{"id":42754,"date":"2026-05-21T10:24:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T10:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=42754"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:39:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T10:39:12","slug":"dubai-grand-mufti-says-eid-al-adha-qurbani-tied-to-prizes-loses-spiritual-merit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/21\/dubai-grand-mufti-says-eid-al-adha-qurbani-tied-to-prizes-loses-spiritual-merit\/","title":{"rendered":"Dubai Grand Mufti Says Eid Al Adha Qurbani Tied to Prizes Loses Spiritual Merit."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As preparations for Eid Al Adha gather pace across the UAE, livestock sellers have begun introducing aggressive promotional campaigns aimed at attracting customers looking to purchase sacrificial animals. Several traders and companies dealing in sheep, goats, and other livestock are now marketing flexible payment options, including \u201cBuy Now, Pay Later\u201d schemes that allow buyers to spread the cost of Qurbani purchases over monthly instalments rather than paying the full amount upfront.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Alongside these payment plans, many businesses have also launched high-value promotional giveaways to boost sales during the festive season. Customers purchasing sacrificial animals are being entered into raffle draws featuring expensive prizes such as luxury vehicles, large cash rewards reaching Dh100,000, and the latest smartphones, including the newly launched iPhone 17 models. The campaigns have gained significant attention among residents, especially as the cost of livestock continues to rise during the annual Eid period.<\/p>

However, these growing commercial practices have triggered religious concerns, prompting a strong response from Islamic authorities in Dubai. During a recent episode of the \u201cDirect Line\u201d programme, Dr Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Haddad, who serves as the Grand Mufti of Dubai and heads the Ifta Department under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, addressed the issue publicly and issued a clear religious warning regarding such promotional activities.<\/p>

According to Dr Al Haddad, linking acts of worship like Qurbani to commercial incentives, prize schemes, or gambling-style promotions undermines the spiritual essence and sincerity associated with the religious sacrifice. He stressed that Eid Al Adha sacrifice is fundamentally an act of devotion intended to seek closeness to God, and turning it into a transaction motivated by material rewards or chances to win expensive gifts contradicts the ethical and religious values tied to the practice.<\/p>

The Grand Mufti also raised concerns over instalment-based purchasing methods being promoted specifically for sacrificial animals. While deferred payments may be permissible under certain Islamic financial conditions, he emphasized that combining religious rituals with aggressive consumer marketing and prize-linked campaigns risks shifting the focus away from faith and toward financial temptation and commercial gain.<\/p>

His remarks came shortly after a local Arabic-language newspaper reported that livestock companies across the UAE had, for the first time, rolled out extensive marketing programmes centred on Eid sacrifices. The report highlighted how traders were competing for customers through modern retail tactics commonly seen in major shopping festivals rather than traditional religious markets. Advertisements promoting zero-down-payment purchases, monthly instalment plans, luxury car raffles, and smartphone giveaways have become increasingly visible both online and in physical livestock markets.<\/p>

The growing commercialisation of Qurbani has sparked widespread discussion among residents and religious scholars alike. Some consumers view the offers as helpful financial solutions that make Eid sacrifices more affordable during economically challenging times. Others, however, believe that introducing lottery-style incentives into religious practices risks weakening the spiritual purpose behind one of Islam\u2019s most significant annual rituals.<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad reiterated during the programme that worship should remain free from promotional manipulation and financial enticement. He advised Muslims to approach Qurbani with sincerity, proper intention, and awareness of its religious meaning rather than treating it as an opportunity to obtain prizes or participate in sales campaigns. He further warned that if the primary motivation behind purchasing the sacrificial animal becomes the associated rewards or promotional benefits, the act may lose much of its intended spiritual value.<\/p>

The debate has also highlighted how rapidly modern marketing techniques are reshaping traditional seasonal practices in the Gulf region. Eid Al Adha has long been one of the busiest periods for livestock traders, but competition in recent years has intensified due to the rise of digital marketplaces, online delivery platforms, and changing consumer expectations. To stand out in the crowded market, businesses have increasingly adopted promotional methods similar to those used in retail and e-commerce sectors.<\/p>

Despite the criticism, many companies argue that the campaigns are designed simply to support customers and encourage participation in the sacrifice tradition by making purchases easier and more appealing. Nevertheless, religious authorities continue to caution that acts of worship should not become overly commercialised or transformed into marketing opportunities driven by consumer incentives.<\/p>

As Eid approaches, the issue is expected to remain a major topic of discussion across the UAE, particularly among shoppers balancing religious obligations with modern purchasing options. Religious scholars are encouraging Muslims to prioritise sincerity and spiritual intention while remaining mindful of the ethical implications of promotional campaigns linked to sacred practices.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Dr Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Haddad, the Grand Mufti of Dubai and Director of the Ifta Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, has strongly cautioned Muslims against turning the sacred ritual of Qurbani into a commercial activity tied to financial incentives, promotional rewards, or modern consumer financing schemes. Speaking during Dubai\u2019s \u201cDirect Line\u201d programme, the senior Islamic scholar stressed that the sacrifice performed during Eid Al Adha is among the purest forms of worship in Islam and must remain solely dedicated to seeking the pleasure of God.<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad explained that the tradition of Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, carries deep spiritual significance rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who demonstrated complete obedience to God by willingly preparing to sacrifice his son before God replaced the child with a ram. The practice was later affirmed and continued by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), becoming an important religious obligation and symbol of faith, sacrifice, humility, and devotion observed by Muslims around the world during Eid Al Adha.<\/p>

