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Is Qurbani Mandatory in Islam and Who Must Give It?
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Is Qurbani Mandatory in Islam and Who Must Give It?

Learn whether Qurbani is mandatory in Islam, who must give it, and how eligibility depends on financial status and personal circumstances.

As Eid al-Adha approaches, many Muslims ask an important question: Is Qurbani mandatory in Islam, or is it a voluntary act of worship? Understanding who must give Qurbani depends on Islamic rulings, financial eligibility, and personal circumstances.

Qurbani is a deeply rewarding act of worship, but it is not required of every Muslim. Islam sets clear criteria to determine who is eligible to pay and who is exempt.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains.”

Is Qurbani Mandatory or Compulsory?

Whether Qurbani is compulsory depends on the school of Islamic law followed.

According to the Hanafi school, Qurbani is Qurbani wajib for Muslims who meet specific conditions. Wajib means obligatory, though slightly below the level of fard. Failing to perform a wajib act without a valid reason is considered sinful.

Other schools of thought (Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali) classify Qurbani as a Qurbani Sunnah, meaning it is a strongly emphasised practice but not strictly compulsory. Despite this difference, scholars agree that Muslims who are able should not neglect Qurbani lightly.

Who Must Give Qurbani?

Qurbani applies to adult Muslims who meet all of the following conditions:

  • They have reached puberty
  • They are of sound mind
  • They possess wealth above the nisab threshold during Eid days
  • They are financially eligible to pay Zakat

This obligation applies equally to men and women. Qurbani is not automatically the responsibility of the household head. Instead, each eligible adult Muslim is individually responsible for performing Qurbani if they meet the criteria.

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What Does It Mean to Be Eligible to Pay?

Being eligible to pay Zakat is a key benchmark for Qurbani. The nisab threshold is the minimum level of wealth that separates financial hardship from surplus.

For Qurbani:

  • Wealth does not need to be held for a full lunar year
  • If a person meets the nisab threshold on the day of Eid, Qurbani becomes due (Hanafi view)

This means someone who does not usually pay Zakat may still be required to perform Qurbani if they temporarily have sufficient wealth during Eid al-Adha.

Is Qurbani Required for Women?

Yes. Women who possess wealth above the nisab threshold are required to give Qurbani according to the Hanafi school. Cultural practices may differ, but Islamic rulings apply equally to men and women.

Families may organise Qurbani donations together, but the intention must cover each eligible adult individually.

Are Children Required to Give Qurbani?

No. Children are not required to give Qurbani, even if they possess wealth. The obligation applies only to those who have reached puberty and are of sound mind.

Parents may choose to donate their Qurbani on behalf of a child as a voluntary act, but this is optional and not required.

What If Someone Cannot afford Qurbani?

Islam does not impose hardship. If a Muslim does not possess wealth above the nisab threshold, Qurbani is not required.

Those facing difficulty are exempt and should not feel pressure to offer a sacrifice. Instead, they may engage in other acts of worship or charity according to their means.

How Many Qurbanis Are Required?

There is no “one Qurbani per household” rule. The obligation is per eligible person.

  • If only one adult in a family is eligible, one Qurbani is required
  • If multiple adults are eligible, each must perform Qurbani individually

Whether offering a small animal such as a goat or a share in a larger animal, responsibility is tied to the individual, not the family unit.

Performing Qurbani Correctly

Qurbani involves the sacrifice of an animal during the days of Eid al Adha, specifically on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It must be done after the Eid prayer, which marks the start of the valid Qurbani period.

The act commemorates when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice son Ismail, demonstrating submission and trust in Allah. Following this example, Muslims today perform Qurbani as an act of worship and gratitude.

Giving Qurbani Through Charity

Many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani through charities, particularly in regions such as the UK, Europe, or the Middle East. Giving Qurbani through charity allows donors to appoint an agent to perform the sacrifice correctly and distribute meat to those in need.

This method ensures compliance with Islamic rulings while allowing the meat to reach vulnerable families efficiently.

FAQs:

  • Is Qurbani mandatory in Islam?
    Qurbani is mandatory (wajib) according to the Hanafi school for Muslims who possess wealth above the nisab threshold during Eid days. Other schools consider it a highly emphasised Sunnah. Across all opinions, Muslims who are able are strongly encouraged not to neglect Qurbani.
  • Who must give Qurbani?
    Qurbani applies to adult Muslims of sound mind who possess wealth above the nisab threshold during Eid al-Adha. This includes both men and women. Each eligible individual is responsible for their own Qurbani, rather than the obligation applying once per household.
  • Is Qurbani required if I pay Zakat?
    If you are eligible to pay Zakat, you are generally also required to give Qurbani according to the Hanafi school. Unlike Zakat, Qurbani does not require holding wealth for a full lunar year, only that the nisab threshold is met on Eid days.
  • Do women need to give Qurbani?
    Yes. Women who possess wealth above the nisab threshold are required to give Qurbani under the Hanafi ruling. Families may arrange Qurbanis together, but the intention should cover each eligible adult woman individually.
  • Do children need to give Qurbani?
    No. Children are not required to give Qurbani. The obligation applies only to adult Muslims who have reached puberty and are of sound mind. Parents may give a voluntary Qurbani on behalf of a child, but this is optional.
  • What if I cannot afford Qurbani?
    If you do not possess wealth above the nisab threshold, Qurbani is not required. Islam does not burden individuals beyond their means. Those facing hardship are exempt and may engage in other acts of worship or charity instead.

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