Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is when Muslims sacrifice an animal during Eid al-Adha (literally ‘The Feast of Sacrifice’ in Arabic). This is a holy act for Muslims, done in commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who showed loyalty and devotion to Allah (SWT) by being prepared to sacrifice his own son on the instructions of Allah. At the last moment, Allah intervened and sent a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. Today, Muslims sacrifice animals – or arrange for them to be sacrificed on their behalf – to remember this key moment in the relationship between mankind and Allah (SWT), and as a symbol of loyalty and obedience to Allah (SWT).
Another key part of Islam is the giving of charity. When the animal is slaughtered for Qurbani, it is important to distribute the resulting meat amongst those who are poor, your relatives and your own circle of family and friends. By doing so, believers encourage charity amongst the Muslim community.
One question that is frequently asked amongst those who carry out Qurbani is ‘what animals are allowed for Qurbani?’ Islamic teachings show us that the permitted animals are; sheep, goats, cows and camels. Every animal that is intended for slaughter during the Qurbani should first meet a specific standard to ensure that they are healthy and ‘valuable’ - it is right and proper that animals sacrificed to Allah (SWT) should be of good quality and so represent a meaningful and valuable sacrifice, and that giving away their meat becomes a true act of generosity. This is all in keeping with the principle of taqwa – sincere faith, purity of intention and proper consciousness of God.
Sheep are a very common animal used for Qurbani. They are a lot easier to access and are amongst the affordable list of animals that qualify for Qurbani. Like all animals sacrificed as Qurbani, a sheep must meet certain conditions to be a suitable offering. It should be free from any major physical defects such as lameness, blindness, extreme weakness, or missing teeth or horns.
The price of sheep for Qurbani can vary depending on the country it resides in and the going market rate. In some regions, sheep are more affordable making it the go-to animal for sacrifice. If you are interested in sacrificing an animal, then click here to take a look at our list of prices.
Goats are also a popular choice for Qurbani. Like sheep, a goat must be at least one year old and in good health to qualify for sacrifice. Since a goat is considered a single share, it is often chosen by individuals performing Qurbani on their own.
The price of a goat for Qurbani varies based on breed and location. There is also a possibility that a goat’s price may be more expensive due to its geographical origin. Many people do prefer goats because they hold a good amount of meat and are widely available in both rural and urban areas.
Cows are another frequently sacrificed animal during Eid al-Adha. Unlike sheep and goats, which are only a single share per person, a cow for Qurbani can be divided into seven shares. This makes it a suitable choice for large families or groups of people wanting to contribute all together.
A cow must be at least two years old to be eligible for Qurbani, and like other animals, it must be in good health, free from physical defects, and meet the Islamic guidelines for sacrifice. The cow price for Qurbani varies greatly due to its location and breed. In some countries, a cows price will surge greatly. The cost increases even more when Eid occurs so it is best to place your Qurbani orders in plenty of time, making it more affordable.
Many people are taken by surprise when informed that camels are indeed eligible for Qurbani! However, camels are less common due to their high price and availability. A camel for Qurbani must be at least five years old to be considered valid for sacrifice. Similar to cows, a camel counts as seven shares, making it a more suitable option for groups of people looking to contribute all together.
The price of camel for Qurbani is typically higher than other animals. It is also useful to note that in regions where camels are more prevalent, such as the Middle East and parts of Africa, the price may be more affordable compared to areas where they are rare.
Islam has set clear guidelines on what animals are allowed for Qurbani, ensuring that they meet the requirements of sacrifice as originally demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The selected animals are herbivorous, domesticated livestock that provide sufficient meat for distribution among families, neighbours, and those in need.
Each permitted animal holds significance. Sheep and goats are easily available, making them affordable and practical for individual sacrifices. Cows allow multiple people to share in the reward of Qurbani (as each person contributes part of the cost of the animal as their own act of Qurbani), making them cost-effective for families and groups. Camels are less common, hold a unique spiritual and cultural importance, particularly in regions where they are traditionally raised, such as the Middle East.
Let us explore what causes the cost of animals for Qurbani to fluctuate. Data suggests, it is based on these several factors. Prices are generally lower in rural areas where animals are bred compared to urban centres. The price also depends on the date; the closer it gets to Eid al-Adha, the higher the demand for animals. This often causes price surges. Wider economic factors will also influence the overall price for livestock throughout the year – challenging conditions for farmers will lead to less overall demand and lower prices. Premium breeds and larger, heavier animals often sell for higher prices due to the larger quantity of meat they provide and their higher status as an offering.
While Muslims should plan and budget for their Qurbani to ensure it is affordable for them and will not place them in hardship, they should not forget the higher meaning behind Qurbani and that it is meant to be a sacrifice, not just a transaction. The core purpose of Qurbani lies in having Tawakkul (faith and dependence in Allah SWT), carrying out the sacrifice, and generosity through charity afterwards.
Performing Qurbani is not merely about fulfilling a religious duty but also about sharing blessings with those who are less fortunate. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the needy, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society get in the joy of Eid.
Organizations like Muslim Aid help facilitate Qurbani donations by offering services to distribute meat to impoverished communities worldwide. This ensures that people in need, who may rarely have access to nutritious meat, can benefit from the generosity of those performing Qurbani.
You will now have gained a better understanding of what animals are eligible for sacrifice. So, for a quick recap, the qualified animals include sheep, goats, cows, and camels, each with specific age and health requirements. The price of sheep for Qurbani, cow price for Qurbani, and price of camel for Qurbani depend on various factors such as breed, location, and demand.
By understanding what animals are allowed for Qurbani, Muslims can make informed decisions about their sacrifice, ensuring that their Qurbani is performed in accordance with Islamic principles. Allah (SWT) wants ease for his believers, so a variation of animals means that there is something available for everyone. Furthermore, Qurbani serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and charity, reinforcing the values that lie at the heart of Eid al-Adha.
For those looking to perform their Qurbani through a reliable organisation, here at Muslim Aid we provide an excellent platform for you to contribute, ensuring that the meat reaches those who need it most. This allows Muslims to uphold their religious obligations while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, homelessness, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities.
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