Qurbani

Qurbani, also known as udhiyah in Arabic, is the Islamic ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God and serves as a means of sharing blessings with family, friends, and the needy.

The sacrifice is performed on the days of Eid al-Adha in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, most commonly on the 10th day, with allowances on the 11th and 12th. Among Muslims with sufficient means, performing qurbani is considered obligatory (wājib) by some schools, while others describe it as a confirmed sunna; the precise ruling varies by legal tradition. Those unable to afford it sometimes arrange for it to be done by others or contribute to charitable causes.

Typically, 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. In some communities, the distribution is adjusted to maximize aid to the vulnerable.

Animals used include sheep, goats, cows, and camels. The animal must be healthy, of a permissible age, and free from defects. The slaughter is performed in accordance with halal guidelines (zabihah), usually by a sane adult Muslim and with the invocation of God's name at the moment of slaughter. The process aims to be quick and humane, to minimize suffering.

Qurbani is observed in various forms around the world and is integrated into charitable food distribution, community feasts, and religious education. In Urdu- and Hindi-speaking regions, it is commonly referred to as qurbani, while in Arabic-speaking contexts the term udhiya is used.