Eid Adha Qurbani is one of the greatest acts of worship performed during Dhul Hijjah, rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. More than simply sacrificing an animal, Qurbani (Udhiyah) represents obedience, taqwa, and the living legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). It is performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and continues through the days of Tashreeq, following precise Islamic rulings regarding timing, intention (niyyah), and the condition of the animal.
The Qur’an makes clear that neither meat nor blood reaches Allah, but piety does highlighting that the heart of Eid Adha Qurbani is sincerity and submission. From pronouncing Bismillah and Takbeer to distributing meat among family and the needy, this sacred rite connects believers worldwide in remembrance, gratitude, and charity. Understanding its legal rulings and spiritual depth transforms Qurbani from routine practice into a powerful renewal of faith.
Eid Adha Qurbani
Among the greatest outward symbols of Islam is the sacred sacrifice offered during Eid al-Adha. Known as Qurbani or Udhiyah, this act of devotion is not a cultural ritual nor a seasonal charity alone; it is a profound manifestation of submission to Allah, rooted in revelation and preserved through the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ. Over more than twenty years of teaching Qur’an, Hadith, and Fiqh, I have witnessed that when Muslims understand the spiritual and legal depth of Eid Adha Qurbani, their experience of this blessed act transforms entirely.
Eid Adha Qurbani is a sacred rite (sha‘īrah) tied directly to Tawheed, obedience, and the legacy of sacrifice demonstrated by the Prophets. It is legislated worship with precise conditions, timing, and intention. To approach it casually is to miss its essence; to approach it with knowledge is to revive a Sunnah that connects the believer to centuries of prophetic tradition.
The Qur’anic Foundation of Qurbani
The command for sacrifice is clearly established in the Qur’an. Allah says:
فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ
“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”
(Surah Al-Kawthar 108:2)
This concise yet powerful verse links two of the greatest acts of worship: Salah and sacrifice. The scholars explain that this refers specifically to the prayer and sacrifice of Eid al-Adha. The pairing indicates that just as prayer must be done sincerely for Allah alone, so too must Qurbani be performed solely for His pleasure.
In another verse, Allah clarifies the spiritual reality behind the act:
لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ
“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is your piety.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
This verse, which I often reflect upon with my students at Tarteel E Quran Online Academy, establishes a foundational principle: Qurbani is not about the animal itself. It is about taqwa conscious obedience and surrender to Allah.
The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام)
Eid Adha Qurbani commemorates the ultimate test of faith faced by Ibrahim (عليه السلام). Allah narrates:
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ
“And when he reached the age of striving with him, he said: O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you…”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:102)
The readiness of Ibrahim and his son Isma‘il (عليهما السلام) to submit completely to Allah is the spiritual heart of Qurbani. When Allah replaced Isma‘il with a ram, He established sacrifice as a symbol of obedience for future generations.
Thus, every Eid Adha Qurbani is a renewal of that covenant of submission.
The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ in Qurbani
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ personally performed Qurbani and encouraged his Ummah to do so. Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reports:
“The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two white, horned rams with his own hands. He mentioned Allah’s name and said Takbeer.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 5565; Sahih Muslim 1966
This Hadith demonstrates several important elements:
- The Prophet ﷺ performed the sacrifice himself.
- He mentioned the name of Allah.
- He pronounced Takbeer.
- He selected healthy animals.
In another narration, he said:
“Whoever has the ability but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.”
— Ibn Majah 3123 (authenticated by scholars)
This stern warning indicates the emphasized status of Qurbani for those who are financially capable.
Is Eid Adha Qurbani Obligatory?
The jurists differed regarding its ruling. The Hanafi school considers Qurbani wajib (obligatory) upon every financially capable Muslim who possesses the nisab amount beyond basic needs. The majority of scholars, including the Shafi‘i and Maliki schools, regard it as a highly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah).
In my years of teaching Fiqh, I have found that understanding this difference helps students appreciate the depth of scholarly reasoning rather than reducing matters to simplistic labels. Regardless of classification, neglecting Qurbani without valid excuse deprives a believer of immense reward.
When Is Eid Adha Qurbani Performed?
The time for Qurbani begins after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet ﷺ clearly said:
“Whoever slaughtered before the prayer, it is only meat for his family, and it is not from the sacrifice.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 955; Sahih Muslim 1961
The sacrifice remains valid until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, covering four days: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th.
The best day, however, is the 10th — the Day of Eid itself.
Conditions of the Sacrificial Animal
Islamic law sets specific criteria for animals used in Eid Adha Qurbani. They must be from livestock: camels, cows, goats, or sheep. They must meet minimum age requirements and be free from major defects.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Four types (of animals) are not acceptable for sacrifice: one-eyed whose defect is obvious, sick whose sickness is obvious, lame whose lameness is obvious, and extremely thin.”
— Sunan Abu Dawud 2802; Jami at-Tirmidhi 1497 (authentic)
This reflects Islam’s emphasis on dignity and excellence in worship.
The Intention Behind Qurbani
Qurbani must be done solely for Allah. The intention (niyyah) distinguishes ritual sacrifice from ordinary slaughter. Allah commands:
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
(Surah Al-An‘am 6:162)
This verse frames Qurbani within the broader concept of total devotion.
Distribution of the Meat
It is recommended to divide the meat into three portions:
- One for personal consumption
- One for relatives and friends
- One for the poor
Although not obligatory in exact proportion, this practice embodies gratitude and social compassion.
Over the years, I have observed that when families consciously distribute Qurbani meat with sincerity and dignity, it strengthens communal bonds and reminds them of the social dimension of worship.
Delegating Qurbani to Others
In contemporary times, many Muslims delegate their Qurbani to organizations in poorer regions. This is permissible, provided the sacrifice occurs within the prescribed days and meets Islamic requirements.
