UNDERSTANDING THE RULES OF QURBANI: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR MUSLIM FAMILIES
Qurbani (Udhiya) is a deeply spiritual and symbolic act of worship, performed by Muslims around the world during Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. In return, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. This act is observed every year in Dhul Hijjah by millions of Muslims, who offer animals in sacrifice to honor this legacy.
IS QURBANI OBLIGATORY?
According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is compulsory (wajib) for every sane, adult Muslim who possesses wealth beyond their basic needs on the days of Eid. In other schools of thought (Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali), Qurbani is considered highly recommended (sunnah mu’akkadah), but not obligatory.
WHEN SHOULD QURBANI BE PERFORMED?
Qurbani must be performed within the specified days:
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From the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (3 days)
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Some scholars extend it to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, making it 4 days, depending on the madhab
The sacrifice should be offered after the Eid prayer on the first day. Any sacrifice made before this is not considered valid for Qurbani.
RULES FOR QURBANI ANIMALS
The animals selected for Qurbani must meet certain conditions:
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Healthy and free from defects: Blind, lame, or sick animals are not acceptable.
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Minimum age:
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Sheep and goats: At least 1 year old
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Cows and buffaloes: At least 2 years old
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Camels: At least 5 years old
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The animal must be well-fed and cared for prior to sacrifice.
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It must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic principles (halal method), with the name of Allah pronounced at the time of sacrifice.
QURBANI FOR FAMILIES: WHO SHOULD GIVE?
For families, Qurbani is not done per household, but per eligible individual.
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Each adult Muslim who meets the financial threshold must give one Qurbani.
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Children who have reached puberty and have their own qualifying wealth are also required to give.
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Parents are encouraged to perform Qurbani on behalf of their mature children if the children are dependent.
HOW MANY SHARES ARE REQUIRED?
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One Qurbani = One sheep or goat
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Large animals (cow, buffalo, or camel) = Seven shares
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Up to seven people can share the cost and reward of one large animal, provided each person’s intention is for Qurbani.
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ETIQUETTE BEFORE SACRIFICE
It is recommended (mustahabb) for those intending to perform Qurbani to refrain from:
Cutting their hair, nails, or removing skin
From the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after their Qurbani is completed.
This practice aligns with the Sunnah and signifies unity with the pilgrims performing Hajj.
MEAT DISTRIBUTION RULES
After the sacrifice, the meat should ideally be divided into three equal parts:
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One-third for your family
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One-third for relatives and friends
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One-third for the poor and needy
This ensures the spirit of sharing and community remains at the heart of Eid celebrations.
A REMINDER FROM THE PROPHET (PBUH)
“There is no action of the son of Adam on the Day of Nahr (sacrifice) that is more beloved to Allah than the spilling of blood. It will come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves. The blood will be accepted by Allah before it reaches the ground, so rejoice in it.”
— Hadith | Tirmidhi
CONCLUSION
Qurbani is more than a ritual—it is a declaration of faith, obedience, and compassion. By adhering to its rules and performing it with sincerity, Muslims not only fulfill a sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) but also contribute to the welfare of their communities.
May your Qurbani be accepted, and may your Eid be blessed. Eid Mubarak!
