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Every year on Eid al-Adha, millions of Muslims across the globe perform Qurbani or Udhiya (animal sacrifice).
This act recalls the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and refers to the sacrifice of his only son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah (SWT). After the sacrifice, the meat is shared, partly or entirely, with those in need. This sacred tradition is a powerful expression of devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT).
Let’s explore what Qurbani is in Islam, its significance, eligibility, timing, rules, benefits, and the process of distributing meat:
Qurbani, also called Udhiya, is a sacred act in Islam performed during Eid-ul-Adha to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, as mentioned in the Quran. Qurbani is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel.
This practice is based on the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to glorify Allah (SWT) during the Eid al-Adha. The festival of Eid occurs between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani, you receive a reward from Allah (SWT).”
(Tirmidhi)
The practice of Qurbani is deeply rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
One of the most powerful references to Qurbani is found in Surah As-Saffat, which recounts the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS):
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعْىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلْمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذْبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِ فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلْجَبِينِ وَنَـٰدَيْنَـٰهُ أَن يَـٰٓإِبْرَٰهِيمُ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْبَلَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ وَفَدَيْنَـٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍۢ وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرِينَ
“When his son was old enough to walk with him, Ibrahim said, "O my beloved son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you for the sake of Allah. So tell me, what do you think?" His son replied, "O my father, do as you are commanded.
Insha’Allah, you will find me among the patient ones. When they both submitted to Allah’s will, and Ibrahim laid his son down in preparation for the sacrifice, We called out, "O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision."
This is how We reward those who do good. Indeed, it was a clear test. And We replaced the son with a great sacrifice (a ram). We preserved his good name for future generations.”
(Sura Saffat: 102-108)
The significance of Qurbani is also emphasized in the Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.”
(Ibn Majah: 3123)
From both the Qur’anic verses and Hadith, we learn that Qurbani is more than just a ritual. It is a test of faith, sincerity, and the willingness to surrender to Allah’s command.
Qurbani encourages us to examine our own lives:
Let's explore the perspectives of different Islamic schools of thought regarding the eligibility criteria for offering Qurbani:
Hanafi school of thought: Qurbani is integral to Islam, akin to Zakat and Ramadan, yet not everyone may fulfill this obligation.
Hence, the following individuals are obligated to perform Qurbani to please Allah (SWT):
Note: Those outside these categories are exempt from Qurbani.
Hanbali and Maliki schools of thought: The person responsible for the household's financial support can perform Qurbani on behalf of the entire family.
Ata bin Yasar reported,
“I asked Abu Ayub (Al-Ansari) how the sacrifices (of animals) were made during the time of the Messenger of Allah (SAW). He said, ‘A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household.”
(Tirmidhi)
In the Qurbani tradition, permissible Halal animals for sacrifice include camels, cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep (both rams and lambs). However, you must only perform Zabihah on domestic cattle, meaning wild animals like deer or wild cows are not allowed.
Additionally, all Qurbani animals must be healthy and meet certain conditions. They should not:
Sacrificial Animal | Minimum Age |
Camel | Five years |
Bull, Cow, Buffalo | Two years |
Goat, Sheep, Ram | One year |
Animals | Shares |
1 Sheep/Goat | 1 Qurbani |
1 Cow/ Buffalo/Bull/Camel | 7 Qurbanis (1 Qurbani – 1/7th of the share) |
Here are the suggested timings for performing Qurbani according to Sunnah:
The permissible time for Qurbani begins at fajr (dawn) on Eid al-Adha. However, the sacrifice must be done after the Eid Salah (Prayer), not before. In some cultures, this incorrect practice of sacrificing before the Eid Prayer has become common.
You can sacrifice the animal after the Eid prayer, even before the sermon, but it’s better to wait until the sermon is over. This is based on the following hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
"If someone has sacrificed before the [Eid] Prayer, let them offer another sacrifice in its place. And if someone hasn't sacrificed, let them do so in the name of Allah."
(Sahih al-Muslim)
If you're in an area with multiple Eid congregations, it’s sufficient for just one congregation to complete the Eid Salah for the sacrifice to be valid. You can perform the sacrifice once at least one of these congregations has finished its prayer.
If the Eid Salah is delayed to the second day for any reason, the time for slaughter begins. This occurs when the due time for the Eid Salah on the first day ends, which is when the sun crosses its zenith. This holds even if the Eid Salah hasn't been conducted.
