Difference Between Hady and Udhiyah – Complete Breakdown
The practice of animal sacrifice in Islam traces its origins to Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), whose faith was tested when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) commanded him to sacrifice his son.
In response to his obedience, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) provided a ram as a substitute, establishing sacrifice as a symbol of devotion and submission. This tradition remains central to Hajj and Eid al-Adha.
Two significant forms of sacrifice in Islam are Hady and Udhiyah, each with distinct religious obligations, timing, and purposes. While both involve slaughtering an animal as an act of worship, their roles differ.
Understanding these distinctions clarifies pilgrims and practising Muslims in fulfilling their religious duties.
Difference Between Hady and Udhiyah
In Islamic jurisprudence (fatwa), the difference between hady and udhiyah is significant.
Hady is a sacrificial act directly linked to Hajj, while Udhiyah is a broader practice associated with Eid al-Adha.
Both rituals have deep spiritual value, but their rules and obligations differ based on the context of their observance.
What Is Hady in Islam?
Hady is the sacrificial animal offered in specific pilgrimage rituals, particularly during Hajj. It is an integral part of the pilgrimage for those performing Hajj Tamattu’ and Hajj Qiran, where it serves as an expiation for certain violations or as a required offering.
The sacrifice is performed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah in the sacred precincts of Makkah, primarily in Mina.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says:
Hadiths on Hady
Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them) reported:
What Is Udhiyah in Islam?
Udhiyah is the act of slaughtering an animal (camel, cow, sheep, or goat) as an expression of obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) during Eid al-Adha. This sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), as an act of submission to Allah’s command.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says:
Hadiths on Udhiyah
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
Is Udhiyah Obligatory?
Udhiyah (أضحية), commonly known as Qurbani, is the sacrificial act performed by Muslims worldwide during Eid al-Adha.
While it is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) in most Islamic schools of thought, the Hanafi school considers it obligatory (wajib) for those who meet the financial threshold (nisab).
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
Who Is Eligible for Udhiyah?
Muslims who meet the nisab threshold (the same as for zakat) must perform Udhiyah.
Generally, it applies to:
- Adult Muslims who are financially capable.
- Households where at least one member qualifies based on wealth.
- Those who are not travellers (some scholars allow travellers to perform Udhiyah but do not consider it obligatory).
Fiqh of Udhiyah
- Permissible Animals: Sheep (1 person), goat (1 person), cow (7 shares), camel (7 shares).
- Conditions: The animal must be healthy, without defects, and of the right age (sheep/goat: 1 year, cow: 2 years, camel: 5 years).
- Timing: The sacrifice must be performed after Eid prayer and before sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
- Distribution: Meat should be divided into three parts – one for the household, one for relatives and friends, and one for people in need.
FAQ
- What Is Fidya?
Fidya is a form of compensation when a Muslim cannot fulfil certain religious obligations, such as fasting or completing Hajj rituals. It usually involves feeding people experiencing poverty or making a charitable donation.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says:
- Can Husband and Wife Do One Qurbani?
Yes, in financial constraints, a husband and wife can jointly contribute to a larger animal (cow/camel) as part of the seven shares.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
- What Is the Difference Between Qurbani and Udhiyah?
There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable. “Qurbani” is commonly used in South Asia, while “Udhiyah” is the Arabic term.
- Who Is Eligible for Udhiyah?
Any Muslim who meets the nisab threshold and is not travelling is eligible and encouraged to perform Udhiyah.
Summary – Difference Between Hady and Udhiyah
Aspect | Hady | Udhiya |
Purpose | Required for certain Hajj types | Performed during Eid al-Adha |
Obligation | Mandatory for Hajj Tamattu’ & Qiran | Wajib (Hanafi) or Sunnah Mu’akkadah |
Timing | 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Hajj) | 10th-13th of Dhul-Hijjah |
Location | Only in Makkah/Mina | Anywhere worldwide |
Eligible Muslims | Only for pilgrims | Any financially capable person |
The concepts of Hady and Udhiyah are potent reminders of faith, obedience, and sacrifice in Islam. While Hady is a sacrificial animal specific to pilgrims performing the Hajj, Udhiyah is a universal act that allows all Muslims to partake in the blessings of sacrifice.
If you search for the question of the differences between these two rituals, you will find that the timing, obligation, and days of sacrifice differ. Hady is performed during the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, while Udhiyah is performed from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Understanding these practices in English will help clarify their significance. By recognising their differences, Muslims can fulfil their religious duties sincerely and passionately, especially when considering the days of sacrifice.
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