Qurbani, also known as “Udhiyah,” refers to the ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid al-Adha, an important Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s command. The practice symbolizes submission to God’s will and the spirit of sacrifice. 

Here are key aspects of Qurbani:

1. Occasion: Qurbani is performed during Eid al-Adha, which takes place on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, marking its conclusion.
2. Significance: The ritual commemorates the story of Ibrahim’s devotion and readiness to sacrifice his son before Allah provided a ram as a substitute. It serves to remind Muslims of the importance of faith, obedience, and willingness to give up personal desires for the sake of God’s commands.
3. Eligible Animals: The sacrifice typically involves livestock such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The animals must meet specific criteria; they should be of a certain age and free of any defects to qualify for sacrifice.
4. Timing: Qurbani is performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer, over a span of three days—known as the days of Tashreeq (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
5. Distribution of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third for the person performing the sacrifice and their family, one-third to be shared with relatives and friends, and one-third to be given to the needy and underprivileged. This distribution embodies Islamic values of charity, community, and the support of less fortunate individuals.
6. Qurbani in the Community: In many Muslim communities, this practice is part of a larger celebration involving family and community gatherings, reinforcing social bonds and the spirit of generosity.
7. Modern Arrangements: In circumstances where individual sacrifice is impractical, Muslims can contribute to organizations that perform Qurbani on their behalf, ensuring that the meat reaches those in need across different parts of the world.
8. Spiritual Reflection: Beyond the physical act of sacrifice, Qurbani encourages Muslims to reflect on their own willingness to surrender to God’s will, evaluate personal sacrifices for their faith, and deepen their gratitude and humility.

Qurbani remains a powerful expression of faith and devotion within Islam, commemorating an important religious narrative while reinforcing the principles of sacrifice, charity, and community spirit that are central to the faith.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.