Udhiyah Meaning and Practice in Islam: A Complete Guide 

Udhiyah meaning in Islam is not merely animal sacrifice, it’s a highly significant act of worship that continues the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

Muslims worldwide practice Udhiyah during each Eid al-Adha as an act of obedience to Allah and to distribute blessings. We will discuss the true meaning, rules, and procedures of Udhiyah so that you understand and apply this very important Islamic practice.

What Is the Udhiyah Meaning in Islamic Terms?

The Udhiyah meaning in Islam is the Islamic slaughter ritual that Muslims perform during the days of Eid al-Adha, which take place from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Derived from the Arabic root word “ḍaḥḥā,” meaning to sacrifice or slaughter, Udhiyah is a practice of worship and obedience to Allah in commemoration of the unwavering obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) when commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael, peace be upon him).

This sacrifice is expressly mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah says:  

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surah Al-Kawthar, 108:2)

The Islamic scholars have interpreted the verse as referring to the practice of Udhiyah as an act of submission and gratitude to Allah. The Udhiyah meaning is not merely the slaughter of an animal but an act of spiritual submission and remembrance of divine blessings.

Essentially, the definition of udhiyah is obedience, piety, and gratitude. The Qur’an reminds believers that it is not the flesh or blood that will reach Allah, but the consciousness of one’s faith:

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

Thus, the significance of udhiyah in Islam extends from the physical act to the intention behind it. It is an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their submission to Allah’s will, emulate Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and cultivate compassion by distributing the meat among the poor, relatives, and family.

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Difference Between Udhiyah and Qurbani

 It is essential to know the difference between Udhiyah and Qurbani to understand the Udhiyah meaning. Both terms refer to the same Islamic practice, but their usage could be different based on linguistic, geographic, and cultural grounds.

Udhiyah Meaning: The Original Arabic Term

The term Udhiyah (أضحية) is the classical Arabic word used in Islamic law and religious texts. It refers literally to the slaughtering of a designated animal—a goat, sheep, cow, or camel—during the days of Eid Adha meaning, which is the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. This sacrifice is an act of worship decreed by Allah in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) compliance.

Qurbani: The Common Term in South Asia

Qurbani is the Urdu, Persian, and common South Asian name for the same practice. Derived from the Arabic word Qurban (قربان), meaning an offering made to attain closeness to Allah, Qurbani shares the same ruling, purpose, and religious significance as Udhiyah. It is commonly used in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and among diaspora communities from these countries.

Here is a table showing the difference between Udhiya and Qurbani:

Feature	Udhiyah	Qurbani
Linguistic Origin	Arabic (أُضْحِيَة)	Derived from Arabic Qurban (قُرْبَان) via Urdu/Persian
Common Usage	Widely used in Arabic-speaking and Islamic scholarly contexts	Commonly used in South Asian regions (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh)
Religious Significance	Same: Ritual sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha	Same: Ritual sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha
Shariah Rulings	Governed by Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)	Identical rulings apply
Timing	10th–13th of Dhul-Hijjah (after Eid prayer)	10th–13th of Dhul-Hijjah (after Eid prayer)
Purpose	To fulfill a religious obligation and commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion	To fulfill a religious obligation and commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion
Keyword Relevance	Central to understanding Udhiyah meaning	Used interchangeably but refers to the same act

 

Why Muslims Perform Udhiyah During Eid

To understand the Udhiyah meaning, one must learn about the spiritual and historical importance of this sacred tradition. Muslims celebrate Udhiyah on Eid al-Adha to commemorate the exemplary faith and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was willing to sacrifice his much-beloved son, Ismail (peace be upon him), for the sake of Allah alone.

This ultimate act of obedience is annually commemorated by Muslims through the ritual sacrifice of an animal, symbolizing devotion, thankfulness, and surrender to the will of Allah.

Commemoration of a Divine Test

The Udhiyah meaning is deeply rooted in the Qur’an:

“Then when they had both submitted themselves [to Allah], and he laid him down upon his forehead, We called out to him, ‘O Abraham! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the doers of good.” (Surah As-Saffat, 37:103–105)

This historical event forms the essence of Eid al Adha 2025. Allah replaced Prophet Ismail with a ram, representing His mercy and acceptance of Ibrahim’s sincerity and submission. Muslims celebrate this sacrifice as a spiritual reminder of unwavering faith and obedience.