According to the Grand Mufti, this sacred act loses its spiritual meaning when people begin associating it with worldly benefits such as prize draws, financial rewards, promotional gifts, or commercial incentives offered by traders and livestock companies. He warned that worship in Islam is judged primarily by intention, and if a person\u2019s motivation shifts from sincere devotion to personal gain, the religious reward connected to the act may disappear entirely.<\/p>

During the programme, Dr Al Haddad stressed that Qurbani is not meant to function as a business opportunity or a marketing tool. Rather, it is a spiritual act carried out with the intention of pleasing God and helping those in need through the distribution of meat among family members, relatives, and the poor. He said Muslims should protect the sanctity of the ritual and avoid allowing modern consumer culture to distort its religious essence.<\/p>

\u201cIt is an act of worship that should remain completely dedicated to God Almighty,\u201d he explained. \u201cOnce financial motives, prizes, or commercial expectations become attached to it, the purity of the intention becomes compromised. Deeds in Islam are accepted according to sincerity, and worship mixed with material ambition risks losing its reward.\u201d<\/p>

His remarks came amid the growing popularity of promotional campaigns introduced by livestock traders across the UAE ahead of Eid Al Adha. In recent weeks, several companies have launched aggressive marketing offers designed to attract customers purchasing sacrificial animals. These campaigns include \u201cBuy Now, Pay Later\u201d instalment plans as well as prize-based incentives such as luxury vehicle raffles, cash rewards reaching Dh100,000, and giveaways of expensive electronic devices like the iPhone 17.<\/p>

The promotional strategies have generated widespread public discussion, with some residents welcoming the easier payment options during a period of rising costs, while others expressed concern that religious rituals are becoming excessively commercialised.<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad specifically addressed the issue of prize-linked Qurbani purchases, saying that when individuals buy sacrificial animals hoping to secure entry into a raffle or increase their chances of winning expensive gifts, their intention changes from worship to worldly gain. In Islamic teachings, he explained, the value of worship depends heavily on sincerity and purpose. Therefore, if the primary motivation becomes obtaining material benefits rather than fulfilling a religious duty, the spiritual merit attached to the sacrifice may no longer remain valid.<\/p>

He further noted that acts of worship are fundamentally different from ordinary commercial transactions. While businesses naturally seek profit and consumers often look for discounts or promotions in everyday purchases, sacred rituals occupy a separate category that should remain untouched by marketing gimmicks or gambling-style incentives.<\/p>

The Grand Mufti also expressed concerns about the increasing use of Buy Now, Pay Later applications and deferred payment systems in connection with Eid sacrifices. Although many customers assume these arrangements are free from interest because they are not personally charged additional fees, Dr Al Haddad explained that the structure of such services often involves financial practices considered problematic under Islamic law.<\/p>

According to him, BNPL platforms typically charge merchants a percentage or commission in exchange for processing instalment-based purchases and delaying payment collection. Even if the customer does not directly pay interest, the merchant effectively absorbs financing costs and passes them into the broader transaction system. Dr Al Haddad argued that by participating in such arrangements, consumers indirectly support financial models connected to riba, or usury, which is prohibited in Islam.<\/p>

He explained that Islamic teachings forbid any loan or financing arrangement that generates unjust financial gain tied specifically to debt or delayed repayment. \u201cEvery loan that produces additional benefit falls under the category of riba,\u201d he said during the programme. \u201cWhether the extra amount is collected directly from the buyer or obtained through the merchant, the transaction still supports a system based on prohibited financial gain.\u201d<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad further stated that customers should not assume religious permissibility simply because they are not visibly paying interest charges themselves. He argued that facilitating or participating in financial arrangements rooted in interest-based models may also carry religious consequences, even when the mechanism appears indirect.<\/p>

Another issue highlighted by the Grand Mufti involved late payment penalties imposed by many deferred-payment platforms. He explained that such penalties are especially problematic from an Islamic legal perspective because they involve charging extra money due to delayed repayment of debt. Whether the additional fee is imposed on the buyer directly or initially covered by the merchant, the underlying principle remains tied to the extension of financial obligations, which classical Islamic jurisprudence identifies as a form of riba.<\/p>

According to Dr Al Haddad, adding financial penalties for late repayment transforms the transaction into something inconsistent with the ethical principles of Islamic finance. He warned Muslims to examine these payment systems carefully rather than assuming they are automatically acceptable simply because they are marketed as convenient or modern financial solutions.<\/p>

