Qurbani in Islam: Understanding Its Meaning, Obligation, and Impact
Eid al-Adha is a deeply spiritual occasion that brings Muslims together through worship, reflection and generosity. At the heart of this celebration is Qurbani, the sacred act of sacrifice that honours the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).
While many associate Qurbani with distributing meat, its true essence goes beyond that. It is a powerful reminder of faith, compassion and our responsibility to support those facing hardship. This meaningful act strengthens our connection with others and reinforces the values of charity within the global Muslim community.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, we prepare to honour this blessed tradition. In this blog, we will explore what Qurbani means, who is required to give it and how it continues to uplift vulnerable communities around the world.
What Is Qurbani?
The word Qurbani comes from the Arabic word Qurban, which means an offering or sacrifice made to gain closeness to Allah.
It is the act of sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow or camel, during the days of Eid al-Adha. This ritual honours the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was ready to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command. In His mercy, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, marking a moment of divine compassion and deep faith.
Qurbani is more than just the distribution of meat. It is a reflection of our willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah. It teaches us humility, gratitude and the importance of caring for others.
This meaningful act brings us closer to Allah while also strengthening the bonds of community, generosity and compassion.
Who Needs to Give Qurbani?
Qurbani, or the sacrificial offering made during Eid al-Adha, is an important act of worship for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the great sacrifice and obedience to Allah demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS). However, not everyone is required to give Qurbani. Here’s a breakdown of who should give Qurbani:
Muslims Who Are Financially Able: Qurbani is mandatory for Muslims who have the financial means to afford it. This means having sufficient wealth to cover basic necessities and the cost of the sacrifice. It is generally based on whether you have wealth that meets or exceeds the Nisab (the minimum threshold) after taking care of your essential expenses.
Adults: Qurbani is generally required for adults who are of sound mind and have reached the age of maturity. Children or those who are not financially responsible are not required to perform Qurbani.
Those with Ownership of Wealth: A person who has wealth above the Nisab threshold on the day of Eid al-Adha and has held that wealth for a full lunar year is required to give Qurbani.
Must be a Muslim: Qurbani is only obligatory for Muslims. Non-Muslims are not required to perform the sacrifice.
For those who cannot afford Qurbani, it is not required. However, they can still embrace the spirit of Eid by giving in other ways, such as small acts of charity, kindness or helping others in need.
What Animals Can Be Sacrificed for Qurbani?
For Qurbani, there are specific guidelines regarding the type of animals that can be sacrificed. The animals must meet certain criteria to ensure that the act is valid. Below are the animals that are permissible for Qurbani, along with the age requirements:
Sheep
Sheep are one of the most common choices for Qurbani. A healthy male or female sheep can be sacrificed as a single animal for one person. The minimum age for a sheep to be sacrificed is one year.
Goat
Goats are also acceptable for Qurbani. Similar to sheep, one goat is typically sacrificed for one person, and they can also be male or female. A goat must be at least one year old to qualify for sacrifice.
Cow
A cow offers more meat, so it can be shared by up to seven people. This makes it an ideal choice for larger families or groups of people who wish to contribute together. The minimum age for a cow to be sacrificed is two years.
Camel
Camels are the largest animal that can be sacrificed for Qurbani, and one camel can be shared between up to seven people. This is especially useful in communities where camels are more common. A camel must be at least five years old.
These animals must be free from defects (e.g., blind, sick, or severely injured). The sacrifice should be made with the intention of fulfilling the act of worship and devotion to Allah.
How the Shares Are Distributed
The distribution of the meat after Qurbani is an important aspect of the practice. The meat is traditionally divided into three equal shares, each with a specific purpose:
- One-Third for Yourself: You are encouraged to keep one-third of the meat for yourself and your household. It serves as a reminder of Allah’s blessings and allows your family to partake in the joy of Eid.
- One-Third for Family and Friends: This portion is to share with your family members, relatives, and friends. It is a way to extend the blessings of Qurbani and create a sense of community. Sharing the meat with loved ones fosters connection and generosity.
- One-Third for Those in Need: The final share is given to those who are less fortunate, especially those who may not have the means to celebrate Eid or enjoy a festive meal. This is the most significant part of the act, as it ensures that your sacrifice reaches those who need it most.
By dividing the meat in this way, Qurbani reflects the Islamic principles of generosity, compassion, and community welfare. It ensures that no one is left out of the blessings of Eid al-Adha.
Why Qurbani Is Important
Qurbani is more than just a ritual. It is a meaningful act of worship and a powerful reminder of our duty to obey Allah. It carries deep lessons that stay with us long after Eid.
- Gratitude: For the blessings we enjoy, including the ability to give to others.
- Compassion: For those who may not have the means to enjoy a proper Eid meal.
- Obedience: Following the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and expressing our faith through action.
As mentioned in the Quran:
“Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him.” — Surah As-Saffat ( 22:37)
This verse captures what Qurbani is really about. It is not about the physical sacrifice, but the sincerity behind it. When we give Qurbani, we offer more than just meat. We give from the heart, show gratitude for what we have, and strengthen our commitment to live by Allah’s guidance.