If there’s no Eid prayer in your area, you can do the sacrifice anytime after sunrise.
According to the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, the Qurbani time ends at sunset on the third day of Eid. Sacrifice can be performed from the 10th to the 12th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Sacrificing outside these prescribed times doesn't count as Qurbani (Udhiya).
Qurbani meat should be divided into three equal parts. One-third (1/3rd ) share for the Qurbani performer, one-third (1/3rd ) for family/ relatives or friends, and one-third (1/3rd ) for those who are experiencing poverty or in need.
Following are the steps for performing Qurbani according to the Sunnah during the days of slaughter (Ayyam al-Nahr):
1. Preparations for Qurbani or Udhiya:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Indeed, Allah has prescribed excellence in all things. So when you kill, kill in the best way, and when you slaughter, slaughter in the best way. Each of you should sharpen his knife and let the animal die comfortably."
(Sahih al-Muslim)
2. Sunnah Guidelines for Qurbani Slaughter:
Islam emphasizes humane treatment when offering Qurbani.
The following are some key points of Qurbani in Quran and Sunnah:
"In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest! O Allah, this is from You and for You. O Allah, accept it from me."
(Sahih al-Muslim)
3. Post-Zabiha (After Qurbani) Considerations:
Here are the key benefits of Qurbani in Islam:
1. Spiritual Connection: By performing Qurbani, Muslims seek to please Allah.
2. Reminder of Sacrifice and Obedience: Qurbani is a symbolic reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's ultimate act of obedience to Allah, emphasizing the importance of faith and submission.
3. Acts of Charity and Generosity: The division of Qurbani meat among the poor and needy fosters a sense of charity and caring within the community.
4. Strengthening Family and Community Bonds: The act of sharing meat encourages sharing and communal gatherings, helping to strengthen family and community ties.
5. Support for Those in Need: This charitable aspect of Qurbani contributes to social justice and care for the less privileged.
6. Opportunity for Reflection and Gratitude: This period of reflection and thankfulness can lead to a deeper appreciation for life's blessings.
7. Promoting Global Solidarity: As Qurbani is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it creates a sense of global unity among the Ummah, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Following are some important Qurbani rules that anyone performing Qurbani should know:
During Qurbani (Udhiya), both men and women observe specific conditions similar to those followed during Ihram, the sacred state assumed during Hajj or Umrah. This is because the individual performing the sacrifice seeks divine redemption from Hellfire.
Here are the particular rules for hair and nails in the context of Qurbani:
1. They must not cut their hair, skin, or nails.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"If the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah begin, and one of you intends to slaughter, then let him not cut anything from his hair or skin."
(Sahih al-Muslim)
2. This restriction on hair and nail cutting begins as soon as one intends to offer the sacrifice during Dhul-Hijjah.
3. There is no fidyah (redemption fee) for those who accidentally cut their hair or nails, but they must seek God's forgiveness sincerely.
4. The Qurbani (Udhiya) remains valid even if one has cut their nails, provided they have asked for forgiveness.
5. The person offering the Qurbani (Udhiya) must follow these two conditions, whether they are performing the sacrifice themselves or having it done on their behalf.
6. However, someone doing the sacrifice for another person doesn’t have to follow these two Ihram rules.
When employing a butcher to process Qurbani meat, payment should be made in currency, not in kind. If you prefer, you can also give some of the meat to the butcher as part of the distribution, separate from paying them for their services.
According to the Hanafi school of thought, both husband and wife must give at least one Qurbani each. This applies if they are sane Muslims and own wealth beyond their basic needs.
The extra wealth must be equal to or more than the nisab level. This nisab is of Zakat nisab, which is currently set at 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
For those doing Hajj Tamattu or Hajj Qiran, offering a Qurbani (called Hady) is obligatory (wajib).
Under the Hanafi interpretation, it is permissible to combine the offerings of Qurbani and Aqiqah into a single animal, such as a cow, camel, or buffalo.
The view held by the Maalikis and Shaafa’is, and also narrated from Imam Ahmad in one report, is that the Udhiyah does not count as the 'Aqeeqah.
The evidence supporting this view is that each act—both 'Aqeeqah and Udhiyah—should be performed for its own specific purpose. Therefore, one cannot fulfill the requirements of the other.
