The relationship between Hajj and Qurbani has been widely discussed by a group of people. They claim that there is no relation between Hajj and Qurbani; coincidentally Qurbani has been placed on the Eid day during the days of Hajj.
Firstly, let us see what the Qur’an says about these two rituals. The Hajj and Qurbani have been emphasised in the Qur’an. The issue of hajj has been discussed at least at 22 different places in the Qur’an. Moreover, a surah has been named as “Surah al-Hajj”. The ayat that makes performing Hajj obligatory (fard) for those who are capable to do so is as follows: “… Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can make their way to it. As for those who refuse to follow His command, surely Allah does not stand in need of anything.” (Surah Ali ‘Imran, 3:97) This ritual is referring to the Messenger Ibrahim (a.) when He was asked by Allah, the Exalted. The Qur’an says: “Call all people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path, so they may obtain the benefits in store for them, and pronounce the Name of Allah on appointed days over the sacrificial animals He has provided for them. So, eat from their meat and feed the desperately poor.” (Surah al-Hajj, 22: 27)
The rites related to Hajj refer to spirit of submission and devotion as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (a.). The story of Prophet Ibrahim (a.), His wife Hajerah and the beloved son Prophet Islma’il is the main basis of the Hajj’s rituals.
Besides, all the rituals of Hajj, the Qurbani, holy sacrifice, has specially been emphasised in the Qur’an. As Allah (SWT) commanded Prophet Ibrahim (a.) to sacrifice His beloved son, His willingness in this regard to do so was appreciated and accepted by Allah. The Qur’an says: “Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So, tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.” Then when they submitted to Allah’s Will, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead ˹for sacrifice˺, We called out to him, “O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, this is how We reward the good doers. That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Abraham ˹with honourable mention among later generations.” (Surah al-Saffat, 37: 102-108) The Prophet Isma’il was not slaughtered but a sheep in the will of Allah (SWT) and thus, it becomes a symbolic sacrifice for all believers who are capable to perform Qurbani. The Qur’an also states that: “Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to, and give good news to the good-doers.” (Surah al-Hajj, 22:37) Therefore, we all should be more careful in our sacrifice. It should neither be for publicizing among the people nor showing off ourselves but our intention of submission to the Lord as He wills.
The Qurbani has also been made compulsory for the people who perform Hajj. The Qur’an states: “Then let them end their untidiness and fulfil their vows and perform Tawaf around the ancient House” (Surah al-Hajj, 22:28)
The teaching of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has also emphasised the significance of Qurbani and its spiritual correlation with not only the Hajj but also the Eid al-Adha day. Many hadiths in this regard are found. For example, the Prophet (PBUH) said that the first thing we do on this day of ours is to offer the (Eid) prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice.
Based on the Qur'anic indications and the tradition of the Prophet (PBUH), most of the Muslim Jurists agree upon stating that the Qurbani is wajib (mandatory) for everyone who can afford.  Although, few others consider it at Sunnah Muakkadah (continuous practice of the Prophet) but nobody denies it at all.
It should be noted that the practice of Qurbani is not new to only the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also to all nations of the previous Prophets and Messengers. (See: al-Qur’an, Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:27-31) The sacrifice of animal as a holy act is also found in many other religions through the ages.
It should also not be ignored to mention that, besides Qurbani during Eid al-Adha which is wajib (mandatory), there are other types of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) in Islam such as animal sacrifice of vows. People who do not want to relate the Qurbani with the hajj and its’ period may refer to this type of Qurbani (vows) and generalise it to the whole year duration which is not correct at all. Therefore, we should be careful in giving any statement on Shar’i issues. Allah knows the best!  
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The writer is a scholar in Islamic views on contemporary issues.