Qurbani

Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal,sheep, goat, cow, or camel,performed during Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This practice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham, peace be upon him) ultimate act of submission, when he willingly prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah's command. As both father and son submitted, Allah ransomed Ismail with a magnificent ram, establishing sacrifice as an enduring symbol of faith and obedience (37:102-107). Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for adult Muslims who possess the minimum wealth (nisab), according to Hanafi jurisprudence, while other schools consider it strongly recommended (sunnah mu'akkadah). The sacrificed animal must be healthy, of appropriate age, and free from defects. The meat is divided into three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy, ensuring communal sharing and care for the less fortunate. The spiritual significance lies not in the meat or blood reaching Allah, but in the piety and sincerity behind the sacrifice: "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you" (22:37). Qurbani embodies gratitude, generosity, and remembrance of Ibrahim's legacy.