A Guide to Qurbani and Eid-al-Adha 

Eid-al-Adha is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It is an Islamic holiday that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son as a testament to his devotion to Allah (SWT). On the day of Eid, Muslims around the world gather for prayers, dress in their finest attire, and engage in acts of charity and sacrifice by sharing meat with the less fortunate. It is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection on the values of faith, compassion, and unity within the Muslim community. 

Eid-al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul –Hijjah –  the final month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. The celebrations typically span four days, during which Muslims gather with family, friends, and the wider community to participate in various  festivities. 

Families come together to prepare traditional delicacies and dessertsto share the joy of the occasion. Friends and relatives gather to exchange greetings and gifts, reinforcing the bonds of love and friendship. 

Qurban is also known as Udhiyah, and is the act of sacrificing an animal as an offering to Allah (SWT) during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. It is a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command.  

Qurban in Islam is a physical expression of a Muslim’s devotion, obedience, and submission to Allah. It serves as a commemoration of the ultimate act of sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who displayed unwavering faith and complete surrender to the will of God. Through offering Qurban, Muslims replicate this act as a demonstration of their commitment to Allah (SWT), striving to follow the Prophet Ibrahim’s example. 

By engaging in the act of Qurban, believers remember the significance of sacrificing worldly desires and attachments for the sake of God. It symbolises a willingness to sacrifice one’s own desires, material possessions, and personal interests in order to attain spiritual closeness to the Divine. Qurban encourages Muslims to reflect upon the values of selflessness, gratitude, and humility in their lives. 

Qurbani is performed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, specifically on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days. These days coincide with the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The act is obligatory for financially stable Muslims who have reached the age of maturity and possess the required wealth. Usually, if you qualify to pay Zakat, then you are also obliged to offer Qurban. 

The act of Qurban involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, with specific conditions regarding the animal’s age, health, and quality. The animal chosen for Qurban must be in good health, free from any defects, and of a specified age to ensure the fulfilment of religious obligations. The process involves slaughtering the animal in a humane manner, adhering to Islamic guidelines that emphasise compassion, care, and respect for the animal’s well-being. There shouldn’t be any other animals around while doing this, and it should be done with a sharp knife so the animal doesn’t suffer. 

Qurban is an obligation for every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is financially capable. To fulfil this obligation, it is recommended to purchase and arrange for the sacrifice of the animal as early as possible. The sacrifice can be performed anytime from the first day of Eid al-Adha (10th of Dhul Hijjah) to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. It is preferable to carry out the sacrifice soon after the Eid prayers, following the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who would consume the meat from the sacrifice as his first meal on the day of Eid. 

Permissible animals for sacrifice include goats, sheep, bulls, buffaloes, and camels. Regardless of their gender, these animals can be used for Qurbani. However, animals such as chickens or deer, while halal for consumption, are not suitable for Qurban in Islam. At GIM Foundation, we adhere to the guidelines of Qurban donation. Our focus remains on ensuring the proper adherence to Islamic principles and practices when it comes to the sacrifice of Qurban animals for this noble act. 

When you donate your Qurban to Gim Foundation, you contribute to providing food to the most vulnerable families during the holy season. Our dedicated teams ensure that your donation reaches hard-to-reach regions and areas affected by conflicts, supporting communities in need.  

We prioritise sourcing meat locally to stimulate the local economy and deliver it fresh to recipients. In challenging situations like conflict zones, frozen meat may be sent to ensure it reaches the recipients in good condition. All logistical processes, from sacrifice to transportation, adhere to Islamic principles and follow strict hygiene standards.  

While Qurban is a deeply spiritual practice, it also holds a profound charitable aspect. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha is intricately linked to caring for the less fortunate members of society. The meat obtained from the Qurban sacrifice is traditionally divided into three parts: one-third for the person who performed the Qurban, one-third for family and friends, and one-third for the less privileged or those in need. 

This distribution reflects the Islamic principle of sharing and caring for others, especially those who are marginalised or facing economic challenges. Qurban serves as an opportunity for Muslims to extend their benevolence, empathy, and support to those in need. The meat from the sacrifice is often distributed among the local community, including the poor, orphans, widows, and those unable to afford an adequate meal. 

Through Qurban, Muslims contribute to the alleviation of hunger, promote social cohesion, and foster a sense of unity and solidarity among diverse members of society. It reinforces the Islamic values of compassion, charity, and responsibility towards one’s fellow human beings, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. 

Qurban holds immense spiritual and moral significance in Islam. It embodies the essence of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering devotion and obedience to Allah while also exemplifying the virtues of charity, compassion, and selflessness. This sacred ritual serves as a reminder for Muslims to sacrifice their personal desires, material attachments, and egos, striving to develop a deep spiritual connection with Allah.