Browse the site and make a Donation Now!
Korban, also known as udhiyah – means sacrifice.
Every year during the month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – whether that be a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God.
By giving korban, Muslims follow in Ibrahim’s footsteps and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT), and their obligation to the less fortunate.
Donating korban is highly recommended by the majority of scholars, and obligatory in the Hanafi madhab (school of thought) for every Muslim who is able to do so.
The story of korban harks back to when the Prophet Ibrahim agreed to sacrifice his son Ismail to show his devotion to God. As a divine intervention, a ram was provided in place of his son, signifying the acceptance of his devotion.
Ibrahim’s sacrifice reflects the core values of faith, obedience, and selflessness in Islam.
Muslims commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice and his devotion, by sacrificing an animal in the name of Allah (SWT) and then using that meat to feed the poor. The act of korban serves as a demonstration of gratitude and an act of spiritual purification.
Korban reinforces the principles of compassion and charity in Islam, as the meat from the slaughter is divided and distributed among the less fortunate, as well as among family, and friends.
By following the rules of korban and engaging in this act of worship, Muslims align themselves with the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim. Observing korban rules and understanding the importance of providing for others offers the chance for spiritual growth and enhances the connection with Allah (SWT).
There are several references to the act of sacrifice in the Qur’an.
“And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs ‘umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] – then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home].”
[Qur’an | Surah Al-Baqarah | 2:196]
“And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention˺ among later generations: “Peace be upon Abraham.” This is how We reward the good-doers.”
[Qur’an | Surah As-Saffat | 37:107-110]
“For every community We appointed a rite of sacrifice so that they may pronounce the Name of Allah over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. For your God is only One God, so submit yourselves to Him ˹alone˺. And give good news ˹O Prophet˺ to the humble.”
[Qur’an | Surah Al-Hajj | 22:34]
There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether korban can be done over 3 or 4 days. To respect this difference of opinion, Islamic Relief strives to perform korban in 3 days and only extend into the fourth day in certain localities where this is religiously accepted by the local Muslim population – or if there is an operational need for this extra day.
With this in mind, you should aim to give your korban donations in a timely manner, before the time for sacrifice ends as the sun sets on the fourth day after Eid al-Adha prayers, which is on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah. We advise giving your korban as early as possible.