A Comprehensive Guide on Qurbani in Islam

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:

What is Qurbani in Islam?

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.

Significance of Qurbani in Islam

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)

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) of Allah SWT said:
 
“Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.”

(Ibn Majah: 3123)

Offering Qurbani helps us reflect on our relationship with Allah and reminds us to put Him first in our lives. It also serves as a reminder to let go of anything that might weaken our faith. It lets us focus on increasing our good deeds for His pleasure.

Eligibility for Offering Qurbani

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):

• Muslims who have reached puberty
• Muslims of sound mind
• Muslims possessing 52.5 tolas (614.25 grams) of silver or its equivalent in wealth without debt
• Muslims not traveling and residing within 27 miles (45km) of their home

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.

Selection of Animals for Qurbani 

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:

• Be blind or have significant vision loss (missing a third or more of their sight)
• Have a missing eye
• Be missing half or more of their teeth
• Be underweight, thin, or lean
• Be lame or unable to walk to the place of sacrifice on their own
• Have horns broken at the base

Minimum Age Requirement of Sacrificial Animal

Shares of Qurbani in Animals 

Time of Qurbani

Here are the suggested timings for performing Qurbani according to Sunnah:

Start of Qurbani

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): 

Sacrifice with Multiple Eid Prayers

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.

Sacrifice When Eid Prayer Is Delayed

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.

Sacrifice When Eid Prayer Is Not Held

If there’s no Eid prayer in your area, you can do the sacrifice anytime after sunrise.

End of Qurbani

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).

Distribution of Qurbani Meat 

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.

Practical Steps for Performing Qurbani

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:

• Begin by setting your intention to sacrifice for the sake of Allah.
• Treat the sacrificial animal with kindness: feed and water it beforehand, and if possible, give it a bath.
• Sharpen your knife well to minimize the animal's pain and discomfort during slaughter.

• Do not sharpen the knife in the presence of the sacrificial animal.

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:

• Slaughter the animal in the name of Allah and recite the following dua of Qurbani:

"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)

• If you can, perform the slaughter yourself; if not, it's permissible to have someone else do it for you. The Prophet (PBUH) often performed the Udhiya slaughter himself.
• It is recommended to face the animal towards the Qiblah during slaughter.
• After positioning the animal on the ground, make the cut swiftly.
• Ensure you cut the four key vessels (two major blood vessels, the windpipe, and the food pipe). Avoid overcutting.
• Do not break the animal's neck during slaughter.
• Avoid slaughtering in front of other animals or in the vicinity of blood from previous sacrifices.
• Do not start skinning or cutting any part of the animal until it is completely dead.

3. Post-Zabiha (After Qurbani) Considerations:

• Clean and wash away all blood to maintain hygiene.
• Properly cover and seal the blood pit to prevent any impurities.

Benefits of Qurbani in Islam

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.

Qurbani Rules

Following are some important Qurbani rules that anyone performing Qurbani should know:

1. Qurbani Rules for Hair and Nails

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.

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.

2. Qurbani Rule for Giving Meat to the Butcher

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.

3. Qurbani Rule for Husband and Wife

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.

4. Rules of Qurbani (sacrifice) for pilgrims

1. Qurbani is Part of Hajj (Hady)

For those doing Hajj Tamattu or Hajj Qiran, offering a Qurbani (called Hady) is obligatory (wajib).

• Hajj Tamattu: When a pilgrim performs Umrah first, then Hajj later in the same journey
• Hajj Qiran: When a pilgrim performs Umrah and Hajj together without coming out of Ihram

2. Not Obligatory for Hajj Ifrad

• If a person is doing Hajj Ifrad (only Hajj without Umrah), then Qurbani (Hady) is not wajib, but it is still recommended to do it voluntarily

3. When and Where to Do the Sacrifice

• The Hady (Qurbani for Hajj) is done in Mina after the Eid prayer on 10th Dhul Hijjah (the Day of Sacrifice) and can be done until 13th Dhul Hijjah
• The sacrifice should be done inside the boundaries of Haram (Makkah)

4. What Kind of Animal Can Be Sacrificed

• The animal must meet the Islamic conditions:
• A goat or sheep (minimum 1 year old) for one person
• A cow or camel (minimum 2 or 5 years old) can be shared by seven people
• The animal should be healthy and free from defects

5. Who Can Perform It

• Pilgrims usually arrange their Qurbani in Makkah through certified Hajj agencies or organizations
• It is not allowed to perform Hajj Qurbani in your home country if you are physically in Makkah

6. Distribution of Meat

• Unlike regular Qurbani at Eid, Hady meat is mostly given to the poor in Makkah
• Pilgrims do not need to take any portion of the meat for themselves

7. Linked to Other Rites

• The sacrifice is done before shaving the head or cutting the hair (Halq or Taqsir)
• After the Qurbani, the pilgrim shaves or cuts the hair and then changes out of Ihram

5. Qurbani Rule to Combine Qurbani and Aqiqah

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.

Difference between Qurbani and Aqiqah

Other Types of Qurbani in Islam

Following are the other types of Qurbani in Islam:

1. Nadhar (Vow Sacrifice)

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.

2. Aqiqah 

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.

3. Sadaqah Sacrifice

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.

4. Dam (Penalty in Hajj or Umrah)

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.  

Role of Qurbani or Udhiyah as Charity

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. 

Towards the Better World for Orphans

Donate Qurbani Now