The Difference Between Qurbani and Udhiyah
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for the sacred act of sacrifice. In Islamic literature, two terms are used for this ritual: Qurbani and Udhiyah. These terms however, have different linguistic roots and are used in different contexts.
Qurbani and Udhiyah tend to be used interchangeably.
Qurbani is an Arabic word that translates to ‘a sacrifice.’ The term is widely used in South Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, along with East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, specifically among South Asian communities. The term Qurbani is also used in some parts of Central Asia such as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.
Udhiyah is also an Arabic word and is more commonly used in Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Morocco, along with several of the Gulf States. It has a similar meaning to Qurbani but specifically refers to the sacrificial animal offered during Eid al-Adha.
While both terms usually refer to the sacrifice on Eid al-Adha, Qurbani is also used in instances beyond Eid al-Adha. A key distinction is that Qurbani has a boarder linguistic usage and is also used for animal sacrifices beyond the ritual performed during the three days of Eid.
Qurbani and Udhiyah is performed yearly to commemorate the event where Prophet Ibrahim (as) sacrificed his son, Prophet Ismail (as), in obedience to Allah’s (swt) command. As he was about to carry out the sacrifice, a ram took the place of Prophet Ismail (as).
Fulfill your Qurbani and Udhiyah with Muslim Hands
At Muslim Hands, we fulfill your Qurbani and Udhiyah for as low as $65 per share. We work with local partners and farmers to ensure your contributions reach those who need it most. This year, we are facilitating Qurbani and Udhiyah in emergency zones such as:
As well as in non-emergency locations including:
We ensure a 100% delivery guarantee – animals are sacrificed stun-free, following Islamic principles. Beneficiaries receive fresh meat, never frozen or tinned. Qurbani and Udhiyah are performed on healthy animals, and we ensure they are treated humanely.
Make your Qurbani and Udhiyah contribution today
You can also double your impact by offering a Prophetic Qurbani and feed even more families during Eid al-Adha.
See how your generous contributions reach displaced families like Hashid's - Your Qurbani in Action.
To learn more about this sacred time of the year, read Understanding the Significance of Eid al-Adha 2025, Dhul Hijjah 2025: A Time for Renewal, The Day of Arafah 2025, and our Hajj and Umrah Guide.