The Grand Mufti also referred to a well-known Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) concerning the handling of sacrificial animals and the ethics surrounding Qurbani. In the narration, the Prophet instructed that the butcher responsible for slaughtering the animal should not be compensated using any portion of the sacrifice itself. Instead, payment should come separately from the individual performing the sacrifice.<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad explained that this teaching reflects the broader Islamic principle that sacrificial offerings should not become instruments for financial exchange or commercial gain. The meat, skin, or any part of the sacrificial animal should not be treated as payment or business compensation because the sacrifice is fundamentally an act of worship dedicated entirely to God.<\/p>

Using this principle, the Grand Mufti argued that promotional campaigns tied to prizes and rewards similarly conflict with the spirit of Qurbani. In his view, if someone purchases a sacrificial animal partly because they hope to win a luxury car, receive cash rewards, or obtain expensive electronics, then material ambition has entered the act of worship in a way that compromises its sincerity.<\/p>

\u201cThis changes the nature of the intention,\u201d he explained. \u201cThe person is no longer focused exclusively on devotion and obedience to God but also seeks worldly benefit through the sacrifice. When commercial interests become attached to worship, the spiritual purpose is weakened.\u201d<\/p>

His comments come as competition among livestock traders intensifies across the UAE ahead of Eid Al Adha. A local Arabic-language newspaper recently reported that many companies are introducing increasingly elaborate promotional strategies in response to rising livestock prices and mounting competition within the market.<\/p>

Industry observers say regional economic pressures, transportation expenses, and higher import costs have all contributed to increasing animal prices this year. In response, businesses are trying to attract customers by offering easier financing options and eye-catching incentives designed to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace.<\/p>

Some companies have promoted instalment plans requiring little or no upfront payment, while others have launched extensive advertising campaigns featuring luxury prizes, cash giveaways, and high-end consumer electronics. Such tactics are commonly used in retail sectors like automobiles, electronics, and real estate, but their growing presence within religious seasonal markets has sparked debate among scholars and consumers alike.<\/p>

Supporters of the campaigns argue that flexible payment plans help lower-income families fulfil their religious obligations despite economic challenges. They claim that promotional incentives simply represent ordinary marketing tools intended to encourage purchases and remain separate from the spiritual intention of the buyer.<\/p>

However, critics believe that linking sacred religious practices to raffles and promotional rewards risks turning acts of worship into consumer-driven transactions influenced by material temptation rather than sincere faith.<\/p>

Dr Al Haddad urged Muslims to remain spiritually conscious during the holy season and to approach Eid sacrifices with pure intentions free from commercial motivations. He reminded listeners that Islam places great emphasis on sincerity in worship and warns believers against allowing worldly desires to overshadow devotion.<\/p>

\u201cA Muslim must safeguard their religion and remain mindful of God in all dealings,\u201d he said. \u201cThese blessed days are meant for worship, gratitude, sacrifice, and obedience. Believers should avoid doubtful matters and remain distant from anything prohibited so that their acts are accepted and blessed.\u201d<\/p>

The Grand Mufti\u2019s remarks have since generated considerable discussion across social media platforms and among religious circles in the UAE. Many residents praised the warning as an important reminder about preserving the spiritual significance of Eid Al Adha, while others questioned how Islamic principles should apply to modern financial technology and commercial practices.<\/p>

The issue also reflects broader debates occurring throughout the Muslim world regarding the intersection of faith, commerce, and rapidly evolving consumer culture. As online marketplaces, digital financing systems, and promotional marketing become increasingly integrated into daily life, religious scholars continue to face new questions about how traditional Islamic teachings should be interpreted within contemporary economic realities.<\/p>

For many Muslims, Eid Al Adha represents not only a religious obligation but also a deeply emotional and spiritual occasion centred on sacrifice, charity, family unity, and remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim\u2019s obedience to God. Scholars like Dr Al Haddad argue that preserving the sincerity and sacredness of these rituals remains essential, especially in an age where commercial interests increasingly shape seasonal celebrations and public behaviour.<\/p>

Religious authorities continue to encourage Muslims to prioritise intention above convenience, financial incentives, or promotional offers. They stress that acts of worship gain value through sincerity, humility, and devotion rather than through material rewards or commercial opportunities.<\/p>

As Eid approaches, discussions surrounding prize-linked sacrifices and instalment-based Qurbani purchases are likely to continue across the UAE and beyond. While businesses seek innovative ways to attract customers in a competitive market, Islamic scholars are reminding believers that sacred rituals should remain firmly grounded in faith, spiritual sincerity, and obedience to God rather than becoming entangled in consumerism and financial temptation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Dubai Grand Mufti has cautioned that performing Eid Al Adha Qurbani through schemes offering prizes or promotional rewards may strip the sacrifice of its true spiritual significance and religious acceptance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":42755,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-42754","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42754"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42754\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42762,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42754\/revisions\/42762"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42754"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=42754"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=42754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}