ABOUT EID-UL-ADHA

Qurbani is an obligation that we are commanded to perform by Allah (SWT). Therefore, we must follow the Qurbani meat distribution rules and regulations. Below is a brief guide to the rules and recommendations of Qurbani;

Qurbani must be given on the 10th, 11th or 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah

Sacrifices can only be made after the Eid prayer (sacrifices made before do not count as Qurbani)

Any able Muslim should give Qurbani, especially those that have reached the age of puberty and possess the Nisab value

Animals for sacrifice must meet minimum age and health requirements

Qurbani sacrifices must be given in three shares - one for you, one for family or friends and one for the poor and needy

We have also provided further detailed answers to some of the frequently asked questions about how Qurbani works.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani is an annual tradition for Muslims across the world and involves an animal sacrifice in recognition of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) own willingness to sacrifice his son for the will of Allah (SWT). At the last moment, Allah (SWT) replaced Ibrahim’s (AS) son with a ram, saving his life and rewarding Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion. That is why Muslims give Qurbani and in doing so, we also help impoverished families and communities receive their share.

Who Must Perform Qurbani?

Every Muslim must perform Qurbani. The only exceptions are as follows:

Those who do not possess the Nisab value

Those not of sound mind

Those who have not yet reached and passed puberty

Those who are travelling and are more than the Shar’i distance from home (approximately 40-45 kilometres)

You are permitted to donate Qurbani on behalf of other people, including those who have passed away; however, you are not expected to provide Qurbani animals on behalf of your adult children who can pay their own share.

Of those who it is required of, Qurbani rules for cutting hair and nails stipulate that one should refrain from doing so until after the sacrifice has been made.

At What Age is Qurbani Fard?

Whether Qurbani is compulsory differs between different schools of thought; however, for the greater good of those less fortunate, Qurbani should be considered Fard for anyone who has reached the age of puberty and who possesses the Nisab value.

Who Can Receive Qurbani Meat?

Meat from Qurbani animals should be distributed equally in three parts. It should be given to the family, friends and the poor (both Muslim and non-Muslim alike). If you perform Qurbani with a partner/partners, the meat should be shared by weight, not by approximation. You cannot pay the butcher with the meat, fat and by-products of the slaughtered animal. The skin can be kept for personal use, but if it is sold, the amount must be given to the poor.

How Many Qurbani Per Family?

Every able Muslim should be able to give at least one Qurbani which is then divided into three shares. An example of one Qurbani is a small animal such as a sheep or goat. Larger animals such as camels, cows and buffalo can count for up to seven people’s Qurbani. The Qurbani rules for a husband and wife stipulate that they can make a joint donation, but the animal must be big enough so that each person still gives their required one share. It is common for households to donate a larger animal worth seven shares, but it is not mandatory

When Must Qurbani Be Performed?

Qurbani must be performed on the 10th, 11th or 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah, the time of the festival of Eid ul-Adha. Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Greater Eid, Bakra Eid and Qurbani Eid changes in the Gregorian calendar each year. Eid ul-Adha 2021 and Qurbani preparations are anticipated to start on Tuesday 20th July, ending on Friday 23rd July 2021, depending on the sighting of the moon. The time for Qurbani must be performed as close to the completion of Eid Salah as possible and not before. Any sacrifice carried out before Eid Salah is considered Sadaqah.

When Must Qurbani Animals Be Purchased?

Qurbani animals should be purchased a few days before the sacrifice. They must be properly fed and well cared for in the intervening days.

Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed?

The animals which are eligible should meet minimum requirements, such as the age of the animal for Qurbani and their condition, including:

Sheep and goats at least one year in age (enough for one person’s Qurbani)

Cows or buffalo at least two years in age (enough for seven people’s Qurbani)

Camels of at least five years in age (enough for seven people’s Qurbani)