Qurbānī (Uḍḥiyah) is an essential act of worship in Islām, performed during the days of Dhū ’l-Ḥijjah to commemorate the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhi as-salām). When Allāh tested him with the command to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismāʿīl (ʿalayhi as-salām), he submitted wholeheartedly. However, Allāh, in His mercy, replaced Ismāʿīl (ʿalayhi as-salām) with a ram, signifying that true sacrifice is the willingness to obey Allāh above all else. Allāh says:

فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِۢ ۝ وَنَـٰدَيْنَـٰهُ أَن يَـٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ ۝ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ
"And when they had both submitted and he laid him down upon his forehead, We called to him, ‘O Ibrāhīm, you have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.”
(Sūrah aṣ-Ṣāffāt 37:103-105)

Every year, Muslims around the world perform Qurbānī from the 10th to the 12th of Dhū ’l-Ḥijjah. The sacrifice must be from specific livestock—sheep, goats, cattle, or camels—meeting the conditions set in Islām. The meat is divided into three portions: one for the person offering the sacrifice, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy. This division ensures that the blessings of Qurbānī are shared widely and that no one in the community is left hungry during this blessed time. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The son of Ādam does no deed on the Day of Naḥr that is dearer to Allāh than the shedding of blood." (Tirmidhī)

Beyond the physical act, Qurbānī is a reflection of spiritual submission. It reminds believers of their duty to prioritise their faith over worldly attachments. The essence of sacrifice is not merely in slaughtering an animal but in cultivating sincerity, gratitude, and reliance upon Allāh. Just as Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhi as-salām) demonstrated absolute trust in his Lord, Muslims are reminded to place their trust in Allāh’s wisdom and decree in all aspects of life.

Qurbānī also serves as a lesson in generosity and compassion. By distributing the meat, families help ensure that even the less fortunate can partake in the joy of ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā. In an era where many struggle with hunger and poverty, Qurbānī is a powerful reminder of Islām’s emphasis on social responsibility. The act of giving, whether through sacrifice or charity, strengthens bonds within the community and upholds the values of care and empathy that Islām promotes.

As Muslims engage in this sacred act, they should reflect on its deeper meanings. Qurbānī symbolises the willingness to give up what one holds dear for the sake of Allāh. It is a moment to renew one’s sincerity in worship, increase gratitude for Allāh’s countless blessings, and reaffirm a commitment to living a life of righteousness. In every sacrifice, there is a profound reminder: true success lies in submitting to Allāh’s commands with sincerity and devotion.