Udhiyah Rules & Requirements

Understanding Qurbani: Its Meaning, Rules, and Choosing Your Sacrifice for Eid al-Adha 2025

Qurbani or Udhiyah is a religious practice of Muslims performed on Eid al-Adha – Festival of Sacrifice. It is performed in memory of the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ in following Allah عزَّ وجلَّ's command of sacrificing his son Ismail. Allah عزَّ وجلَّ replaced his son with a ram at the last moment, which signifies faith, obedience, and sacrifice.

It's such a powerful symbol of putting your trust in Allah عزَّ وجلَّ, of obedience, and of being willing to make sacrifices. So, to keep that spirit alive, Muslims everywhere offer up livestock as a sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.  So, it's not just about the religious act; it's about making sure people who are less fortunate get to share in the joy and have a nutritious meal during the Eid celebrations.

When is Qurbani performed?

Qurbani is done every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, between the 10th and the 12th, and has to be done after the Eid prayer in order for it to be acceptable.

Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before offering the `Id prayer, should slaughter another sacrifice in its place; and whoever has not slaughtered their sacrifice yet, should slaughter now."

– Sahih al-Bukhari

Who is Qurbani compulsory on?

All the Muslims who have Nisab or more (minimum net value on which Zakat is due) must do Qurbani, as per Hanafi school of thought. It's reported to be Sunnah Mu'akkadah – highly recommended, as per other schools of thought.

What Animals Can Be Used for Sacrifice in Qurbani?

Our religion specifically guides us about the animals to be sacrificed during Qurbani. These should be domestic herbivorous animals that should be healthy, disease-free, and not less than the following ages:

• Sheep (1 year)
• Goats (1 year)
• Cows or buffalo (2 years)
• Camels (5 years)

All the animals should be healthy, able to walk, and neither should be lame, blind, weak to an extreme degree, nor toothless. In that way, the sacrifice to Allah عزَّ وجلَّ is worthwhile, worth something, and real, and has the taqwa spirit – purity, knowledge, and pure intention.

How Many Shares Per Animal?

Qurbani animals can be separated by their size:

• Sheep or Goat = 1 Qurbani share (for each 1 person)
• Cow or Buffalo = 7 shares (can be distributed between as many as 7 individuals)
• Camel = 7 shares (can equally be distributed among as many as 7 individuals)

This renders the large animals very convenient for families or groups who want to do Qurbani in groups.

Spiritual Significance of Qurbani

Technically, Qurbani is not merely the sacrifice of an animal, but a symbolic act of surrender to the will of Allah  عزَّ وجلَّ. It's an expression of our willingness to offer something precious in the name of our Creator. The action makes us closer to Allah عزَّ وجلَّ, reminding us to listen, dedicate, and give abundantly.

It is also a charity, giving worthy families healthy meat—a luxury that they can hardly afford.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to distribute the Qurbani meat equally into three portions:

• One-third for members of your family
• One-third for relatives, friends or neighbors
• One-third for poor and needy

We can give all three portions of the Qurbani to the poor, most importantly by donating to Our poor brothers and Sisters worldwide.

How to Make Your Qurbani Contribution?

If you can source the appropriate animals and if you have the means to slaughter the animal in accordance with Islamic tradition, you also have the choice of buying and slaughtering the animal yourself.

For those who cannot offer themselves as sacrifice, Blackburn Uk Trust is offering services on your behalf for performing Qurbani. We distribute Qurbani meat to poor and needy individuals worldwide – in places like the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It's a way to extend the blessings of Eid to those who are struggling.

By giving, you are honouring your religious responsibility and ensuring your Qurbani finds its way to the lower rungs of society and provides them with a chance to relish a delicious meal on Eid.

Influencing the Price of Qurbani Animals

Prices of Qurbani animals differ depending on many factors:

• Location – Prices are lower in villages than in cities.
• Timing – Prices increase as Eid approaches because demand increases.
• Breed and Size – More costly breeds or larger animals are more expensive.
• Economic Conditions – Prices are influenced by inflation, cost of feed, and other farmer difficulties.

To escape higher-than-normal prices, it's best to prepare your Qurbani beforehand.

How Much Qurbani Should You Offer?

Qurbani size varies according to your wealth and intention:

• One sheep or goat can be donated by individuals or they can buy a share of a camel or cow.
• Families or groups can save money and donate the small animals.
• If you exceed the level of Nisab, one share per head should be donated.

Conclusion

Qurbani is such a beautiful blend of prayer, reflection, and generosity. It provides us with the experience of being in the life of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, strengthening our bond with Allah عزَّ وجلَّ, and showing kindness to our less fortune brothers and sisters.

Blackburn UK Trust is giving you the opportunity to carry out your Qurbani in regions where meat is a rare luxury and hunger is a daily struggle. In places like Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, the Rohingya camps, and vulnerable communities in Uganda, Bangladesh, and India, your Qurbani becomes becomes a lifeline. Make it count where it matters most.