Qurbani is a sacred ritual that Muslims all over the world perform during the days of Eid al-Adha. It helps believers build their relationship with Allah (SWT) and grow spiritually. Qurbani translates to sacrifice and begins from the first day of Eid al-Adha, which is expected to begin on June 6, 2025. Muslims across the globe slaughter an animal to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and gain multiplied rewards. Animals that are sacrificed are traditionally sheep, goats, cows, buffalo and camels. It is an event that commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and is also an opportunity for Muslims to distribute nutritious meat to the less fortunate. This brings communities together and gives essential support to those in desperate need, spreading joy and peace to everyone.
Qurbani is done during the days of Eid al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice. These both sit within the holy and important month of Dhul Hijjah. Eid al-Adha is one of the reasons why this month is essential for Muslims because it is a huge celebration in the Islamic calendar. Known as the greater Eid, this celebration lasts for four days and is a very social and supportive event for believers. It begins on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and carries on for three extra days, which are referred to as the days of tashreeq. Eid al-Adha is an opportunity for Muslims to spend time with family, friends and their local community. The event is marked by exchanging gifts and money (Eidi), eating tasty traditional dishes and praying together to strengthen faith. It is a time for connecting closer to Allah (SWT), reflecting on one’s sacrifices made in the month of Dhul Hijjah, and helping the poor and needy with Qurbani meat.
On top of all of this, Dhul Hijjah is the month of the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. Pilgrims come from every corner of the world to take on the Hajj and devote themselves to Allah (SWT). The Hajj traces significant historical events and takes Muslims to landmarks where important Islamic history was made. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all financially able believers to complete at least once in their lives.
With so much going on in just one month, it can be hard to understand each significant event. To help you, Emaan Relief has provided everything you need to know about animal sacrifice in Islam, including the story that started it all.
The story behind Qurbani is often contemplated and many can wonder how the sacred act of devotion began. It all began with the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS), who both were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for Allah (SWT). It is a story of true devotion, love and sacrifice for God and teaches Muslims the importance of their faith and encourages them to be fully committed to Allah (SWT).
Qurbani all began with the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and has transformed into one of the most religious and important events in Islam. The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) started with his and his wife’s determination to have a righteous son. Ibrahim (AS) was told by Allah (SWT) that one day he would be blessed with a son. However, there was a catch. Allah (SWT) told Ibrahim (AS) that once his son reached the age of puberty, he would be sacrificed to Him.
Eventually, Ibrahim and his wife were blessed with a son, Ismail (AS). Once Ismail was born, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a dream in which he was instructed to sacrifice his son by Allah (SWT). This wasn’t a one-off dream either. The closer Ismail (AS) got to puberty, the more Ibrahim (AS) had these dreams and commands from God. Ibrahim knew what he needed to do in his heart and obeyed Allah’s command, no matter how much it pained him. He shared the instructions with his son, who understood the duty his father had been given and willingly obeyed as well. He said:
“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the steadfast.” [Quran 37:102]
The very first Qurbani in Islam took place on Mount Arafat. This destination is a significant place in Islam because many historic religious events have taken place there, which is why pilgrims spend a day on the mountain to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) during Hajj.
The first Qurbani was made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) once he accepted the command from Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his son in his heart. After the Prophet (AS) shared the command with Ismail (AS) they both went to Mount Arafat to make the sacrifice. Ibrahim (AS) remained loyal to Allah (SWT) and never wavered from the instruction. Neither did Ismail (AS) as they both knew it had to be done because their love for God was much stronger than for each other.
With tears in both men’s eyes, Ibrahim (AS) bound his son with a rope and put the knife to his neck. At the moment he was about to sacrifice his son, Allah (SWT) stopped him in his tracks. He declared that the sacrifice of his only son had been a test of devotion and love to Him and that Ibrahim (AS) had passed the test. Allah (SWT) sent down a white horned ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. The Prophet (AS) slaughtered the ram for God and Ismail’s life was saved. This sacrifice of the ram became the very first Qurbani in Islam and began the important ritual for years to come.
The story of Qurbani inspires Muslims of today to follow the teachings of this and bring this unparalleled devotion to Allah (SWT) into their lives. From this story, the tradition of Qurbani began for every Muslim to give them the chance to make a sacrifice to the Lord and strengthen their faith and adoration for Him.
The animal sacrifice in Islam is now seen by many Muslims as an obligation without evidence – wajib. The Hanafi school of thought follows this belief and is a part of their religious duty to carry out Qurbani. Other schools of thought, such as the Shafi’i, consider Qurbani as Sunnah Mu’akadah. This translates to highly recommended because it is a confirmed Sunnah. Due to this, no matter what school of thought a Muslim follows, Qurbani is very encouraged during the days of Eid al-Adha and has become a pivotal part of the celebrations.
So, what’s the link between Prophet Ibrahim and Qurbani? Well, Ibrahim (AS) made the sacrifice of the ram to Allah (SWT) after He intervened to stop Ibrahim (AS) from sacrificing his son. This means that the Prophet (AS) carried out the first Qurbani in Islam. He decided to thank Allah (SWT) for saving his son’s life and sacrifice the ram in his son’s place. Ibrahim (AS) still showed his devotion and love to God in that moment as he still made a sacrifice after being fully prepared in his heart to let go of his son for the Lord.
Many wonder why do we do Qurbani? There are many verses in the Quran about Qurbani that show why the sacrifice is made and Hadiths on the importance of Qurbani that highlight its significance. These encourage Muslims to continue the traditional ritual and use Qurbani as part of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” [Quran 22:37]
This verse in the Quran shows the meaning of Qurbani in Islam. Sacrificing isn’t just about offering the physical meat of an animal, but it is also about sincerity, faith and commitment.
“So mention the name of Allah over them as they stand in ranks for sacrifice. Then when they collapse upon their flanks, you may butcher their meat to eat of them yourselves- and to feed both the self-restrained needy and the suppliant poor” [Surat Al-Hajj, 22:36]
This shows the importance of sacrifice as a part of the holy Hajj pilgrimage, which aligns with Qurbani and the first day of Eid. It also highlights why Qurbani is important in terms of helping those in need.
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said ‘There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals’” [Hadith]
At Emaan Relief, we distribute your Qurbani as quickly as possible, ensuring to carry out sacrifices across the days of Eid al-Adha. We reach those in vulnerable communities who face poverty and hardship daily, providing them with nutritious and healthy meals. Many of these communities don’t have the means to eat meat, meaning this Eid can be the first time for many to enjoy meat and gain a filling meal. This is a lifeline for vulnerable people.
Donate today to commemorate the story of Qurbani and help those in desperate need, spreading joy this Eid al-Adha.
