adhah

Adhāh, also transliterated adhah, adḥā, or aḍḥah, is the Arabic term أضْحَة meaning “sacrifice” or “sacrificial slaughter.” In Islamic usage, it designates the animal sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice, which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, a test that was rewarded with a ram provided by God.

Etymologically, the word derives from the Arabic root أ-ض-ح (ʾ-Ḍ-Ḥ), related to slaughter and the act of sacrificing. Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and is celebrated by Muslims across diverse cultures, often extending over several days with communal prayers, feasts, and charitable acts.

Practice and meaning: An aḍḥah involves the humane slaughter of specified livestock, typically camels, cattle, sheep, or goats, meeting traditional size and age requirements. The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal portions: one for the household, one shared with relatives and friends, and one given to the needy, aligning with charitable principles central to the observance.

Cultural and legal considerations: Observance varies by country, community, and school of thought. For those who are financially able, performing an aḍḥah is widely regarded as an act of worship; however, opinions differ on whether it is obligatory. Regulations in many places address humane slaughter, timing, and distribution to ensure aid reaches those in need.