Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
At least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people. Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours.
The significance of qurbani
The practice of qurbani can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim, who dreamed that God ordered him to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. In his devotion to God, Ibrahim agreed to follow his dream and perform the sacrifice. But God intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place.
Ismail was spared because Ibrahim proved he would sacrifice his son as an act of piety, despite the loss it would have caused him. The continued practice of sacrifice acts as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to God.
Eid-al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, known as Dhul Hijjah – which translates to ‘month of the pilgrimage’. It is during this month that pilgrims travel to Mecca in order to visit the Kaaba. Hajj is performed on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of the lunar month. Eid ul-Adha begins on the 10th and ends on the 13th. In 2025, Eid will be on 7 June.
Source: islamic-relief.org/
How To Pray Eid-ul-Adha?
Based on Hanafi School of Islamic fiqh Eid prayer consists of two units (Rakat in Arabic, singular is Raka). The main difference in the way this prayer and any other prayer of two Rakat is performed is the number of Takbirs that are done.
Make an intention of doing two Rakat behind the Imam for Eid prayer along with six additional Takbirs.
First Raka
After the Imam has said “Allahu Akbar” the first time, you should raise your hands and follow. This is the first Takbir of the prayer.
There will be 3 Takbirs before the Imam starts reciting Quran. Each time the Imam says “Allahu Akbar”, you should follow by raising your hands, then putting them on your sides.
After the third Takbir, the Imam will begin reciting the Quran. At that point, you should put your hands on your ches1t, with your right hand on top of the left.
Listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Imam will recite Surah Al Fatiha (the first Surah of the Quran) and then another Surah.
When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Ruku (the bowing position).
Stand up straight when he says Sami Allahu liman Hamidah (Allah hears those who praise Him), and say “Rabbana lakal Hamd” (our Lord praise be to You) in a low voice.
When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Sujud (prostration). You will do two prostrations as in normal prayer.
Second Raka
The Imam will first recite from the Holy Quran (first Surah Al Fatiha and another Surah.
After the recitation, before going into Ruku, there will be 3 Takbirs. Follow the Imam. Raise your hands after each “Allahu Akbar”. After the third Takbir, go into Ruku (the bowing position).
Stand up straight when the Imam says Sami Allah huliman Hamidah, and say “Rabbana lakal Hamd” in a low voice.
When the Imam says “Allahu Akbar” go into Sujud. You will do two prostrations.
After this, you sit for the complete Tashshahud.
After the Imam ends the prayer by turning to his face to the right first and saying “Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah” and then to his left and doing the same, you should follow.
Do not get up right away. The Imam will give a short Khutbah (speech). Please stay still and listen. It is recommended to do so.
Source: islamic-relief.org/
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
