Qurbani on Eid Ul Adha / Eid ul Azha

The Origin of Qurbani

The practice of Qurbani traces back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who dreamt that God ordered him to sacrifice his most precious thing. In his dilemma over what that was, he realised it was his son's life - and shared the purpose of the journey with his son, who agreed to follow God's command. God then intervened, informed Ibrahim that his sacrifice had been accepted, and replaced his son with a sheep.

This replacement points to the religious institutionalisation of sacrifice itself, and to the later self-sacrifices of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions in the cause of their faith. From that day, every Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal to commemorate Ibrahim's sacrifice and remind themselves of abnegation. See our step-by-step Qurbani guide for the full eligibility, timing, and animal requirements.

What is reported from the Prophet about the morning of Eid is in Eid ul Adha Morning: What Is Reported From the Prophet Before and After the Prayer, and the days for the sacrifice are in Days and Time of Qurbani: When Can You Slaughter?.