"It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)." 

The Prophet (PBUH) - (Hadith - Tirmidhi 

What Does Qurbani Mean? 

The translation of the word Qurbani is sacrifice. The word Udhiya refers specifically to the animals sacrificed on Eid-ul-Adha. During Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims around the world sacrifice livestock and a portion of the meat for consumption among family, friends, and the needy.  

History of Qurbani 

Qurbani takes place on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. This is a celebration that marks the completion of the holy pilgrimage of Hajj. However, the history of Qurbani is traced back thousands of years ago to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Roughly 56% of the world’s population comprises of Muslims, Jews, and Christians – followers of the Abrahamic faiths, otherwise known as the People of the Book. Among the many stories shared between these faiths, one of the most prominent is that of Prophet Ibrahim (also referred to as Abraham) taking his son for sacrifice.  

As it is told, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) dreamt a number of times of sacrificing his son. This upset him, but he believed he was receiving a command from Allah SWT and thus confided his concerns to his son Ismail (AS). Prophet Ismail (AS) recognized the command of Allah SWT as well and encouraged his father to move forward. Together, both father and son climbed Mount Arafat. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) blindfolded himself before carrying on with the sacrifice; however, when he removed the blindfold, he saw that Allah SWT had replaced his son with an animal while his son was safely at his side. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) were the epitome of devotion and submission at this moment. It is this part of Islamic history that is recognized, commemorated, and celebrated on Eid-ul-Adha with our own Qurbanis.  

Who Does Qurbani Benefit? 

When you choose to do your Qurbani with HHRD, you are choosing not only to follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), but you are also choosing to provide sustenance to the poor. HHRD distributes Qurbani meat in over 70 countries, providing meat to about 1.26 million individuals across the globe. This year we hope to surpass those numbers and provide for even more individuals, predominantly refugees and those living in poverty-stricken conditions. When you choose HHRD for your Qurbani, you choose the Ummah.  

By Sobia Siddiqui - Sr. Sobia is part of the Content Marketing team at Helping Hand USA.