Eid-ul-Adha, commonly referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, ranks among the most significant celebrations in Islamic tradition. The observance of this festival will start on June 6th, 2025.
celebrate this special day with communal prayers, expressions of piety, and particularly, the ritual slaughter of animals, often choosing sheep. However, what is the reason behind Muslims sacrificing sheep during this event?
The Historical Origin
The practice of offering a ram during Eid-ul-Adha traces its origins back to the era of Prophet Ibrahim.
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
According to Islamic tradition, Allah instructed Ibrahim through a vision to sacrifice his cherished son.
Ismail
, as a demonstration of obedience and surrender. Without pause, Ibrahim complied with God’s will. As he was preparing to perform the action, Allah, recognizing his unshakable faith, dispatched
Angel Jibril (Gabriel)
with a
ram
to be offered up instead of Ismail.
This tale, serving as a strong testimony to dedication and complete surrender, is documented in the
Qur’an
, particularly in
Surah Al-Hajj (Chapter 22:37)
:
Neither their flesh nor their blood comes before Allah, but rather it is your godliness that reaches Him…
This passage emphasizes the core of the sacrificial ritual, with such an offering typically being a ram, known as this act of animal sacrifice.
Qurbani
.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani
is an Arabic term meaning
sacrifice
It pertains to the traditional animal sacrifices conducted by Muslims during Eid-ul-Adha as a testament to Prophet Ibrahim’s profound devotion and compliance with Allah’s will. The term originates from a root word.
“Q-R-B”
, signifying nearness, underscores that the sacrifice is more than just the meat—it’s about getting closer to Allah through faith, humility, and generosity.
The Profound Core of the Sacrifice
The practice of animal sacrifice frequently gets misinterpreted. Within Islam, this act does not center around bloodshed or the demise of an animal; instead, it serves as a demonstration of thankfulness, humbleness, and communal duty.
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Prophet Muhammad highlighted that the meat should be divided into three portions:
Why a Ram?
The ram carries symbolic significance since it served as a replacement for Ishmael in the ancient narrative. Offering a ram during Eid commemorates Abraham’s devotion and obedience to God’s directive, underscoring that genuine belief frequently entails making sacrifices and placing one’s trust in heavenly insight.
Nevertheless, a ram is not required if someone cannot afford it. Islam permits other animals like:
Significantly, Qurbani should not become an obligation that burdens one financially. What truly matters is the sincerity behind the action and the spirit of giving rather than the expense or size of the sacrificial creature. Additionally, it’s crucial that the chosen animal is both fit and has reached the required maturity as per Islamic standards.
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Apart from the devotion, Eid-ul-Adha is a period for:
The festival also signifies the peak of
Hajj
, the fifth pillar of Islam. Pilgrims, on this day, complete symbolic rituals including stoning the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) and sacrificing animals in remembrance of Ibrahim’s trial.
Muslims don’t sacrifice animals during Eid-ul-Adha simply as a ritual. It is an act of spiritual significance, rooted in history and meant to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s faith. Muslims also remember Allah’s mercy during the celebration and strive to bring communities together through generosity and love.
Qurbani serves as a profound reminder that genuine sacrifice is rooted in obedience to Allah. Therefore, regardless of whether one offers a sheep, goat, or bull, the essence lies in the purity of intent, the devotion of the heart, and the charitable spirit characteristic of Eid-ul-Adha.
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