Udhiyya / Qurbani

The Theological Foundation — Ibrahim’s Test

The udhiyya’s meaning is inseparable from the story of Ibrahim and Ismail. The Quran narrates:

“And when he reached with him the age of exertion, he [Ibrahim] said: ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said: ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’ And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him: ‘O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (37:102-107)

Three elements define the meaning:

Submission (islam): Both father and son submitted — aslamaa — the dual verb expressing their mutual surrender to the divine command
The ransom (fidya): Allah did not want the child’s blood — He wanted the submission. The animal is Allah’s own provision of an alternative, demonstrating that the divine command was always about the willingness, not the act
The commemoration: Every udhiyya is a re-enactment of this willingness — a yearly renewal of the Muslim’s readiness to surrender what is most beloved

Who Must Sacrifice?

The scholars differ on whether udhiyya is wajib (obligatory) or sunnah mu’akkada (highly recommended):

Hanafi: Wajib — obligatory on every adult Muslim of means (nisab level, i.e., one who owns wealth above the zakat threshold) who is not traveling and is resident at home on the days of sacrifice
Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali: Sunnah mu’akkada — a confirmed sunnah that the Prophet (SAW) consistently performed and which Muslims should not abandon without reason

The Prophet (SAW): “One who has the means but does not sacrifice should not approach our prayer place.” (Ibn Majah, Ahmad) — This hadith is the basis for the Hanafi position of obligation.

Conditions for the Sacrificial Animal

Type: Sheep, goats (1 per person), cattle or camels (shared among 7 persons)

Age minimum:

Sheep: at least 6 months (Hanafi: 6 months if fat enough to appear one year old) or 1 year
Goats: 1 year
Cattle: 2 years
Camels: 5 years

Freedom from defects (four defects that invalidate the sacrifice):

Obvious blindness (one-eyed or blind)
Obvious illness (clearly sick)
Obvious limpness (limping that prevents keeping up with the flock)
Extreme emaciation (so thin that no marrow remains in the bones)

The animal should be in good health and condition — the best the person can afford.

The Days and Time of Sacrifice

Start: After the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijja (not before — the Prophet (SAW) ordered one who slaughtered before the prayer to repeat it)
End: The scholars agree on the 12th Dhul Hijja; some (Hanbali) extend to the 13th
Time: Any time between sunrise and sunset on these days

Distribution of the Meat

The classical recommendation (from prophetic practice):

One third for the household
One third for relatives and friends
One third for the poor and needy

The first portion is voluntary to keep; giving all of it away is also permitted. The key obligation: some portion must benefit the poor.

Contemporary Questions

Collective and overseas sacrifice: Many Muslims send money to organizations that sacrifice on their behalf in countries where meat is needed most. Classical scholars generally permit this when: (1) the animal meets all conditions, (2) a reliable organization handles it, (3) the intention is made at the time of sending/payment, and (4) meat reaches the poor within the valid days.

The Bohra community’s practice: The udhiyya is observed in the Bohra community as a significant community event, with careful attention to the conditions of the animal and the distribution of meat to those in need.

Udhiyya / Qurbani — The Eid al-Adha Sacrifice: Theology, Conditions, and Practice