However, scholars often encourage believers to witness or participate personally when possible, as it deepens the spiritual impact.
The Spiritual Dimension of Eid Adha Qurbani
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of sacrifice than the sacrificing of animals.”
— Jami at-Tirmidhi 1493 (hasan)
This Hadith underscores the unique virtue of this act during the days of Dhul Hijjah.
In my experience teaching students of all ages, the greatest transformation occurs when they realize that Qurbani is not a financial transaction but an act of surrender. It disciplines the heart against attachment to wealth and nurtures generosity.
Takbeer and the Atmosphere of Eid
The days of Eid Adha are filled with Takbeer:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
These sacred proclamations frame the sacrifice within remembrance of Allah. Qurbani is performed amidst glorification, prayer, and communal joy — not as an isolated ritual.
A Reflection from Years of Teaching
After two decades in Islamic education, I have noticed a recurring pattern: communities that approach Eid Adha Qurbani with knowledge experience it as worship; communities that approach it without knowledge experience it as routine.
At Tarteel E Quran Online Academy, we emphasize that the strength of Islamic practice lies in combining authenticity with understanding. When Muslims learn the evidences, the history, and the spiritual aims behind Qurbani, their worship becomes illuminated.
Reviving the Meaning of Sacrifice
Eid Adha Qurbani reminds us that faith is not abstract. It demands tangible obedience. It calls us to relinquish attachment, to prioritize divine command, and to align our actions with revelation.
The believer stands on Eid morning, prays in congregation, pronounces the name of Allah, and offers sacrifice — consciously renewing the path of Ibrahim (عليه السلام), the Sunnah of Muhammad ﷺ, and the submission that defines Islam itself.
FAQ Answers
Q1: Is Qurbani per person or family?
Qurbani is per eligible person, not per family.
If each adult Muslim in a household meets the Nisab threshold (minimum wealth required in Islam), then each person should offer their own Qurbani.
In simple terms, Qurbani is an individual obligation (wajib in Hanafi fiqh). It’s not just one sacrifice per house — it depends on each person’s financial status during Eid al-Adha.
Q2: Is Eid June 6 or 7?
Eid al-Adha can fall on June 6 or June 7, depending on moon sighting.
Islamic dates follow the lunar calendar, so the exact day depends on local announcements.
In 2025, many countries expected Eid al-Adha around early June, but confirmation always depends on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah.
Q3: Is Qurbani Eid 3 days?
Yes, Qurbani is performed over three days.
It is done on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
The first day (Eid day) is the most rewarding, but all three days are valid for performing the sacrifice.
Q4: What is Qurbani 2025 in Pakistan?
Qurbani in Pakistan in 2025 was expected around June 6–8, depending on moon sighting.
In Pakistan, Eid al-Adha is officially announced by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Qurbani involves sacrificing animals such as goats, cows, or camels and distributing the meat among family, relatives, and the needy.
Q5: Do husband and wife have separate Qurbani?
Yes, if both meet the Nisab amount, they should perform separate Qurbani.
Qurbani is based on individual wealth, not marital status.
If only one spouse meets the financial requirement, then only that person is required to offer it.
Q6: Can I do Qurbani on behalf of my parents?
Yes, you can offer Qurbani on behalf of your parents.
This is allowed whether they are alive or have passed away.
It is considered a rewarding act of charity and remembrance, especially for deceased parents.
Q7: How many shares are in a cow for Qurbani?
A cow can have up to 7 shares.
Up to seven people can share one cow for Qurbani.
Each share equals one person’s Qurbani obligation.
Q8: Can money be given instead of performing Qurbani?
No, money cannot replace Qurbani if it is wajib on you.
The act of sacrifice itself is required during Eid al-Adha.
However, if Qurbani is not obligatory on you, giving charity is still a good deed — but it does not replace the Sunnah of sacrifice.
Q9: How many shares can you have in Qurbani?
One person equals one share.
In large animals like cows or camels, up to seven people can share.
Small animals like goats or sheep count as one full Qurbani for one person.
Q10: What is the age limit for Qurbani?
The animal must meet minimum age requirements.
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Goat/Sheep: At least 1 year old
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Cow/Buffalo: At least 2 years old
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Camel: At least 5 years old
These age limits ensure the sacrifice meets Islamic guidelines.
Q11: Which year has 2 Eid?
Every Islamic year has two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
However, because the Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, some Gregorian years may contain two Eid al-Fitr or two Eid al-Adha dates.
This happens roughly every 30–33 years.
Q12: What should I wear for Eid al-Adha?
Wear clean, modest, and preferably new clothes.
Islam encourages wearing your best halal attire on Eid.
Men are encouraged to wear traditional or neat formal clothes, and women should dress modestly according to Islamic guidelines.
Q13: Is June 6, 2025 a holiday in Pakistan?
Yes, June 6, 2025 was expected to be a public holiday for Eid al-Adha in Pakistan, subject to moon sighting confirmation.
The official holiday dates are announced by the government of Pakistan.
Q14: Can husband pay Qurbani for wife?
Yes, a husband can pay on behalf of his wife — but only if she gives permission.
If the wife meets Nisab, her Qurbani is her responsibility.
However, the husband may arrange and pay for it with her consent.
Q15: Can I cut my nails during 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?
If you intend to give Qurbani, it is recommended not to cut your hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after sacrifice.
This is a Sunnah practice.
If you accidentally cut them, your Qurbani is still valid.
Q16: How much money is required for Qurbani?
You must own wealth equal to or above the Nisab amount.
Nisab is approximately the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
The actual cost of Qurbani depends on animal prices in your country, especially during Eid al-Adha season.
