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.
We have also provided further detailed answers to some of the frequently asked questions about how Qurbani works.
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.
Every Muslim must perform Qurbani. The only exceptions are as follows:
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 whom 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.
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.
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, the meat should be shared by weight, not by approximation. You cannot pay the butcher for 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 people experiencing poverty.
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 share. It is common for households to donate a larger animal worth seven shares, but it is not mandatory.
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 2023 and Qurbani preparations are anticipated to start on Wednesday, 28 June, ending on Sunday, 2 July, 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.
Qurbani animals should be purchased a few days before the sacrifice. They must be properly fed and well cared for in the intervening days.
The animals that are eligible should meet minimum requirements, such as the age of the animal for Qurbani and their condition, including:
In addition, all animals must be healthy and free of disease, including the following conditions:
To fulfil the rules of the Qurbani festival, slaughterers and slaughterhouses should abide by the following regulations:
It is best to slaughter the animal yourself, but if you do not know how, you should remain present whilst someone else sacrifices the creature. It is also necessary to say "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" when slaughtering the animal. Slaughtered animals are not to be skinned until completely cold.
In the UK, animal slaughter can only be carried out by recognised and registered slaughterhouses, but Muslim Aid has made it easy for you to pay your Qurbani directly to us.
You can also donate Qurbani to Need is Greatest, which ensures fresh meat is distributed to the communities facing the most hardship in areas of conflict and poverty. Our teams are on the ground in the worst affected countries, getting food parcels and Qurbani shares to isolated communities or those caught in high-risk zones.
Donate your Qurbani with Muslim Aid today and bring a family in need some joy this Eid al-Adha.
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