Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, involves the ritual slaughter of specific types of animals as a way to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. These animals, known as sacrificial animals or “Qurbani” animals, must meet certain criteria set by Islamic law. Here are the main types of animals that are sacrificed during Eid ul-Adha:

Types of Sacrificial Animals

1. Sheep
   • Age Requirement: Must be at least one year old.
   • Condition: Should be healthy and free of defects.
2. Goats
   • Age Requirement: Must be at least one year old.
   • Condition: Should be healthy and free of defects.
3. Cattle (Cows, Bulls, Buffaloes)
   • Age Requirement: Must be at least two years old.
   • Condition: Should be healthy and free of defects.
   • Shares: One cow or buffalo can be shared by up to seven people for the sacrifice.
4. Camels
   • Age Requirement: Must be at least five years old.
   • Condition: Should be healthy and free of defects.
   • Shares: One camel can be shared by up to seven people for the sacrifice.

Criteria for Sacrificial Animals

• Health: Animals should be healthy, without any physical defects or diseases. Common defects that disqualify an animal include being blind, sick, lame, or emaciated.
• Age: The animals must meet the minimum age requirements: one year for sheep and goats, two years for cattle, and five years for camels.
• Condition: The animals should not have broken horns, missing ears, or other significant physical imperfections.

Process of Sacrifice

1. Intention (Niyyah): The person performing the sacrifice must have the proper intention, which is to please Allah and commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim.
2. Method: The animal is slaughtered by a sharp knife to the throat, ensuring a swift and humane death. The name of Allah is invoked during the act by saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
3. Distribution: The meat from the sacrificed animal is typically divided into three parts:
   • One-third for the family.
   • One-third for relatives and friends.
   • One-third for the poor and needy.

Importance of Sacrificial Animals

• Spiritual Significance: The sacrifice symbolizes obedience to God, willingness to give up valuable things for His sake, and the importance of charity and generosity.
• Community Bonding: Sharing the meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate fosters community spirit and ensures that even the poor can partake in the festivities.
• Economic Impact: The demand for sacrificial animals during Eid ul-Adha supports livestock farming and related industries, providing economic benefits to farmers and vendors.

Regional Variations

• Availability: The type of animal sacrificed can vary depending on regional availability and cultural preferences. For example, camels are more common in Middle Eastern countries, while cattle are preferred in South Asian countries.
• Local Customs: Different regions might have specific customs or traditions associated with the sacrifice, such as communal slaughtering events or specific ways of distributing the meat.

By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims around the world perform the Qurbani with the aim of fulfilling their religious obligations, honoring a significant event in Islamic history, and promoting the values of sacrifice, charity, and community.

Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0