Aspect | Qurbani (Udhiyah) | Aqiqah |
Purpose | Prophet Ibrahim (AS) sacrificed | Gratitude for the child |
Timing | 10–13 Dhul Hijjah | 7th day (or later) |
Religious Status | Obligatory if able | Recommended (Sunnah) |
Number of Animals | One or more animals, depending on the means | 2 for boy, 1 for girl |
Permissible Animals | Sheep, goats, cows, and camels. | Sheep and goats are common; cows and camels are also acceptable |
Meat Distribution | Shared among family, friends, and the needy | Divided among relatives, friends, and the poor. |
Following are the other types of Qurbani in Islam:
Nadhar is a promise someone makes to Allah. For example, a person might say, “If I pass my exam, I will sacrifice a goat for Allah.” If the wish comes true, they must make the sacrifice. The meat is usually given to the poor.
Aqiqah is a special sacrifice offered after the birth of a child. It allows parents to show thankfulness to Allah for this blessing. This act follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and it is believed to protect the child from harm while bringing blessings to the entire family.
This is a sacrifice done anytime to give charity or ask Allah for help, or protection. It’s not linked to Eid or any special event. People do it to help the poor or during difficult times. The meat is mostly given to the needy.
Dam is a sacrifice made during Hajj or Umrah if a person breaks a rule, like cutting hair too early or skipping a ritual. The sacrifice is done in Makkah, and the meat is given to the poor people there.
In conclusion, Qurbani holds deep spiritual significance in Islam, symbolizing the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unwavering faith. It is a sacred obligation for eligible Muslims, those who meet the financial criteria, to perform Qurbani during the specified days of Eid al-Adha.
The act not only fulfills a religious duty but also brings personal and social benefits by encouraging kindness and care for those in need. Qurbani rules include refraining from cutting hair and nails after making the intention, paying butchers in money instead of meat. There are also specific rules of Qurbani for husband and wife, and pilgrims.
Choosing a healthy animal that meets these guidelines is essential, and the sacrifice must be carried out sincerely and following Sunnah practices. Equally important is the distribution of the meat, which should be divided fairly among the poor, the family, and oneself. There are some other types of sacrifice in Islam offered on different occasions.
Qurbani (Udhiyah) plays a key role in charity by providing meat to those in need during Eid al-Adha. It helps to combat hunger and food insecurity in the community. By donating Qurbani online to a registered charity and trusted orphanage home like Pakistan Sweet Home, you support orphans. This ensures they receive nutritious meals during this special time.
The term "Qurbani" originates from the Arabic word "qurban," which stems from "qurb," signifying "nearness" or "closeness." In English, Qurbani means "sacrifice in the way of Allah."
In Arabic, "udhiya" denotes the animal sacrificed on the days of Eid al-Adha as a religious offering. The term "udhiya" originates from the three-letter root (dad-ha-alif). This root is also shared with "adha" and signifies "mid-morning," alluding to the time after the Eid Prayer designated for Hajj sacrifices.
Every Muslim who is not disabled, has reached puberty, and is eligible to pay Zakat, is expected to perform Qurbani.
The purpose of Qurbani in Islam is to obey Allah's command and commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah's will.
Qurbani also serves a social purpose by ensuring that the meat is distributed equally among family and friends, especially the poor and needy.
The restriction begins on the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and continues until the Qurbani (sacrifice) is completed, after which one can cut hair and nails again.
Qurbani Eid or Bari Eid falls on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah every year.
Yes, you can contribute to Qurbani online or donate money for Qurbani to a trusted organization like Pakistan Sweet Home. We accept online donations to ensure that orphans receive nutritious meat during the days of Eid-ul-Adha.
The term Qurbani originates from the Arabic word qurban, which means "sacrifice" or "offering." In Islam, Qurbani refers to the ritual sacrifice of an animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
The obligation to perform Qurbani varies among Islamic schools of thought. In the Hanafi madhab, Qurbani is considered obligatory (wajib) for every sane, adult Muslim who possesses wealth exceeding their basic needs, meeting the nisab threshold.
Failing to perform Qurbani without a valid reason in this context is viewed as neglecting a religious duty. In contrast, other schools of thought regard Qurbani as a highly recommended Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah). This means that while it is strongly encouraged, it is not obligatory.
Therefore, not performing Qurbani in these schools does not entail sin, but one misses out on the spiritual benefits and rewards associated with the practice.
Waqf Qurbani involves the sacrifice of animals like goats, sheep, cows, or camels. The meat from these sacrifices is distributed to the poor and needy, ensuring they can enjoy a share during Eid al-Adha.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Theology)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
