Eid al-Adha (the "Festival of the Sacrifice")—also affectionately known as Bakra Eid, Greater Eid, or Hari Raya Haji—is the second of the two major annual festivals ordained in Islam. Celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar), it commemorates the profound devotion and unwavering submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) when commanded by Allah in a vision to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. Coinciding with the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Eid al-Adha embodies sacrifice, charity, and gratitude. Below is your complete guide to the Qurbani rules, Takbeerat al-Tashreeq, meat distribution, and Sunnah practices.
1. The Quranic Origins of the Sacrifice (Udhiyah)
The historical and spiritual foundation of Eid al-Adha is recorded in Surah As-Saffat (37:102–107). When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) informed his son Ismail of the divine command, Ismail responded with inspiring faith: "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."
As Ibrahim laid his son down in submission, Allah called out to him, acknowledging that he had fulfilled the vision, and ransomed Ismail with a momentous ram from Paradise. The Quran clarifies that the sacrifice is an inward demonstration of piety (Taqwa), not mere outward ritual:
Quran (Surah Al-Hajj 22:37):
"Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good."
2. The Takbeerat al-Tashreeq (Mandatory Days of Tashreeq)
It is mandatory (Wajib) for every adult Muslim to recite the Takbeerat al-Tashreeq aloud once immediately after completing every obligatory (Fard) prayer from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) until the Asr of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (23 consecutive prayers in total):
Arabic:
اللَّÙ‡ُ Ø£َÙƒْبَرُ، اللَّÙ‡ُ Ø£َÙƒْبَرُ، Ù„َا Ø¥ِÙ„َÙ‡َ Ø¥ِÙ„َّا اللَّÙ‡ُ، ÙˆَاللَّÙ‡ُ Ø£َÙƒْبَرُ، اللَّÙ‡ُ Ø£َÙƒْبَرُ، ÙˆَÙ„ِÙ„َّÙ‡ِ الْØَÙ…ْدُ
Transliteration:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa Lillahil-Hamd.
Translation:
"Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah."
3. Complete Fiqh Guide to Qurbani (Udhiyah)
Qurbani is a confirmed Sunnah (or Wajib in the Hanafi school) for every financially capable adult Muslim who possesses wealth equal to the Nisab threshold on the days of Eid.
| Animal Type | Minimum Age | Number of Shares | Health Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheep / Lamb | 1 full year (or 6 months if large & healthy) | 1 Share (1 person) | Must be completely free from obvious defects: not blind, not excessively lame, not emaciated with broken horns to the root, and without missing more than half of its teeth or ears. |
| Goat | 1 full year | 1 Share (1 person) | |
| Cow / Bull / Buffalo | 2 full years | Up to 7 Shares (7 families) | |
| Camel | 5 full years | Up to 7 Shares (7 families) |
4. The Sunnah Division of Qurbani Meat
To ensure fairness and community care, Islamic scholars recommend dividing the meat of the sacrificed animal into three equal parts:
- One-Third (1/3): Retained for the person's own household and family consumption.
- One-Third (1/3): Distributed as gifts to extended relatives, neighbors, and friends (regardless of their wealth).
- One-Third (1/3): Donated as charity exclusively to the poor, needy, and destitute.
5. Prophetic Sunnahs on the Day of Eid al-Adha
- Delaying Breakfast: Unlike Eid al-Fitr (where eating dates before prayer is Sunnah), on Eid al-Adha it is recommended to delay eating until returning from the Eid prayer and making the first meal from the freshly sacrificed Qurbani meat.
- Performing Ghusl & Wearing Best Clothes: Take a full bath, apply pleasant scent (for men), and wear clean, modest garments.
- Attending the Eid Congregational Prayer: Offer the two Rak'ahs of Salat al-Eid at the local mosque or outdoor prayer ground (Musalla).
- Humane Treatment of Animals: Ensure the slaughter knife is razor-sharp, do not sharpen the blade in front of the animal, do not slaughter one animal in front of another, and invoke "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" at the time of slaughter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does the time for Qurbani slaughter begin and end?
The slaughter can only take place after the conclusion of the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. Any animal slaughtered before the Eid prayer is considered regular meat, not Qurbani. The window for slaughter remains open until sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (four days total).
2. Can I donate money to an international charity to perform Qurbani on my behalf?
Yes. Appointing a trustworthy humanitarian charity (such as Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid, or local organizations) via proxy (Wakalah) to slaughter the animal and distribute the meat to impoverished communities in crisis zones is 100% valid and highly rewarded.
3. Can the butcher be paid with the skin or meat of the Qurbani animal?
No. The butcher must be paid in separate wages (cash); it is impermissible to use the animal's meat, fat, or skin as payment for labor services.
May Allah (SWT) accept our sacrifices, prayers, and charity on the auspicious days of Eid al-Adha, and unite the global Muslim Ummah in peace, prosperity, and righteousness. Eid Mubarak!
