Bakrid 2026: Why Do Muslims Sacrifice Animals on Eid al-Adha? Rules of Qurbani Explained
Muslims in India will celebrate Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) on May 28, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s faith. The festival features the ritual sacrifice of livestock (Qurbani), which follows strict Islamic rules regarding animal health and age. Highlighting community welfare, the meat is divided equally among family, friends, and the needy.
Mumbai, May 27: Muslims across India are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha 2026, popularly known as Bakrid, Eid Ul Azha and Bakra Eid, tomorrow, May 28. As one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, it is marked by special prayers, acts of charity, and the ritual sacrifice of livestock, known as Qurbani. The practice observes a deeply rooted religious tradition shared by millions globally, carrying specific theological meanings and strict jurisprudence regarding how the ritual must be conducted.
The Historical Significance of Animal Sacrifice or Qurbani on Bakrid
The ritual of animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of the scriptural narrative of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). According to Islamic theology, Ibrahim was commanded by God in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as a test of his absolute devotion and submission to divine will.
As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command, God intervened, acknowledging his unwavering faith, and replaced Ismail with a ram. The ritual of Qurbani serves as a symbolic re-enactment of this event, reminding practicing Muslims of the importance of selflessness, obedience to God, and the willingness to give up something valuable for a higher spiritual purpose.
The word Qurbani itself is derived from the Arabic word Qurban, which stems from the root meaning "closeness" or "proximity." In this context, the act of sacrifice is viewed not as an end in itself, but as a spiritual means to draw closer to God through obedience and charity. Bakrid 2026: Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Issues Guidelines for Eid al-Adha; Urges People To Follow Law and Maintain Cleanliness.
Islamic Rules for Animal Sacrifice
Islamic jurisprudence outlines detailed, mandatory rules regarding which animals can be sacrificed, their health conditions, and the timing of the ritual. Failure to adhere to these criteria invalidates the sacrifice as an official act of Qurbani.
- The sacrifice is restricted to specific domestic quadrupeds, collectively referred to as An'am. These include goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, and camels.
- Animals must meet a minimum age threshold to be eligible for sacrifice. A goat or sheep must be at least one year old; a cow, bull, or buffalo must be at least two years old; and a camel must be at least five years old.
- The animal selected for sacrifice must be healthy and free from any major physical defects. Animals that are visibly blind, structurally lame, chronically sick, or severely emaciated are strictly barred from selection.
- The slaughtering must be done in one stroke without lifting the knife.
- The windpipe (throat), food-tract (oesophagus) and the two jugular veins must be cut.
- The swift cutting of veins of the neck disconnects the flow of blood to the nerve of the brain responsible for pain. Thus, it is believed that the animal does not feel pain.
- The head of the animal must not be removed wholly during slaughtering but later after the animal is entirely dead.
- The slaughtering must be done manually not by a machine.
Allocation and Distribution of the Meat
The Islamic framework governing Qurbani heavily emphasizes community welfare and social equity. The meat obtained from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal portions to ensure that the benefits of the festival extend beyond the immediate household:
| Share Allocation | Intended Recipients |
| One-Third (1/3) | Retained for the immediate family and household. |
| One-Third (1/3) | Distributed among friends, relatives, and neighbours to foster community ties. |
| One-Third (1/3) | Mandatorily distributed to the poor, needy and vulnerable segments of society. |
This distribution system ensures that impoverished individuals and families, who may not regularly have access to meat, are able to participate fully in the festive meals. Bakrid 2026: TMC MP Mahua Moitra Challenges West Bengal Cattle Slaughter Curbs Ahead of Eid al-Adha.
The ritual cannot take place at just any time. It must be performed within a strict three-day window, commencing strictly after the special Eid congregational prayers (Eid Namaaz) are concluded on the morning of the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. The permissible period extends until the sunset of the 12th day of the same month. A section of Muslims believes it extends until the sunset of the 13th Dhul Hijjah.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2026 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).