THE MEANING OF QURBANI AND THE STORY OF THE PROPHET IBRAHIM (AS)

The Prophet (SAW) said:

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

The Meaning of Qurbani

The teachings of the Quran and Sunnah beautifully explain Qurbani’s meaning in Islam. Qurbani is an Arabic word that means ‘nearness’ – something which the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) achieved when he followed the commands of Allah (SWT) and submitted himself to his Lord. Today, we also perform Qurbani to remember the ultimate sacrifice that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made and to attain closeness to Allah (SWT). The Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) life embodies what Qurbani actually means, serving as an illustrious example for generations to come.

Sacrifice honours the symbols appointed by Allah (SWT), as mentioned in the verse below.

“And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.” [Al-Quran 22:36]

What is the Story of Ibrahim (AS)?

The search for the Qurbani meaning leads us to the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is reported that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) experienced a series of recurring dreams where Allah (SWT) told him that he must sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). After a few nights of experiencing this dream, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) realised that this was a divine message. The Prophet Ibrahim (AS) took his son to Mount Arafat where he told him about his dreams. Ismail (AS) immediately submitted to divine will. The Prophet Ibrahim blindfolded himself and carried out Allah’s (SWT) command but discovered later that Allah (SWT) had replaced his son with a ram.

At the time of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make in the name of Allah (SWT) and the mercy shown by the Creator. The great sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) symbolises his devotion and commitment to Allah (SWT). The believers are also encouraged to learn from the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) Qurbani and embrace its spirit of obedience.

The Prophetic Qurbani Meaning

A Prophetic Qurbani is an extra sacrifice made in addition to your own Qurbani. It is established from sound reports that the Prophet (SAW) used to offer an additional Qurbani on behalf of people from his Ummah. The Prophet’s (SAW) sacrifice during the farewell Hajj also highlights the importance of Qurbani. On this occasion, the Prophet (SAW) sacrificed 100 camels, out of which he slaughtered 63 with own hands.

An additional Qurbani will provide nutritious meals to more vulnerable individuals and families. You can also make an additional sacrifice on behalf of your loved ones, including those who have passed away. It is a great way of giving charity on behalf of deceased relatives who will receive the immense rewards of Qurbani.

How to Perform Qurbani

Qurbani must be performed during the days of Eid ul-Adha in Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It involves the practice of slaughtering a permissible animal and then sharing its meat in three equal parts – one for the individual performing Qurbani, one for relatives and friends and one portion for the poor. One Qurbani by the head of the family is sufficient for each individual within the household.

Find out more about Qurbani here.

Qurbani 2025 in the UK

In 2025, Eid ul-Adha is expected to take place around 6 or 7 of June depending on moonsighting. As Qurbani is offered during a specific period, the valid time for Qurbani 2025 might fall between 7 and 9 June.

In the UK, slaughter is surrounded by certain rules and laws, which require an individual to perform it in a designated place. For this reason, many Muslims donate Qurbani to charitable organisations that sacrifice the selected animal on their behalf in the country of their choice.

Donate Your Qurbani to UKIM

UKIM has facilitated the process of Qurbani for you. When you do your Qurbani with UKIM, our teams will take care of all the work on your behalf. UKIM ensures that your sacrifice is made according to the prescribed principles and reaches the most vulnerable people in identified areas. The fresh meat will be distributed to the needy as soon as possible after the slaughter.

By donating your Qurbani to UK Islamic Mission, you will not only fulfil your obligation but also help support those in need around the world. Join our generous donors and work with us to make Qurbani 2025 a blessed time for all.