Every year, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, hundreds of millions of Muslims across the world sacrifice a permitted animal. This act — called Qurbani (Arabic: udhiyah) — is one of the most widely performed acts of worship in Islam. But why? What are we commemorating? The answer lies in one of the most extraordinary stories in human history.
Ibrahim (AS): The Friend of Allah
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) — known in English as Abraham — holds a unique place in all of the Abrahamic faiths. In Islam, he carries the title Khalilullah — the Friend (or Intimate) of Allah. The Quran describes him as the model for all believers:
“Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation unto himself, devoutly obedient to Allah, upright in faith, and he was not among the polytheists. He was grateful for His favours. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path.”
Ibrahim's life was a series of extraordinary tests — each one passed with complete submission to Allah. He left his homeland for Allah. He was thrown into a fire for Allah (which became cool and safe by Allah's command). He left his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail in a barren valley at Allah's command. But none of these tests compared to what was coming.
The Dream: A Command from Allah
The Quran narrates that Ibrahim had a dream in which he saw himself sacrificing his son. For prophets, dreams are a form of divine revelation — not mere subconscious imagery but genuine communication from Allah.
“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said: 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said: 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'”
The beauty of this moment is in Ismail's response. Ibrahim does not command — he consults. And Ismail, the young man who had been tested by being left as an infant in the desert, responds with pure iman: do what you are commanded. I will be patient.
The Moment of Submission
“And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him: 'O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.”
Father and son, both submitted to Allah. Ibrahim placed the blade to his son's throat. It was at this precise moment — when the sacrifice was entirely in the heart, when the will to obey Allah was total — that Allah called out: “You have fulfilled the vision.”
Allah then said: “Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (37:106–107). A ram from Paradise was sent to replace Ismail as the sacrifice. The test was not about the blood of a child — it was about the totality of submission in the heart.
What Does This Story Mean for Muslims Today?
Qurbani is not merely a tradition or a ritual. It is an annual renewal of Ibrahim's submission. Each year, when a Muslim sacrifices an animal on Eid ul Adha, they are saying: I place everything I have — my wealth, my most precious things — in submission to You, Allah, just as Ibrahim did.
The Prophet ﷺ confirmed the significance of this act directly:
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.”
Why Give Qurbani Through a Charity Like HBSMWA?
Most Muslims in Pakistan, the UK, and the Gulf no longer slaughter their own animals. Donating through a reputable charity allows the Qurbani to be performed in your name in places like Pakistan, Gaza, or other regions where families cannot afford meat year-round. The meat is distributed to those who need it most — fulfilling both the sunnah of sacrifice and the Islamic obligation of ensuring the poor can celebrate Eid.
HBSMWA performs Qurbani in Pakistan, distributing fresh meat to the most vulnerable families in the days immediately following Eid.