The Islamic festival of Eid Al Adha is only a few days away, and Muslims are preparing for this year's sacrifice.
Traditionally, the festival is marked by sacrificing an animal - such as a sheep, a goat, or a cow - according to religious guidelines. This act of sacrifice, carried out to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's test of faith, serves as an act of devotion and humility before God.
Known as the festival of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha is observed on Dhul Hijjah 10, which falls on June 28 this year.
During Eid, the faithful dress in new clothes and make their way to mosques or Eid grounds to pray.
Many Muslims sacrifice an animal after the prayer. They come together, spend time with family, and engage in charitable activities. It is common for families to exchange gifts, prepare traditional feasts, and extend hospitality to neighbours and friends.
What is the rule for offering a sacrifice (udhiyah)?
Islamic scholar Sheikh Ayaz Housee, imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre, said the sacrifice or udhiyah is a confirmed sunnah that is highly recommended.
Can anyone offer it?
A person offering it should be "independent of means", Sheikh Ayaz said, and the price of the sacrifice amounts to whatever surplus he has after fulfilling his needs and those of his dependents.
The Udhiyah is prescribed for the members of the household as the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The people of each household should offer an Udhiyah every year.”
However, Sheikh Ayaz stressed that it is not required for the head of the family to offer a separate sacrifice to every member of the house. "One sacrifice is sufficient for the whole family,” he said.
Where in Dubai can you make sacrifices?
Local authorities have made arrangements to ensure the smooth and humane execution of the Eid Al Adha rituals, with designated areas and trained professionals deployed to perform the sacrifices in accordance with religious traditions.
Individuals can purchase animals from cattle markets or use a smart app to place orders online. If purchased from the market, one can take it to the abattoirs in the city.
Using a smart app to do it
Dubai Municipality has collaborated with eight smart applications for ordering and delivery of sacrificed animals. Its abattoirs carry out the ritual in accordance with approved health procedures and deliver them to residents' homes quickly and efficiently.
The municipality has allotted four abattoirs equipped with the newest technology and with a combined capacity of almost 900 animals per hour. These slaughterhouses include Al Qusais Abattoir (282 animals), Quick Eid Abattoir in Al Qusais (300), Al Quoz Abattoir (125), Al Lisaili Abattoir (105), and Hatta Abattoir (82 animals per hour).
Working hours of abattoirs
Dubai Municipality has set the working hours of the abattoirs during Eid. On the day of Arafah, it will be from 7am to 4pm in the abattoirs of Al Qusais, Al Quoz, and Al Lisaili and from 7am to 6am in Hatta abattoir. While on the first, second and third days of Eid, they will all be open from 7.30am to 4am.
What is the cost?
The cost of an Eid sacrifice varies depending on various factors, including the animal's type, weight, size, and breed. However, the price range for a goat or sheep at the cattle market starts at Dh600 and for an ox, the price starts at Dh4,000, excluding the abattoir cost.
The price range for a goat starts at Dh880 and for an ox or cow, it starts at Dh5,500 if ordered via an app. An app, however, does not assume the responsibility of transporting the animal to the abattoir, collection, or distribution.