Grief does not end with burial. For many Muslims, the question that follows loss is not only how to mourn, but how to continue giving on behalf of those who are gone. One of the most sincere expressions of that love is Qurbani: the act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha in devotion to Allah (SWT), and asking that its reward be conveyed to a departed soul.
But is this actually permitted in Islam? Is it an obligation the family must fulfil, or a voluntary act of love? Can a single animal carry the intention for both the living and the deceased? And how exactly does one make the correct niyyah (intention)?
These are questions that surface every Dhul Hijjah — and they deserve clear, scholarly answers. This guide addresses each of them in full, drawing on the positions of the four madhabs and authentic Prophetic precedent, so you can give with both confidence and correct understanding.
Yes, giving Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person is permissible in Islam according to the majority of scholars. It is considered a form of Sadaqah on their behalf, and its reward is conveyed to the deceased by Allah’s mercy. It is voluntary, not obligatory, and can be performed by any living family member or friend who wishes to honour their loved one’s memory.
The foundational evidence rests on a well-known narration in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ slaughtered two rams on Eid al-Adha — one on his own behalf, and one “on behalf of whoever from my Ummah testified to the oneness of Allah and to my prophethood.” (tabarani:920).
Additionally, the broad principle in Islamic jurisprudence that a living person may convey the reward of righteous deeds, charity, recitation of the Quran, supplication, to the deceased is well established. Qurbani, as an act of worship combining sacrifice and charity (through meat distribution), falls within this framework.
This is one of the most practically important questions, and the answer depends on context.
In most cases, performing Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person is a voluntary act of worship (nafl). No scholar holds that a living person is compelled by religious obligation to perform Qurbani for their deceased relatives. It is an act of generosity, love, and spiritual service, not a duty that carries sin if left unfulfilled.
There is one exception: if the deceased left a bequest (wasiyyah) specifying that Qurbani be performed on their behalf, and allocated funds for it in their estate, then the heirs are obligated to carry out that wish. Failing to do so when the means are available would constitute a breach of the deceased’s trust and rights.
If no such bequest exists, the living family member gives purely out of choice and love, and that is entirely sufficient.
This is a question many families ask when managing multiple intentions in a single Qurbani season. The answer requires some understanding of how Qurbani shares work.
A sheep or goat constitutes a single Qurbani for one individual only. It cannot be split between multiple intentions, whether living or deceased. If you wish to give Qurbani for yourself and also on behalf of a deceased parent, that requires two separate animals (or two separate shares in a larger animal).
A cow, bull, or camel can be divided into up to seven shares, each counting as a full Qurbani for a separate individual. This means a single cow can hold shares for both living and deceased individuals simultaneously. For example, a family of four could take four shares for themselves and dedicate three shares to deceased parents or grandparents, all within a single animal.
For a complete breakdown of how Qurbani shares work across different animals, see our detailed Qurbani rules and requirements guide or our guide to family Qurbani.
Intention in Islam is primarily an affair of the heart; it does not require a specific verbal formula to be valid. However, clarity of intention is essential, particularly when sacrificing on behalf of another.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.” — (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1; Sahih Muslim, 1907). For Qurbani on behalf of the deceased, your intention must clearly be that this sacrifice is for the named deceased person, seeking Allah’s acceptance and the conveyance of its reward to their soul.
Before the sacrifice is carried out — whether you perform it yourself or arrange it through a charitable organisation, make your intention as follows:
In your heart: “I intend this Qurbani on behalf of [name of deceased], seeking Allah’s acceptance and asking that its reward be conveyed to them.”
Verbally (optional but recommended): You may say aloud at the time of sacrifice: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar — this is on behalf of [name], from the family of [your name].”
If you are arranging the sacrifice through an organisation such as Al Qulub Trust, you do not need to be physically present. The niyyah formed in your heart at the time of payment and instruction is sufficient. The Prophet ﷺ himself sent sacrificial animals to be slaughtered on his behalf and on behalf of his household without being present at the slaughter.
Yes. If you have multiple deceased family members you wish to honour, each requires either their own share in a large animal or their own small animal. A single share cannot carry multiple intentions for multiple individuals.
Arranging Qurbani for a deceased loved one is straightforward when done through a trusted Islamic charity. Al Qulub Trust delivers Qurbani across some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, ensuring the meat reaches those who need it most, while the full reward is registered in the name of your loved one.
When making your donation, simply specify that the Qurbani is on behalf of a named deceased person. Your niyyah, your sincere intention at the time of giving, is what matters before Allah. The act of sacrifice will then be carried out in the correct manner, in the correct window of time, on your behalf.
To understand the full spiritual significance of these ten days and why performing acts of worship now carries extraordinary weight, read our guide to the 10 Best Days of Dhul Hijjah.
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