Qurbani, or Udhiyah in Arabic, means sacrifice. Every year Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, a sheep, a cow or a camel – to reflect Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of God.

Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an:
And carry out the Hajj and the Umrah for God. But if you are prevented, then whatever is feasible of offerings. And do not shave your heads until the offering has reached its destination. Whoever of you is sick, or has an injury of the head, then redemption of fasting, or charity, or worship. When you are secure: whoever continues the Umrah until the Hajj, then whatever is feasible of offering. But if he lacks the means, then fasting for three days during the Hajj and seven when you have returned, making ten in all. This is for he whose household is not present at the Sacred Mosque. And remain conscious of God, and know that God is stern in retribution
(Quran 2:196)  English -  Arabic -


Those who are eligible to give Qurbani must either sacrifice an animal or make a donation equivalent to the value of a sacrificial animal on the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah (after special Eid prayers). Monetary Qurbani donations go towards purchasing/rearing animals that can be sacrificed in poor communities so that everyone can enjoy a nutritious meal and the Eid al-Adha celebrations.


Qurbani is mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who are above the age of puberty and would qualify for paying Zakat. This means that your wealth meets and/or exceeds the nisab value.


The Hanafi school of thought states that giving Qurbani is obligatory for: - Every sane Muslim of mature age (who has reached puberty)
- Non-traveling persons
- Those who additionally own wealth which is beyond their needs, equal to (or more than) the current level of nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.35 grams of silver)
You are allowed to offer more than one sacrifice.

According to most Muslims, Qurbani is compulsory on every sane adult Muslim male/female who has wealth in excess to his/her needs. Normally, if you're eligible to pay Zakat, then you're also obliged to give Qurbani.


The opinion on whether Qurbani is compulsory or not differs between the different schools of thought. However, for the benefit of those less fortunate, the sacred act of Qurbani should be considered a Fardh for anyone who is of a mature age (has reached the age of puberty), and possesses wealth above the nisab threshold.


You must aim to give your Qurbani donation in a timely manner. IslamiCity aims to implement all Qurbanis over three days (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah).

The time for sacrifice ends when the sun sets on the fourth day. Therefore, you can make payments right up until the end of the third day after Eid (13th of Dhul-Hijjah) before Maghrib salah. However, we advise giving your Qurbani as early as possible.

We purchase the animals to be slaughtered in advance based on forecasted quotas. Hence if you give a Qurbani on any of these days, the Qurbani will be carried out in time.


When you donate “1 Qurbani,” your donation equals one sheep or goat OR 1/7 of a cow, bull or buffalo. Your donation can provide from 50 pounds (sheep/goat) to 70 pounds (cow/bull/buffalo/ox) of fresh meat, which in turn feeds about 5 to 10 families.


How Many Qurbani per Family? There should be one share donated for each person in the family. For example, a family of six should donate six shares of Qurbani between them, although they may choose to donate more which is permissible.


- One part for the person who supplied the animal
- One part to be shared out among their family, friends or neighbors
- One part to be given to those in need


Qurbani donations that have been missed in previous years can be made up this year by making contributions for additional Qurbani shares.