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Eid al-Adha Qurbani: Rules, animals, and reward
May 8, 2025
Eid al-Adha Qurbani: Rules, animals, and reward
By Yusuf Jaffar
•
4 min read
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the unwavering obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام, who was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah. In his honor, Muslims around the world perform Qurbani—the ritual animal sacrifice carried out after Eid prayer.
But what does Qurbani really mean in Islam? What kind of animals can be sacrificed? And what are the rules and rewards associated with this sacred act?
In this guide, we explore the meaning of Qurbani, the animals permitted for sacrifice (including sheep, goats, cows, and camels), the key Islamic rulings, the spiritual reward of this powerful act of devotion, and the duas recommended during the sacrifice.
Qurbani in Islam: Meaning, Rules, and Spiritual Purpose
Qurbani, or Udhiya, is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal during Eid al-Adha. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s عليه السلام devotion when he was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail عليه السلام in obedience to Allah.
The term Qurbani (Arabic: قربان) is rooted in the word qurb, meaning closeness or nearness—symbolizing the believer’s effort to draw closer to Allah through sincerity, obedience, and submission.
✨ Spiritual Significance of Qurbani
Qurbani is more than a ritual; it is a spiritual statement of faith and surrender. It reflects:
Submission to Allah’s will
Willingness to sacrifice wealth, comfort, and ego
A path to divine reward, increased taqwa (God-consciousness), and gratitude
A reminder to share blessings with the less fortunate
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him...”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
Submission to Allah’s will
Willingness to sacrifice wealth, comfort, and ego
A path to divine reward, increased taqwa (God-consciousness), and gratitude
A reminder to share blessings with the less fortunate
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
Animals That Can Be Sacrificed on Eid ul-Adha
The animals eligible for Qurbani are clearly outlined in Islamic tradition. Only certain livestock animals may be sacrificed, and they must meet specific criteria for age and health.
The animals eligible for Qurbani are clearly outlined in Islamic tradition. Only certain livestock animals may be sacrificed, and they must meet specific criteria for age and health.
🐐 Permissible Animals for Qurbani
According to Islamic law, the following animals are permitted:
Sheep (Ram)
Goat
Cow or Buffalo
Camel
Both male and female animals are allowed as long as they are healthy, well-nourished, and free from defects.
According to Islamic law, the following animals are permitted:
Sheep (Ram)
Goat
Cow or Buffalo
Camel
Both male and female animals are allowed as long as they are healthy, well-nourished, and free from defects.
🍽️ Distribution of Qurbani Meat
After the sacrifice, the meat should be divided equally into three parts:
One-third for the person (and their family) offering the Qurbani
One-third for relatives, friends, or neighbors
One-third for the poor and needy
This division ensures that the spirit of generosity, compassion, and community support is upheld—core values that define Eid al-Adha.
After the sacrifice, the meat should be divided equally into three parts:
One-third for the person (and their family) offering the Qurbani
One-third for relatives, friends, or neighbors
One-third for the poor and needy
This division ensures that the spirit of generosity, compassion, and community support is upheld—core values that define Eid al-Adha.
🤲 Duas to Recite During Qurbani
Reciting the correct du’as (supplications) at the time of Qurbani enhances the spiritual impact of the sacrifice and follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺلله عليه وسلم. These words remind the believer of the sacredness of the act and the intention behind it.
1. Dua to Say Before Slaughtering the Animal
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ
[اللهُمَّ مِنْكَ وَلَكَ] اللهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
Transliteration:
Bismillah, Allahu Akbar
[Allahumma minka wa laka] Allahumma taqabbal minni
English Meaning:
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
[O Allah, from You and to You] O Allah, accept it from me.
✅ Saying "Bismillah" is compulsory before slaughtering. The rest of the supplication is recommended (mustahab).
2. Qur’anic Verses the Prophet ﷺ Recited During Sacrifice
As narrated by Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sacrificed two rams and recited the following verses while facing the Qibla:
Arabic:
إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفَا وَمَا أَنَا مِنْ الْمُشْرِكِينَ
إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ
لَا شَرِيَكَ لَهُ وَبِذَلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Transliteration:
Inni wajjahtu wajhiya lillazi fatara assamawati wal arda hanifan wama ana minal mushrikeen.
Inna salati wa nusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati lillahi rabbil alameen.
La sharika lahu wa bizalika umirtu wa ana awwalu almuslimeen.
English Meaning:
I have turned my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, upright, and I am not of the polytheists.
Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.
He has no partner, and with this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.
3. Short Dua Often Recited During Qurbani
Arabic:
اللهُمَ مِنْكَ وَلَكَ
Transliteration:
Allahumma minka wa laka
English Meaning:
O Allah, this is from You and to You
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