Qurbani (Udhiyah) is a key practice in Islam performed during Eid al-Adha, with specific rules, conditions, and guidelines. This FAQ section covers the most commonly asked questions, including who must give Qurbani, how it is performed, and how it benefits those in need.

What is Qurbani or Udhiyah?

Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, is the Islamic practice of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience to Allah. It is an obligation for eligible Muslims who meet the nisab threshold, and the sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer over specific days. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those in need, ensuring that everyone can share in the blessings of Eid.

Is Giving Qurbani or Udhiyah Compulsory?

Qurbani/Udhiyah is fard (mandatory) for adults who are mentally sound and have the financial means to contribute. This is based on the value of gold and silver. The wealth for Qurbani/Udhiyah is equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold or 61.36 grams of silver. Use the market value of these metals to determine whether you are required to make this contribution.

Different schools of thought have varying opinions on whether Qurbani/Udhiyah is compulsory, however, the consensus is that it is considered a sunnah practice of our Prophet (saw).

Who is Exempt from Giving Qurbani or Udhiyah?

Qurbani (Udhiya) is only required for Muslims who meet specific conditions. A person is exempt from Qurbani if they do not meet the nisab threshold, meaning they do not possess sufficient wealth beyond their essential needs such as housing, clothing, and daily living expenses.

There are differences of opinion among the schools of thought regarding the ruling of Qurbani.

Why is Qurbani/Udhiyah Important?

The Qurbani/Udhiyah ritual is important for several reasons. It represents spiritual renewal, demonstrates obedience to Allah, and revives important Islamic traditions while helping those in need.

Qurbani/Udhiyah is compulsory in Islam for those who meet certain criteria. It is a significant ritual that is a part of Eid al-Adha festivities and Muslims around the world preform this sacred act annually to as an act of obedience and submission to Allah. The act of sacrificing an animal represents the ultimate form of submission to Allah, serving as a way to practice selflessness and devotion.

The meat from Qurbani/Udhiyah is distributed to those in need, ensuring that they can enjoy the blessings of Eid al-Adha. It is also a means of wealth purification, as it is a form of Sadaqah.

Can Qurbani/Udhiyah Be Performed on Behalf of Another Person or the Deceased?

It’s acceptable to perform Qurbani/Udhiyah on behalf of someone else, such as a departed relative. While offering Qurbani for our own family, we can also make the intention to include a departed loved one, so he or she can receive the reward too.

What is the Purpose of Qurbani?

The purpose of Qurbani (Udhiya) is to commemorate the obedience and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to the command of Allah. It serves as a reminder of the importance of sincerity, sacrifice, and complete trust in Allah.

Qurbani is also an act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah through obedience and gratitude. The act itself is not about the meat or blood, but about piety (taqwa), as mentioned in the Qur’an: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:37).

In addition, Qurbani ensures the distribution of meat to those in need, allowing vulnerable communities to benefit during Eid al-Adha.

How Do You Calculate a Qurbani Share?

A Qurbani share is calculated based on the type of animal being sacrificed. In Islamic law, certain animals can only be offered on behalf of one person, while others can be shared between multiple individuals.

Small animals such as a sheep or goat count as one full Qurbani and can only be given on behalf of one person. Larger animals such as a cow, bull, or camel can be divided into up to seven equal shares, meaning one animal can fulfil the Qurbani obligation for seven individuals.

Each share must represent one person who intends to perform Qurbani, and all participants must have the intention of Qurbani (Udhiya). The shares must be equal—unequal distribution (e.g. based on money or weight) is not permissible.

What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?

The terms ‘Qurbani’ and ‘Udhiyah’ are used interchangeably and refer to the same process. The word Qurbani is rooted in Arabic but has Urdu and Persian roots, it translates to ‘a sacrifice’. Udhiyah has Arabic origins and has a very similar meaning but specifically refers to the sacrificial animal offered during Eid al-Adha. During this holiday, animals are slaughtered between the 10^th to 12^th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

When Should I Give my Qurbani or Udhiyah and is There a Deadline?

At Muslim Hands, we will process your contributions up until Eid morning and allocate Qurbani/Udhiyah funds over the three days of Eid Al-Adha. You can make your Qurbani/Udhiyah donations up to a month in advance. If you would like to give your Qurbani/Udhiyah in a certain location, we advise you to make your donation as soon as possible. 