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How Your Qurbani Helps Others
For many families in regions facing poverty, conflict, and hunger, Qurbani meat might be the only source of protein they receive all year. Your donation can:
- Provide nourishing meals during Eid
- Bring joy to communities facing hardship
- Restore dignity to those struggling to survive
By giving Qurbani through a trusted organisation, you share your blessings and bring hope to those who need it most.
This Eid, your Qurbani can bring joy and hope. Share your blessings and uplift lives today!
How to Give Qurbani in the UK
Giving Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) in the UK is a meaningful way to fulfil the Islamic tradition of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Here’s how you can do it:
Understand the Requirements
Qurbani is an obligatory act of worship for Muslims who are financially able. It involves sacrificing an animal (usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel) and distributing the meat to the needy. It should be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Choose the Right Animal
In the UK, you can either choose to sacrifice an animal yourself or use a charity to handle the process. Many charitable organisations offer services that allow you to make a Qurbani donation, where they slaughter the animal in the correct manner and distribute the meat to those in need.
Select a Charity
Many UK charities provide Qurbani services by either carrying out the sacrifice within the UK or in regions with greater need. United Muslims offers an easy and secure online platform for giving Qurbani, so your sacrifice is carried out according to Islamic guidelines and the meat reaches those who need it most.
Make the Donation
You can support a charity’s Qurbani campaign online by choosing the type of animal and the region where you would like the meat to be distributed. Some charities offer Qurbani in multiple countries, including regions like Pakistan, Kenya, Bangladesh, Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Ensure you follow the charity’s instructions for a seamless donation experience.
Timing
It is important to ensure your Qurbani is completed within the designated days of Eid al-Adha. Charities complete the sacrifice on your behalf within the 10th to 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, so check the charity’s schedule to ensure timely execution.
By giving Qurbani through trusted organisations, you not only fulfil a religious obligation but also provide sustenance and joy to those who need it most.
Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.
Why Give Your Qurbani Through United Muslims?
Giving your Qurbani through United Muslims ensures that your sacrifice reaches those who need it the most. Here are some key reasons why you should choose us for your Qurbani this Eid al-Adha:
- 100% Donation Policy: At United Muslims, we believe in transparency. Every penny of your Qurbani donation goes directly to the people in need, without any deductions for administrative costs.
- Global Reach: Your Qurbani helps support vulnerable communities in Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, and other regions affected by conflict and poverty. We focus on providing nourishing meat to those facing the toughest challenges.
- Impactful Giving: When you donate your Qurbani through us, you’re not only fulfilling a religious duty but also helping to provide meals for families who might have nothing to celebrate with this Eid. Your donation can make a life-changing difference.
- Trust and Accountability: United Muslims has a strong track record of delivering aid to those who need it most. You can trust us to carry out your Qurbani with care, compassion, and full accountability.
This Eid al-Adha, make your Qurbani a meaningful gift of hope and support for families in need. Your Qurbani animal will be healthy, well-treated, and sacrificed at the right time. The meat will be quickly packed and distributed to ensure it reaches those most in need during these blessed days of Eid. Join us in spreading joy and sharing the blessings of this holy occasion.
What You Gain from Giving Qurbani
Giving your Qurbani offers more than just the fulfilment of a religious obligation. It brings numerous spiritual and personal benefits:
- Spiritual Rewards: By performing Qurbani, you follow the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), whose unwavering obedience to Allah was a symbol of faith and submission. Your sacrifice strengthens your connection to Allah and brings immense reward in this life and the Hereafter.
- Purification of Wealth: Qurbani is a means to purify your wealth and show gratitude for Allah’s blessings. The act of giving brings you closer to Allah’s mercy and purifies your heart and soul.
- Sharing with the Less Fortunate: Your Qurbani provides nourishing meat to those who are struggling, particularly in underprivileged regions. This act of charity promotes compassion and strengthens unity within the global Muslim community.
- Fostering a Sense of Gratitude: Giving Qurbani helps you reflect on the blessings in your life and cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of helping others, especially in times of difficulty.
- Spreading Joy During Eid: By donating your Qurbani, you bring joy and sustenance to families who would otherwise have no means to celebrate Eid properly. Your contribution helps them experience the blessings of Eid with dignity and joy.
Through Qurbani, you gain not only spiritual rewards but also the satisfaction of knowing your sacrifice makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Give with Heart, Share with Faith
Qurbani is more than a tradition; it is a powerful expression of faith, love, and unity. It teaches us to give from what we value and honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) through sincere sacrifice and compassion.
This Eid al-Adha, let your Qurbani be a meaningful act. It is not just about giving meat, but about offering hope, dignity, and joy to those in need. Here in the UK, where we are blessed with ease and access, Qurbani is a chance to give back, fulfil our religious duty, and make a real difference in someone’s life.
Share with love, give with sincerity, and help bring comfort to families near and far.
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