obligatory.
It is recommended to split the ud’hiyah into 3 parts:
This division allows the spirit of Qurban to spread beyond the individual, nurturing a sense of generosity, gratitude, and community.
While some may think of donating the value of the animal instead of performing Qurban, this is not in line with the Sunnah. Qurban is an act of worship that involves the direct ritual of sacrifice, symbolizing submission to Allah. Giving money instead of performing Qurban nullifies the spiritual essence of this great act.
Udhiyah is a symbol of Islam just like the adhaan (call to prayer) or salah which cannot be removed and the Ummah has to continue performing it. This is not talking about the obligation or recommendation of the sacrifice. Here, it talks about the obligation on the Ummah to continue this practice.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said, "Offering a sacrifice when it is prescribed is better than giving its price in charity even if one gives more than the price, like sacrifices offered during Hajj and at Eid al-Adha, because the aim is to carry out the actual act of slaughter and shedding the blood, because this is an act of worship which is mentioned alongside prayer, as Allah says: Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)"
Sheikh Ibn al-Uthaymeen رحمه الله said, "Slaughtering the sacrifice is better than giving its price in charity, because that was what the Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims with him did. And because the sacrifice is one of the ritual of Islam; if the people turn away from it and give charity instead, that symbol will die out.”
Our Sheikh Ibrahim Nuhu حفظه الله said, "Udhiyah is a Symbol from the Symbols of Islam. It is not necessarily linked to the poor as a person can eat all of it and not give any to charity. The authorities should make sure that these symbols are maintained. Giving money to people instead of the Udhiyah (conceptually) is changing the religion of Allah. If we have all the sacrificial animals being sent away from Country 1 to Country 2 in such a manner that no animals are slaughtered in Country 1, then this is wrong. It has to be done in Country 1 and then the rest is sent off to other countries that have a pressing need. If you find someone right in front of you who is in extreme extreme need, only then can you give them the money instead. But if we start looking around the world for the needy, then a person will never give Udhiyah and this is wrong."
A person should not take loans or go into debt for the sake of making a sacrifice. It is only for those that can afford to do it and have surplus for themselves and their families. Even those scholars who deem ud’hiyah to be obligatory say that it is only to be done when one has reached the ability to do so.
Why? Our Sheikh Ibrahim Nuhu حفظه الله said, "Debt is a serious matter. All the sins of such a person will be forgiven, except for debt. Initially the Prophet ﷺ had said that all the sins would be forgiven. Jibreel came down all the way just to inform the Prophet ﷺ that debt will not be forgiven for it is a right of another. This will not be forgiven. This goes to show just how sensitive the matter of debt is.
Qurban is more than just an act of slaughter. It is a reminder of the importance of sincerity, gratitude, sacrifice, and submission to Allah (ﷻ). As we remember the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and the beautiful obedience of Prophet Ismail (عليه السلام), we are reminded to strengthen our own faith and devotion.
An incredible historical fact that many are unaware of is that the horns of the ram sacrificed by Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) were preserved and hung inside the Ka'bah. They remained there for centuries until they were destroyed in a fire during the Siege of Makkah in 683 CE.
Qurban is not just an act of ritual; it is an expression of love, gratitude, and devotion to Allah. It is a means of drawing closer to Him, a reminder of the timeless lesson of faith from Prophet Ibrahim, and a chance to share our blessings with those in need.
Make your Qurban meaningful this year by performing it with sincerity and ensuring that its blessings reach as many people as possible.
Deepen your understanding of Qurban, Dhul-Hijjah, and other essential Islamic teachings with True Ilm’s vast collection of eBooks and audiobooks.
As a start we’ll recommend listening to the audiobook: The Journey of a Lifetime: Hajj & Umrah Made Easy by Mohammad Zahid Mateen
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