What to Know About Udhiyah

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Muslims around the world prepare their hearts and homes for the commemoration of Eid al-Adha, a celebration deeply rooted in faith, obedience, and selflessness. At the heart of this noble festival lies the act of Udhiyah, the ritual sacrifice that honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to submit entirely to the will of Allah.

In today’s modern world, while the essence of this practice remains unchanged, its methods have evolved to align with local laws and contemporary lifestyles without compromising its spiritual depth.

What is Udhiyah and Why Do Muslims Perform It?

Udhiyah, also known as Qurbani, refers to the slaughter of a designated livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha. This act revives the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who, upon receiving a divine command, prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS). Before the act was carried out, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, signifying that it is piety — not blood or flesh — that truly matters to the Creator.

Muslims perform Udhiyah each year in remembrance of this profound act of submission and to reflect their own readiness to sacrifice for Allah’s pleasure.

Is Udhiyah Still Practised Today?

Absolutely — though with practical adjustments. In places like the United Kingdom, strict regulations prohibit individuals from conducting animal slaughter at home. As a result, many Muslims choose to donate through registered charities that carry out the sacrifice on their behalf in accordance with Islamic rulings and local laws.

These organisations ensure the meat is distributed to those in need, fulfilling both the ritual and the charitable intentions of the practice.

Who Must Perform Udhiyah?

Udhiyah is considered wājib (obligatory) upon Muslims who meet the following conditions:

• Have reached puberty,
• Are of sound mind,
• Possess wealth above the Nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth requiring Zakat).

Those eligible are required to offer one share — either a full small animal (sheep or goat), or a share in a larger animal (cow, camel, etc., with one animal divided among seven people).

Conditions of the Animal for Udhiyah

Islam lays great emphasis on the welfare and quality of the animal being sacrificed. For the Udhiyah to be valid:

Age Requirements:

• Sheep/Goat – at least 1 year old
• Cow/Buffalo/Ox – at least 2 years old
• Camel – at least 5 years old

Physical Requirements:

• No broken horns or missing teeth (must have at least half).
• Should not be blind or have severely impaired vision.
• Must not be lame or extremely thin.
• Must be able to walk unaided to the place of slaughter.
• Should not be missing a third or more of their ears or tail.

Ethical Slaughtering Guidelines

The manner of slaughter is also critical:

• A sharp knife must be used to minimise pain.
• The animal must not see the knife being sharpened or witness the slaughter of others.
• Skinning must only be performed after the animal’s body has completely cooled.

These guidelines reflect Islam’s emphasis on mercy and ethical treatment, even during acts of sacrifice.

Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

This powerful verse underscores that the essence of Udhiyah lies in our intention and submission, not in the act alone. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasised its importance:

“Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not approach our prayer place.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

A Modern Solution: Fulfilling Udhiyah Through Charities

Today, many Muslims fulfil this sacred duty through reputable charities. One such organisation, Charity Meals, facilitates Udhiyah on behalf of donors. They ensure animals are slaughtered in compliance with both Islamic law and local regulations, and distribute fresh meat to families in dire need.

This means you can perform your Udhiyah from anywhere in the world while ensuring that your sacrifice reaches the most vulnerable — transforming a personal act of devotion into a collective benefit.

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