Qurbani: A Tradition of Sacrifice, Solidarity, and Service

Each year, as Eid al-Adha approaches, millions of Muslims across the world prepare to perform Qurbani—a sacred act of devotion and generosity. Yet for many outside the Muslim community, the meaning and magnitude of Qurbani remain unfamiliar. For charities, this is a moment not just of ritual, but of real-life impact, offering food, dignity, and connection to communities that often go unseen.

---

🕋 What Is Qurbani?

Qurbani (Arabic: قرباني‎), meaning “sacrifice,” is an Islamic practice carried out during the festival of Eid al-Adha, the second of two major Islamic holidays. It commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who, in a profound act of obedience, prepared to sacrifice his son as commanded by God. At the last moment, God replaced the son with a ram, symbolising divine mercy and faith.

Muslims who meet the criteria of financial capability are religiously obligated to perform Qurbani by sacrificing an animal—typically:

• A sheep or goat per person
• Or a cow/camel shared by up to seven people

The act is performed after the Eid prayer and within a specific 3-day window known as the Days of Tashreeq (10th–12th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar).

---

🥩 The Distribution: Who Benefits from Qurbani?

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts:

1. One-third for the donor’s family
2. One-third for relatives and neighbours
3. One-third for the poor and needy

This ensures that no one is left out of the blessings of Eid—particularly those who may otherwise have no access to meat, which in many impoverished communities is a rare luxury.

---

🌍 The Global Reach of Qurbani Campaigns

In many developing countries, Qurbani isn’t just a tradition—it’s a lifeline. Countless international charities conduct Qurbani drives each year, ensuring meat reaches:

• Orphaned children in refugee camps
• Widows in war-torn regions
• Families impacted by famine and floods
• Urban poor and rural villagers without regular protein sources

Countries often supported through Qurbani campaigns include: Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Gaza, among others.

Charities work with local farmers and butchers, not only for logistical ease but to stimulate local economies, making Qurbani both an act of giving and a catalyst for community development.

---

🧠 Qurbani and Its Deeper Meaning

While Qurbani involves physical sacrifice, its spiritual message is more profound:

• Surrender: Willingness to submit to God’s will
• Gratitude: For blessings of wealth, family, and food
• Empathy: For those who live with less, every single day

It serves as a reminder that faith is not only personal—it’s communal. By offering Qurbani, Muslims re-align with the values of selflessness, humility, and charity.

---

🏥 Qurbani and Ethics: Modern Concerns

In recent years, donors have become more mindful about how their Qurbani is performed:

• Animal Welfare: Is the slaughter humane and halal-certified?
• Sustainability: Are local resources and ecosystems protected?
• Transparency: Are donors informed where their Qurbani took place and who benefited?

Reputable charities now issue donor reports, videos, and GPS-tagged delivery receipts to ensure transparency. Many also allow donors to choose specific countries or urgent-need areas for their sacrifice.

---

🤝 How Charities Can Engage with Qurbani

For charities, Qurbani campaigns offer a unique chance to:

• Fulfill religious obligations on behalf of donors
• Strengthen trust by demonstrating impact
• Reach remote or crisis-hit populations with high nutritional needs
• Educate the wider public about Islam’s charitable ethos

Through clear storytelling, authentic images, and donor feedback, Qurbani campaigns can show how ancient tradition meets contemporary global relief.

---

🧭 What You Can Do This Eid al-Adha

🌙 If you’re a donor:
Consider giving your Qurbani through a trusted charity that aligns with your values. Choose one that supports both ethical standards and high-need regions.

🌱 If you’re a charity:
Get listed on The Charity Champion. We’ll help you increase visibility, share your story, and connect you with new supporters looking to fulfil their Qurbani this year.

🤲 If you’re a supporter:
Spread awareness. Share Qurbani campaigns on social media and educate others about the significance of this sacrifice.

---

✨ Final Thought: From Sacrifice to Solidarity

Qurbani reminds us that giving isn’t about loss—it’s about renewal. It’s an invitation to reflect, to share, and to ensure that the joy of Eid reaches beyond our own homes to those who need it most.

📍Explore featured Qurbani campaigns or submit yours at TheCharityChampion.com