What Is Qurbani (Udhiya) in Islam?
The word qurbani comes from the Arabic word for closeness to God through sacrifice. In Islamic law, it means slaughtering a cow or camel, a goat or a sheep during the days of Eid ul Adha.
Obligatory or sunnah? Under the Hanafi school, performing qurbani is compulsory. By most Muslims in other schools, the obligation is treated as sunnah muakkadah. This act of animal sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah, and that symbolism of submission sits at the core of Islam.
Who Must Perform Qurbani? (Islamic Rules)
Qurbani rules in Islam are clear. Muslim, of sound mind, past puberty, wealth above the nisab threshold. According to the Hanafi school, every adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the nisab is obligated to perform qurbani, with a minimum of one qurbani share per eligible person in the family.
If you pay zakat, you should likely also be giving qurbani. Under Hanafi Islamic law, it is not optional. A strong sunnah under other schools. If you can afford it, do it.
How to Perform Qurbani: Step by Step
Correct Timing of Qurbani
Qurbani must be performed during the days of Dhu al Hijjah, starting from the 10th after the morning salah until sunset on the 12th, with some scholars allowing until sunset on the 13th. Anything done before the prayer does not count. Many Muslims get this wrong.
Making Niyyah (Intention) & Sunnah Method of Slaughter
Niyyah must be made before the sacrifice, seated in the heart: that this qurbani is being offered for the sake of Allah (SWT). The sacrificed animal is to be laid gently on its left side, facing the Qibla. A sharp knife is necessary and the cut should be swift because Islam prohibits unnecessary suffering.
Recitation During Qurbani
Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. That gets recited at the moment of slaughter. Other supplications may follow but this one is essential.
Distribution of Qurbani Meat in Islam
Three Equal Portions Explained
Three parts. One third for your family. One third for relatives and friends. One third for the poor and needy. Qurbani takes place so that meat reaches every level of the community, from your own family table to people who have nothing. Sunnah distribution, followed for centuries. In regions like Bangladesh or Syria, many Muslims rely on these donations to eat meat for the only time all year. The poor receive what they could never afford on their own.
Can You Donate All Qurbani Meat?
Yes. A lot of Muslims today route their entire qurbani donation through organisations like Islamic Relief or Al Mustafa USA so that fresh meat reaches vulnerable people who rarely get to eat animal protein at all. Organisations that facilitate qurbani donations ensure distribution reaches families in crisis or displacement.
ZAKAT APPLICABLE PROJECTS
Why Perform Qurbani Through Al Mustafa USA?
Shariah-Compliant Qurbani Process
Islamic guidelines are followed by Al Mustafa USA at every stage. Each animal is sourced from local suppliers, verified for age and good health, and the sacrifice is carried out under Islamic supervision.
Reaching the Most Needy Worldwide
Twenty-one countries around the world are covered by Al Mustafa's qurbani projects. Needy families and vulnerable people are identified by local teams. Qurbani meat is distributed on the same day the ummah celebrates. Whether you are giving qurbani for yourself or on behalf of a family member, each share is handled with care.
Transparency, Trust & Impact
Confirmation is sent to you once your qurbani is complete. Over 3.5 million people have been reached by Al Mustafa USA. Donate your qurbani today.
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Qurbani Animals and Conditions
Minimum Age of Animals
Not every creature qualifies as an eligible animal for qurbani. Islam qurbani rules specify that a goat or sheep, each a small animal, must have reached at least one year of age. Two years is required for a cow. Five for a camel. One goat or one sheep counts as one qurbani share. A cow or camel, being a large animal, provides seven shares each. The animal chosen should be the best you can afford.
Health and Quality Conditions
Good health is required in every sacrificial animal. No blindness, no broken horns, no lameness, no severe illness. The animal you bring forward matters to Allah (SWT). Muslims are also recommended to avoid cutting nails and hair from the start of Dhu al Hijjah until the qurbani is performed, as per the majority of scholars.
FAQs
Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero,