Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is a sacred Islamic practice performed during Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. It honors Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unshakable faith and readiness to offer his son Ismail (AS) as a sacrifice in accordance with Allah’s will. The custom of animal sacrifice was established when Allah substituted a ram for Ismail at the last minute. Qurbani is more than a ritual; it is a profound symbol of submission, faith, and obedience to Allah. Muslims around the world partake in this act annually to express gratitude and reaffirm their devotion.
According to Islamic tradition, this sacrifice must occur during the specific days of Eid al-Adha, beginning after the Eid prayer and lasting until sunset of the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah. The act not only reflects spiritual obedience but also benefits the community, as the meat is distributed among people experiencing poverty, families, and neighbors. Understanding Qurbani rules and requirements ensures that the act is performed correctly and sincerely in accordance with Islamic principles.
Timing is a critical part of ensuring your Qurbani is valid. Qurbani can only be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and extends until sunset on the 12th day. Offering the sacrifice before the Eid prayer, even with good intentions, is invalid and instead counts as a general act of charity (Sadaqah), not as Qurbani. In such a case, the individual is still obligated to perform a valid Qurbani after the prayer.
This timing is based on a Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that sacrifices made prior to the Eid prayer do not fulfill the Qurbani obligation. Therefore, one must be careful not to rush the act. Al-Qulub Trust ensures that Qurbani is conducted during the appropriate time window, allowing donors to rest assured that their obligations are being fulfilled according to Islamic law. The best practice is to arrange the Qurbani well in advance, ensuring there is ample time for the charity to execute the sacrifice during the appointed days.
The obligation of Qurbani varies slightly depending on the school of thought one follows in Islamic jurisprudence. In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is considered wajib (obligatory) for every adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold—the same financial criterion that applies to Zakat. This means if you are eligible to pay Zakat, you are also required to offer Qurbani.
The Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools classify Qurbani as-Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a highly recommended act that the Prophet ﷺ regularly practiced and encouraged but did not mandate for every individual. Despite the technical distinctions, Muslims are widely encouraged to observe the practice across all schools due to its immense spiritual and communal benefits.
Many scholars agree that neglecting Qurbani without a valid reason could result in missing out on significant rewards. Therefore, even if one is not strictly required to perform Qurbani, it remains an important and meritorious act that should be embraced wherever possible.
Islamic guidelines clearly outline which animals are eligible for Qurbani and how many shares each animal can represent. Sheep and goats count as one Qurbani each and must be at least one year old. Cattle—including cows, bulls, and buffalo—as well as camels, can be divided into seven shares, making them a practical option for multiple individuals or families wishing to fulfil their obligation collectively. These animals must also meet specific age requirements: cattle must be at least two years old, and camels must be at least five years old.
In addition to age, the animals must be healthy, free from any obvious defects such as blindness, lameness, or severe emaciation, and should be well-cared-for prior to sacrifice, in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Al-Qulub Trust selects animals that meet all of these criteria and ensures that the sacrifice is carried out in accordance with Islamic standards. Donors have the option to contribute either a whole animal or a share in a larger animal. The spiritual reward and fulfilment of the obligation remain the same, whether one sacrifices an entire goat or a portion of a cow.
The optimal time to make a Qurbani donation is as early as possible during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Since each location has a limited quota of animals, early donations help ensure that the sacrifices are carried out on time and the meat is distributed promptly to those in need. Al-Qulub Trust begins accepting Qurbani donations up to a month before Eid al-Adha, with all sacrifices performed only after the Eid prayer, under Islamic requirements.
Donations are accepted until Maghrib on the third day of Eid (the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), which is the final time for performing the Qurbani. To accommodate late donors, preparations may be made in advance, but no animal is sacrificed before the correct time. Every Qurbani is carried out with the appropriate niyyah (intention), ensuring it is valid and accepted.
Additionally, it is highly recommended for those intending to offer Qurbani to refrain from cutting their hair or nails from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until their sacrifice has been completed. This recommended practice reflects the spiritual discipline and humility observed by Hajj pilgrims and deepens the worshipper’s connection to the sacred days. While it is not obligatory to name the individual for whom the Qurbani is intended, doing so is permissible and may assist with record-keeping and clarity of intention.
Qurbani aims to support the less fortunate and promote unity during Eid. AlQulub Trust distributes only fresh meat to needy families worldwide, with local teams ensuring it reaches those most in need. While the sunnah is to divide the meat into three parts—for the donor’s household, relatives, and the poor—charities like AlQulub Trust typically allocate the full portion to those experiencing poverty. Selecting the “Where Most Needed” option ensures your Qurbani reaches areas facing severe food insecurity, fulfilling both your religious obligation and spreading joy to vulnerable communities.
The Prophetic Qurbani refers to an additional sacrifice offered by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on behalf of members of his Ummah who could not afford to perform their own. After fulfilling his personal obligation, he would offer a second animal as an act of compassion and solidarity. This noble Sunnah is highly recommended for those with the means, as it reflects the Prophet’s mercy and care for his community.
By performing a Prophetic Qurbani, donors can increase their spiritual reward while helping to feed more people in need, particularly relevant today, as many Muslims around the world are unable to offer a Qurbani due to poverty, conflict, or displacement.
AlQulub Trust enables donors to revive this beautiful Sunnah by offering an additional Qurbani on behalf of the Prophet’s ﷺ Ummah. This act deepens one’s connection to prophetic tradition and extends the reach of one’s charity. Participating in the Prophetic Qurbani is a meaningful way to earn spiritual rewards while supporting vulnerable communities during Eid al-Adha.
Q: Is Qurbani mandatory every year?
A: Yes, if you meet the Nisab threshold each year, you are obligated to perform Qurbani annually, especially according to the Hanafi school of thought.
Q: Can I give Qurbani in another country?
A: Yes, international Qurbani is valid and often more impactful in impoverished areas. AlQulub Trust facilitates this while ensuring the sacrifice follows Islamic rules.
Q: Do I need to mention names when donating Qurbani?
A: No, naming individuals is not mandatory. The intention at the time of donation is what counts.
Q: Can one animal be shared among multiple people?
A: Yes, up to seven people can share large animals like cows or camels, and each person will receive full Qurbani credit.
Q: Is it necessary to avoid cutting hair and nails before Qurbani?
A: It is highly advised that anyone wishing to do Qurbani avoid trimming their hair or nails from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is finished, though this is not required.
Q: What if I missed Qurbani in past years?
A: You can compensate by offering extra sacrifices this year or donating the equivalent market value to people experiencing poverty.
Q: Can I give multiple Qurbanis?
A: Yes, and it’s encouraged to do so as extra charity or to perform the Prophetic Qurbani.
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