Qurbani/Udhiyah takes place after Eid al-Adha salah. If it is performed before Eid salah, this is counted as a Sadaqah, and you will still need to perform Qurbani/Udhiyah after the Eid prayer.

Why Should I Donate Qurbani or Udhiyah Early?

Donating your Qurbani or Udhiyah early gives you complete peace of mind. Instead of rushing at the last minute or worrying about whether your sacrifice will be arranged in time, you can feel reassured knowing everything is already taken care of.

Early giving also means your Qurbani/Udhiyah can be planned and delivered properly. With increased demand during Eid al-Adha, last-minute donations can lead to limited availability or delays. By acting early, you help ensure that your Qurbani/Udhiya is carried out smoothly and reaches those who need it most.

Most importantly, it allows you to enter the days of Eid with a clear mind—focused on worship, family, and reflection—knowing your Qurbani has already been secured.

Can I Pay for Qurbani/Udhiyah with Zakat or Sadaqah?

The distinction between Qurbani/Udhiyah, Zakat, and Sadaqah is essential to understand, as they have different purposes.

Using Zakat funds for Qurbani/Udhiyah is not permissible, as each has it has its own distinct obligation and specific requirements. 

With regards to Sadaqah, if you’re giving optional (nafl) Sadaqah to help someone else perform Qurbani, it is okay to allocate such funds as Qurbani/Udhiyah. However, you cannot use Sadaqah to fulfil your own Qurbani/Udhiyah obligation.

How Many Animals are Required for Udhiyah/Qurbani?

Typically, one Qurbani/Udhiyah is offered for every family member, but some schools of thought don’t offer Qurbani/Udhiyah on behalf of babies and children so check with your Imam/religious scholar.

• One sheep or goat or a share in a larger animal, like a cow, equates to one Qurbani/Udhiyah.
• One cow equates to seven Qurbani/Udhiyah shares (One Qurbani/Udhiyah share equals 1/7th of the cow).

You can also choose to follow the sunnah of the Prophet (saw) and offer an extra animal for sacrifice. This is known as a Prophetic Qurbani. The Prophet (saw) gave an additional animal to needy Muslims who could not afford one.

“The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood.” (Tabarani & Ahmad)

Who is Eligible to Receive my Qurbani/Udhiyah and How Does Muslim Hands Select Recipients of Qurbani/Udhiyah Meat?

According to Islamic guidelines, the meat from Qurbani/Udhiyah is traditionally divided into three parts:

• One-third is given to those in need
• One-third is shared with family, friends, and neighbours
• One-third is kept for the household

At Muslim Hands, we follow this principle while ensuring that those most in need are prioritized. Recipients typically include widows, orphans, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families experiencing poverty or living in crisis.

The selection of recipients is a key part of our Qurbani/Udhiyah planning process. We use a comprehensive set of criteria to assess and verify each household through a needs assessment conducted in advance. This ensures that your Qurbani reaches those who need it most.

What are the Animal Requirements for Qurbani/Udhiyah?

According to Islamic rules, the following types of livestock animals are permitted: goats, sheep, rams, cows, bulls, buffalo and camels.

Goats, sheep and rams that are sacrificed during Qurbani/Udhiyah must be at least one year old. Cows, bulls and buffalos must be at least two years old. Camels must be at least five years old.

Animals must be owned by the individual offering the Qurbani/Udhiyah. It is also essential that the animal be slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

Sick or defected animal cannot be offered as Qurbani/Udhiyah. Animals must be healthy and are carefully selected for this ritual.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “There are four (types of animals) which are not permissible for sacrifice: the one-eyed whose defect is obvious, the sick whose sickness is evident, the lame whose limp is obvious, and the emaciated that no one would choose.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 2802, Sahih)

Can I cut my Nails or Hair if i'm Giving Qurbani/Udhiyah?

It is strongly encouraged that the person who offers Qurbani does not cut his hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. The Prophet (saw) said, ‘When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.’ (Muslim)

What should you do if you have unpaid Qurbanis from previous years?

You can make up for any missed Qurbani or Udhiyah by either sacrificing an extra animal on the days of Eid al-Adha or by donating the market value of the animal to the poor and needy.

Can I give more than one Qurbani?

‘The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood’. [Ahmad]

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