An Act of Worship and Gratitude

Udhiyah meaning is not merely a cultural tradition, but it is a way of ibadah (worship). As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The son of Adam does not do any action on the Day of Sacrifice which is more beloved to Allah than the shedding of blood.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3126 – Sahih)

This hadith points out that Udhiyah is a deed that Allah likes, reinforcing the udhiyah meaning as a sign of sincere piety. By sacrificing an animal, Muslims once more seal their spiritual loyalty and appreciation for Allah’s countless bounties.

Promoting Charity and Community Well-being

One of the underlying reasons that Muslims perform Udhiyah is to promote social unity and compassion. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three portions: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. In this way, the joy of Eid is distributed to all sections of society.

Spiritual Symbolism Above Ritual Formalism

Allah reminds the believers that the offering is not in the physical sacrifice, but in piety:

“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 verse encapsulates the true Udhiyah meaning, it is the sincerity of intention and the attitude of submission that makes the act more significant in the eyes of Allah.

Rules and Guidelines for Udhiyah

To fulfill the religious duty of Udhiyah in the right way, Muslims need to adhere to some rules and regulations set in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Knowing these conditions is important so as to uphold the sanctity and spiritual value of the act and fully attain the Udhiyah meaning as a form of worship.

1. Time of the Udhiyah

• Udhiyah is to be performed on the specified days of Eid al-Adha:
• It begins after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until the sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
• Any sacrifice made before the Eid prayer is not valid.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Whoever offers the sacrifice before the Eid prayer, it is just meat for his family, and it is not considered a sacrifice.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5545)

2. Eligibility: Who Should Offer Udhiyah

According to most scholars, Udhiyah is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a highly stressed Sunnah) for every:

• Muslim
• Adult
• Sane
• Resident (not a traveler)
• Financially able to afford the cost of the sacrifice.

It is obligatory (wājib) according to some scholars on the basis of the hadith:

“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 3123 – Hasan)

3. Types and Age of Acceptable Animals

Only particular animals may be given for Udhiyah, and they must be of the following minimum age:

Animal	Minimum Age
Sheep	6 months (if healthy), preferably 1 year
Goat	1 year
Cow/Bull	2 years
Camel	5 years

The animals must be free from significant flaws, such as:

• Blindness or severe eye damage
• Limping or lameness
• Illness or thinness
• Loss of over one-third of the ear, horn, or tail

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are four animals that are not permissible to sacrifice: a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is evident, a lame animal whose limp is evident, and an emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith 2802 – Sahih)

4. Method of Slaughter

• The slaughtering has to be done by a Muslim, with the intention (niyyah) of doing Udhiyah.
• The name of Allah (Bismillah, Allahu Akbar) must be said at the time of slaughtering.
• The throat, windpipe, and veins must be cut quickly and humanely.
• Slaughtering must be done with a sharp knife to minimize suffering.

5. Distribution of the Meat

It is recommended to divide the meat into three equal parts:

1. One part for personal/family consumption
2. One part for relatives and friends
3. One part to be given to the poor and needy

Selling of the meat, skin, or any portion of the animal that is sacrificed for business purposes is prohibited. The butcher should also not be paid in the form of a portion of the meat.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed: “Give it in charity, eat from it, and store some of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5569)

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Conclusion

The Udhiyah meaning goes far beyond the slaughtering of animals, it’s a highly significant expression of obedience, gratitude, and spiritual devotion to Allah. Performed during Eid al-Adha, Udhiyah commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) unwavering faith and is a powerful reminder of submission and charity.

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FAQs

Is Udhiyah obligatory for every Muslim?

It is Sunnah Mu’akkadah for financially able adults, though some scholars consider it obligatory.

Can Udhiyah be done online through an organization?

Yes, as long as the organization follows Islamic guidelines for slaughter and distribution.

What animals can be used for Udhiyah?

Sheep, goats, cows, and camels—provided they meet the minimum age and health requirements.