Udhiyah (Qurbani) Rules: Tradition Meets Transparency
Udhiyah (أضحية or Qurbani) is the Islamic act of sacrificing a livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. Performed between the 10th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, this ritual requires specific eligibility based on wealth (Nisab) and follows strict guidelines regarding the animal’s health and age. The meat is traditionally divided into three parts: for the needy, for friends, and for the family.
The Promise of Eid: Beyond the Sacrifice
Imagine a family where hunger is not a visitor, but a permanent resident. For millions across the globe, meat is a luxury afforded perhaps once a year. This is the reality that Eid al-Adha seeks to change. However, the traditional methods of reaching these remote, vulnerable communities are often slowed by banking bureaucracy and opaque supply chains.
You have the power to bridge that gap instantly. By understanding the sacred rules of Udhiyah and leveraging the speed of modern blockchain technology, you become more than a donor. You become a lifeline. Your contribution does not just fulfill a religious obligation; it delivers sustenance with speed and dignity.
The Spiritual Roots: Why We Perform Udhiyah
The term “Udhiyah” (أضحية) is Arabic for the sacrifice offered during Eid al-Adha. In many regions, specifically within South Asia, it is known as “Qurbani” (from “Al-Qurban”), meaning offering or sacrifice.
Regardless of the terminology, the act serves as a profound reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) absolute devotion. When commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail, Ibrahim complied, only for Allah to intervene at the last moment, replacing Ismail with a ram. This was not a test of bloodlust, but a test of faith.
Today, the Udhiyah acts as a symbol of our willingness to give up what is valuable to us for the sake of Allah and for the benefit of humanity.
Essential Udhiyah (Qurbani) Rules You Must Know
To ensure your sacrifice is valid and accepted, adherence to the specific guidelines of the Sunnah is critical.
- Intention (Niyyah)
The foundation of all actions in Islam is intention. The slaughter must be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah, not for showing off or social status. When donating online, your sincere intention to fulfill this obligation is what counts. - Who is Eligible? (The Nisab)
Udhiyah is strongly encouraged (giving it the status of Sunnah Muakkadah) for:
Every adult Muslim of sound mind.
Those who are “resident” (not traveling).
Those who possess the Nisab (minimum wealth threshold) required for Zakat.
If you have disposable income or crypto assets exceeding your basic needs, performing Udhiyah is a beautiful way to purify your wealth. - Animal Selection Criteria
Not just any animal will suffice. The sacrifice must be a livestock animal (Bahimatul Al-An’aam) free from defects.
Species: Camels, Cattle (cows/buffaloes), Sheep, and Goats.
Health: The animal must not be blind, emaciated, lame, or visibly sick. It represents the best of what we can offer.
Age Requirements:
– Sheep/Goats: At least one year old.
– Cows/Buffaloes: At least two years old.
– Camels: At least five years old. - The Window of Sacrifice
Timing is non-negotiable. The slaughter must take place after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. It can continue through the days of Tashreeq (11th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah) until sunset. Any sacrifice performed before the Eid prayer is considered charity, not Udhiyah. - Sunnah Recommendation for the Donor
For those intending to offer a sacrifice, it is recommended (Mustahabb) to refrain from cutting hair or clipping nails from the sighting of the Dhu al-Hijjah moon until the sacrifice is completed. This physical discipline mirrors the state of Ihram for pilgrims performing Hajj.
Distribution: The Rule of Thirds
The distribution of the meat serves to strengthen social bonds and support the poor. The traditional division is:
- One-Third for the Needy: This ensures the poorest members of the community partake in the celebration.
- One-Third for Relatives/Friends: To foster love and kinship.
- One-Third for the Family: For your own household consumption.
Note on Modern Donation: When you donate your Qurbani online, particularly to relief organizations, it is common practice to designate all three parts to the poor and needy in conflict zones or famine-stricken areas, maximizing the humanitarian impact.
Why Your Crypto Donation Makes a Bigger Impact
In the world of philanthropy, trust and speed are currency. Traditional banking systems can be slow, with fees that eat into the value of your donation. This is why forward-thinking donors are switching to cryptocurrency for their Qurbani.
- Radical Transparency: Blockchain technology creates an immutable ledger. You know exactly where funds are moving, ensuring your donation reaches the intended livestock procurement without “leaking” into administrative black holes.
- Instant Borderless Transfer: Hunger does not wait for bank holidays. Crypto transactions settle in minutes, allowing aid organizations to procure animals in local markets immediately, often before fiat wire transfers would even clear.
- Direct Impact: By removing intermediaries and banking fees, a larger percentage of your donation goes directly to purchasing the animal. This literally translates to more meat for starving families.
When you use your digital assets for Qurbani, you are merging ancient tradition with the highest standard of modern efficiency.
Understanding Shares in Large Animals
To make Udhiyah accessible, Islamic law allows for shared sacrifice in larger animals.
- Small Animals (Sheep/Goat): Accounts for one share (one person’s obligation).
- Large Animals (Cow/Camel): Can be divided into seven shares.
This means up to seven different individuals can contribute to the sacrifice of a single cow. You can purchase a single share to fulfill your obligation, or multiple shares if you wish to offer Qurbani on behalf of family members or deceased loved ones.
A Note on Aqeeqah: Aqeeqah (the sacrifice for a newborn) is typically done with a whole sheep or goat per child (two for a boy, one for a girl) and is separate from Qurbani shares.
Can I pay for my Qurbani using Cryptocurrency?
Yes, many modern Islamic charities accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT for Qurbani. Donating crypto is often faster and more cost-effective than fiat currency, ensuring that a higher percentage of your donation goes directly toward purchasing the animal and aiding the needy.
What is the difference between Qurbani and Sadaqah?
Qurbani (Udhiyah) is a specific act of worship involving the slaughter of an animal during the days of Eid al-Adha and is obligatory for those who meet the wealth criteria (Nisab). Sadaqah is voluntary charity that can be given at any time of the year and can take many forms, not just animal sacrifice.
Is it permissible to donate the entire Qurbani meat to the poor?
Yes, while the Sunnah suggests dividing the meat into three parts (poor, friends, family), it is entirely permissible to donate the entire animal to the poor. When making an online Qurbani donation to relief organizations, this is the standard practice to ensure maximum aid reaches vulnerable communities.
Act Now: The Clock is Ticking
Eid al-Adha draws near, and logistics for procuring healthy animals in hard-hit regions require time. Delaying your donation can complicate the process for aid workers on the ground.
By securing your Udhiyah today, you ensure that when the sun rises on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, a family in need will have a guaranteed meal. You are not just sending money; you are sending hope, fulfilling a divine command, and writing your name among the righteous.
Your Qurbani is their survival. Make it count.
Donate Your Qurbani Online
