Family Qurbani represents one of the most significant acts of worship and charity in Islam, bringing together the spiritual obligations of sacrifice with the profound opportunity to feed those in need. Understanding the proper conduct of Qurbani ensures both religious compliance and meaningful community impact.
Family Qurbani refers to the Islamic practice of animal sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for Allah. This sacred act transforms a family’s worship into a collective blessing, extending sustenance to vulnerable communities worldwide whilst fulfilling religious obligations.
The practice involves sacrificing permissible animals—typically sheep, goats, cattle, or camels—with the meat distributed amongst family, friends, and those in greatest need. Through Family Qurbani, Muslim households unite their charitable intentions, creating ripple effects of nourishment and hope across impoverished regions.
Every adult Muslim who possesses the nisab (minimum wealth threshold) must perform Qurbani. For families, this typically means:
Islamic guidelines specify strict requirements for Qurbani animals:
The Qurbani period spans the three days following the Eid al-Adha prayers. During this time, the meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three equal portions: one-third is kept for the family, one-third is given to relatives and neighbours, and the remaining third is distributed to those living in poverty. This method of distribution ensures that the act of sacrifice benefits not only the household performing it but also the wider community, especially those in need.
When families coordinate their Qurbani together, several considerations ensure proper implementation:
Joint Purchases: Families may collectively purchase larger animals, with each member’s share representing their individual obligation. Clear documentation prevents confusion and ensures everyone’s religious duty is fulfilled.
Delegation Options: Family members may authorise others to perform their Qurbani, particularly useful when donating through charitable organisations reaching remote areas where need is greatest.
Educational Opportunities: Family Qurbani provides excellent teaching moments for children, explaining Islamic values of sacrifice, charity, and compassion whilst witnessing their practical application.
Contemporary Muslim families face unique considerations when fulfilling Qurbani obligations:
Geographic Distribution: UK-based families often find greater impact donating their Qurbani to international charitable organisations serving impoverished communities, rather than local sacrifice, where the number of recipients may be fewer.
Professional Handling: Reputable Islamic charities ensure proper slaughter according to Islamic principles, appropriate meat distribution, and transparent reporting back to donors.
Cost Considerations: Pooling family resources often enables higher-impact donations, reaching more beneficiaries whilst maintaining individual religious compliance.
Family Qurbani amplifies spiritual rewards through collective worship and shared intentions. When families unite in this sacred act, they strengthen religious bonds whilst demonstrating practical Islam to younger generations.
The practice encourages regular charitable giving beyond Qurbani season, as families witness firsthand the transformative impact of their donations on vulnerable communities worldwide.
Strategic Family Qurbani donations create substantial community benefits:
Nutritional Support: In regions facing food scarcity, Qurbani meat provides essential protein often unavailable throughout the year
Economic Stimulation: Local communities benefit from animal purchases, slaughter services, and distribution activities
Social Cohesion: Sharing Qurbani meat strengthens neighbourhood relationships and supports extended family networks
Children participating in Family Qurbani discussions develop deeper understanding of Islamic principles, charitable obligations, and global awareness of poverty and hunger.
When selecting a charitable organisation for Family Qurbani donations, families should take several key factors into account. First and foremost is Islamic compliance, ensuring that the charity adheres strictly to the prescribed methods of slaughter and distribution in accordance with Islamic principles. Transparency is also essential, with organisations providing clear and honest reporting on how funds are used, how beneficiaries are selected, and the overall impact of the donations.
Early Planning: Book Qurbani donations well before Eid al-Adha to ensure availability and proper scheduling
Verification: Request certificates or reports confirming your Qurbani was performed according to Islamic guidelines
Follow-up: Maintain relationships with chosen charities to understand ongoing impact and future opportunities
At Al Qulub Trust, we understand that Family Qurbani represents more than religious obligation—it embodies your family’s commitment to Islamic values and global compassion. Our comprehensive approach ensures your charitable intentions translate into meaningful impact whilst supporting your organisation’s broader mission.
For businesses and organisations partnering with Al Qulub Trust, our Qurbani programmes offer unique opportunities to demonstrate corporate social responsibility whilst connecting with Muslim communities. We provide:
Strategic Partnership Development: Tailored charitable programmes that align with your organisational values and community engagement objectives
Impact Measurement: Detailed reporting and analytics demonstrating tangible outcomes from your charitable investments
Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect meaningfully with diverse Muslim communities through shared charitable initiatives
Brand Enhancement: Association with transparent, effective charitable work that resonates with increasingly conscious consumers
Our experienced team manages every aspect of Family Qurbani implementation:
Family Qurbani represents a profound opportunity to unite spiritual obligation with transformative charity. Whether you’re performing your first Family Qurbani or seeking to enhance existing charitable practices, the combination of religious compliance, strategic thinking, and compassionate action transforms this sacred obligation into a powerful force for positive change.
At Al Qulub Trust, we’re committed to supporting your Qurbani journey whilst helping your organisation achieve its broader objectives through strategic charitable partnerships. Together, we can ensure that every Family Qurbani donation fulfils both religious obligations and creates a meaningful, lasting impact for those who need it most.
1. Who must give Qurbani in a family?
Every adult Muslim with wealth above the Nisab must offer their own Qurbani.
2. Can one Qurbani cover the whole family?
No. Each eligible adult must give their own Qurbani.
3. Can a Qurbani be done on behalf of children?
It’s not required, but parents may offer it voluntarily.
4. How many shares are in a large animal?
A cow or camel can be split into 7 equal shares for 7 people.
5. When is the Qurbani performed?
Qurbani is done after Eid prayer, between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
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