What are the rules of Qurbani

What are the rules of Qurbani? Find out who is required to give, eligible to receive and much more

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (as). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (swt)” [Tirmidhi]

Qurbani translates as ‘sacrifice’, and the tradition of Qurbani is a sacred sacrifice that Muslims make every year. In the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, Muslims everywhere slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow, buffalo or camel – to honour and commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) steadfastness in faith and willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (as), for the sake of God. In 2022, your Qurbani donation means more than ever, and at Muslim Charity, we aim to reach even more people in need.

The history of your sacred sacrifice

With every Qurbani donation to Muslim Charity, a healthy animal is sacrificed in line with Shariah guidelines and Qurbani rules. The meat is then distributed to needy and vulnerable communities, helping to spread the blessings of Eid-ul-Adha, while also tackling hunger.

The blessed tradition of Qurbani was passed down to us by our Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as). We carry out Qurbani each year to reflect on and honour their unshakeable devotion to Allah (swt) and the sacrifices they were willing to make for Allah alone.

Prophet Ibrahim (as) had a series of dreams where he was being commanded to sacrifice his only, beloved son, Ismail (as). When Ibrahim (as) relayed his dreams to his son, Ismail (as) comforted his father, reminding him of Allah’s mercy.

Who should give Qurbani?

‘He (Ismail) said, “O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient”’. (Qur’an, 37:102)

At the time of sacrifice, Ibrahim (as) blindfolded himself so he would not see his son suffering. Allah intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s (as) place, sparing his son.

Ismail (as) was spared because Ibrahim (as) proved his devotion to Allah (swt), and willingness to sacrifice the thing most beloved to him, despite the pain it would cause him. In light of this incredible sacrifice, we are asked to make a small sacrifice every year, as Prophet Ibrahim (as) was willing to sacrifice everything. Your Qurbani donation is your own sacrifice, symbolic of devotion to Allah (swt) and detachment from the material world.

Making a Qurbani donation is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars. In the Hanafi madhab, making a Qurbani donation is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially able to do so.

The majority of scholars believe that all those Muslims who are able-bodied and able to pay Zakat should also make a Qurbani donation.

The Rules for Qurbani

There are a number of Qurbani rules which dictate which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of the life it has led, its health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out. These rules must be followed for the sacrifice to ensure your Qurbani donation is valid.

Qurbani must be carried out after Eid salah, up to the end of the third day of Eid.
Qurbani animals must be of a specific age:

Sheep/Goats: should be at least one year in age (one person’s Qurbani)
Cows/Buffalo: should be at least two years in age (seven people’s Qurbani)
Camels: should be of at least five years in age (seven people’s Qurbani)

All animals must be healthy and free of disease, including the following conditions:

They cannot be too thin or weak
They must be able to walk themselves to the site of the slaughter, and so must not have a leg that is damaged or weak preventing them from walking
They must have at least half of their teeth
They must not be blind or with only one eye

Qurbani slaughter must be done in a specific way:

A sharp knife must be used to carry out the Qurbani to help limit pain and suffering
Knives must be sharpened away from the animals to prevent fear and anxiety
An animal must not be slaughtered in front of another animal
When the sacrifice is being made, the words “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” must be recited
Animals must only be skinned once it is completely cold

Your Qurbani donation with Muslim Charity

At Muslim Charity, we fulfil your Qurbani in line with all the rules and Islamic guidelines. We reach some of the world’s most vulnerable and impoverished communities, distributing fresh, nutritious meat over the blessed days of Eid. Many people will be eating meat for the first time this year thanks to your sacrifice. In a world where the hunger crisis is worsening, and millions are starving, your Qurbani will make the world of difference.

Your Qurbani starts at just £20.

What are the rules of Qurbani?

Find out who is required to give, eligible to receive and much more

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