Qurbani, also called Udhiyah, is the tradition of sacrificing livestock during Eid al-Adha in honour of Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah's sake. Beyond its spiritual significance, it provides essential nutrition to some of the world's most vulnerable people, often their only source of fresh meat all year.
- It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (PBUH) devotion
- It's a highly emphasised Sunnah for those meeting the wealth threshold (Nisab); some schools, including the Hanafi school, hold it as obligatory for those who qualify
- It must be performed during Eid al-Adha, on the 10th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah
- It provides major humanitarian and nutritional relief globally
What Is the Spiritual Purpose of Qurbani?
Qurbani isn't about the meat or the act of sacrifice itself, but about the believer's internal state.
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”
By sacrificing wealth to purchase the animal, Muslims renew their submission to Allah, mirroring Ibrahim's (PBUH) surrender.
Does Qurbani Actually Help People in Need?
Yes. Islamic law divides the meat into three equal parts: one for the donor's family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy. Many Muslims in the West pay trusted charities to perform Qurbani on their behalf in developing nations: for many families facing food insecurity or conflict, this is often the only time all year they receive high-quality animal protein.
Who Has to Give Qurbani, and When?
Qurbani is required of every sane adult Muslim who possesses wealth at or above the Nisab threshold during Eid. The sacrifice must take place after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and before sunset on the 12th. If performed before the Eid prayer, it counts as ordinary Sadaqah, not Qurbani.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qurbani obligatory for everyone?
It's a highly emphasised Sunnah (and, per the Hanafi school, mandatory) for adults who meet the Nisab threshold during Eid al-Adha.
Can I just give money instead of performing Qurbani?
No. The specific act required is the animal sacrifice itself. Donating an equivalent amount as general charity doesn't fulfil the Qurbani obligation.
When should I pay for my Qurbani?
Several days before Eid al-Adha, so the charity performing it on your behalf has time to purchase and allocate animals properly.
