With the blessings of the blessed Eid-ul-Adha, the act of Udhiyah manifests in its most exalted form. This great Islamic rite (Sha’eerah) combines deep faith, obedience to Allah’s command, boundless mercy (Rahma), and noble human solidarity (Takaful). It is not merely the slaughtering of livestock; it is a commemoration of the tradition of Ibraheem, the Father of Prophets, PBUH, when the scene of ultimate obedience and submission was revealed in his vision to sacrifice his son Ishmael PBUH. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala immortalized this monumental event in His Holy Book (Quran), making the redemption of Ishmael the beginning of a blessed Sunnah that would be passed down through generations across the world until the Day of Judgment.
Udhiyah is prescribed during the days of Eid-ul-Adha, starting after Eid prayer until the final hour of the last day of Tashreeq (the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), This is affirmed in the Qur’anic verse: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]” (Surah Al-Kawthar, 108:2). It is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his noble companions (Sahabah), commemorating the unwavering faith of Ibraheem PBUH and emulating the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who sacrificed two black and white horned rams.
The Virtues and Rewards of Udhiyah
Udhiyah offering holds a lofty position in our righteous religion (Islam). It is:
A Means of Drawing Closer to Allah:
The act of Udhiyah is a sincere offering for the sake of Allah, seeking Ajr and mercy (Rahma). It is not the meat or blood that reaches Allah, but the Taqwa (piety) behind the act. As Allah SWT says:
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
A Cause for Forgiveness:
It is hoped that with the first drop of blood, the sins of the person offering the Qurban are forgiven.
An Expression of Honour for the Rites of Allah:
Performing Qurbani is a reflection of reverence for Allah’s sacred rituals, as He states:
“That [is so]. And whoever honours the symbols of Allah—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:32)
One of the Most Beloved Acts on the Day of Sacrifice:
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved deed to Allah on the Day of Sacrifice is the shedding of blood [for Qurbani]. It will come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair, and hooves. The blood is accepted by Allah before it even hits the ground. So be content when you perform it.” (Tirmidhi)
A Manifestation of Generosity and Compassion:
The spirit of sacrifice shines through in the distribution of its meat to the poor and needy, thereby widening the circle of goodness, strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and human compassion, and bringing smiles to those whose lives have been constrained by hardship.
Hands For Charity… Extending Generosity and Bringing Joy to the Needy
In recognition of the importance of this blessed ritual and its profound impact on individuals and communities, Hands For Charity Foundation is honored to serve as a trusted bridge to deliver your Udhiyah to those most in need in the most deprived regions around the world. As an authorized channel for Zakat distribution, we strive to uphold the highest standards of transparency and efficiency in managing and distributing your donations, ensuring they reach the families most deserving in Yemen, Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, and other lands weighed down by poverty and deprivation.
Imagine the joy that fills the heart of a mother who has lost her provider, or a child tasting meat after long deprivation. Every sacrifice is a seed of goodness that grows hope and expectation in the hearts of the needy, and purifies the scales of good deeds for the generous.
Let us make our Udhiyah this year a story of faith and giving, a bridge of mercy extending to touch hearts longing for joy and security. Let us share the happiness of Eid with our brothers and sisters, and let this prophetic tradition become a light illuminating the darkness of their days, leaving behind a lasting mark of kindness.
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