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What Is Qurbani in Islam and Why It Matters
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What Is Qurbani in Islam and Why It Matters

Learn what Qurbani is in Islam, its spiritual meaning, and how this act of sacrifice supports vulnerable communities and strengthens faith.

Qurbani is one of the most important acts of worship performed by Muslims during Eid al-Adha. Often described as the Eid al-Adha sacrifice, Qurbani refers to the ritual sacrifice in Islam in which a prescribed livestock animal is offered purely for the sake of Allah. While the outward act involves sacrificing an animal, the true meaning of Qurbani lies in faith, obedience, and sincere devotion.

Each year, Muslims around the world perform Qurbani as a reminder that belief in Islam is not only expressed through words but through actions that reflect trust in Allah and compassion towards others.

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.”

The Meaning of Qurbani in the Islamic Calendar

The word Qurbani comes from an Arabic root meaning closeness. In Islamic understanding, Qurbani is something offered to draw closer to Allah. This act is tied closely to the Islamic calendar, as Qurbani is observed on the day of Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic year.

Dhul Hijjah is also the month of the Hajj pilgrimage, when millions of Muslims gather in Makkah to perform sacred rites. Qurbani takes place at the same time, linking Muslims who are not on Hajj with those who are. This creates a single, global moment of worship where believers collectively honour sacrifice, obedience, and gratitude.

The Qurbani Story: Sacrifice and Obedience

At the heart of Qurbani lies the Qurbani story, rooted in one of the most profound moments in Islamic history: the Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice. When Allah commanded Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail, Ibrahim showed complete submission and trust. This moment demonstrated true faith and a deep willingness to sacrifice what was most beloved for the sake of Allah.

At the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, showing that Allah does not desire harm, but sincerity, obedience, and reliance on Him. This event defines the Eid al-Adha definition itself. Eid al-Adha commemorates devotion, trust in Allah’s wisdom, and submission to His command.

The Arabic term Udhiya (used as a synonym) refers to the same act of worship. Whether called Qurbani or Udhiya, the meaning and ruling remain the same in Islam.

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Qurbani as an Act of Worship and Sunnah

Qurbani is not a cultural tradition; it is one of the recognised acts of sacrifice in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practised Qurbani, and he consistently performed it whenever he had the means. This is why scholars refer to Qurbani as the Sunnah of Qurbani, firmly established in prophetic practice.

The Qur’an clarifies that Allah does not need the meat or blood of the sacrifice. Rather, what reaches Him is sincerity and intention. This ensures that performing the sacrifice remains an act of spiritual devotion rather than a symbolic ritual.

Is Qurbani Mandatory in Islam?

Many people ask whether Qurbani is mandatory in Islam or if Qurbani is compulsory for all Muslims. According to the Hanafi school of Islamic law, Qurbani is Qurbani wajib for adult Muslims who are of sound mind and possess wealth above the nisab threshold during the days of Eid.

Other schools of thought classify Qurbani as a strongly emphasised Qurbani Sunnah, meaning it is not sinful to omit if one has a valid excuse, but should not be neglected by those who are able. Despite these differences, scholars agree that capable Muslims should strive to offer a sacrifice as part of their Eid worship.

Islam does not burden those who are unable to afford Qurbani. Those experiencing hardship are not required to give it and can still engage in other acts of worship and charity.

The Sacrificial Animal and the Act of Sacrifice

Qurbani must involve a valid sacrificial animal from one of the specified categories of livestock. These include sheep, goats, cattle, or camels, making Qurbani a form of livestock sacrifice governed by Islamic guidelines.

A sheep or goat is considered a small animal and represents one complete Qurbani for one person. Larger animals, such as cows or camels, may be shared. This is where the concept of a Qurbani share applies. Up to seven individuals may share one large animal, with each share counting as a full Qurbani.

All Qurbanis involve sacrificing an animal during the prescribed days of Eid al-Adha, following Islamic principles of care, respect, and humane treatment.

Charity, Distribution, and Social Responsibility

A defining feature of Qurbani is its charitable purpose. Qurbani has always been closely linked with feeding the poor and caring for vulnerable communities. After the sacrifice, the meat is distributed among family members, relatives, and those in need.

This emphasis on sharing meat ensures that Eid al-Adha is experienced collectively rather than privately. In many parts of the world, Qurbani time is the only occasion when families living in poverty receive meat, making this act both spiritually and socially significant.

Through Qurbani charity, Muslims transform an act of worship into nourishment, dignity, and relief for others.

Qurbani Donation and Giving Through Charity

Many Muslims today fulfil Qurbani through Qurbani donation, particularly when living in countries such as the UK. Giving Qurbani in the UK through a trusted organisation allows donors to meet their religious duty while ensuring the sacrifice is performed correctly and reaches those who need it most.

By giving Qurbani through charity, Muslims appoint the charity as their agent. The organisation arranges the sacrifice during the correct days and ensures the meat reaches communities affected by poverty, conflict, or food insecurity, preserving the original spirit of Qurbani.

Qurbani and the Global Ummah

Qurbani is one of the most powerful examples of collective worship in Islam. During the days of Eid al-Adha, millions of believers across continents are offering Qurbani at the same time, united by intention and faith.

This shared act strengthens the bond of the Ummah and reinforces Islam’s emphasis on collective responsibility, compassion, and mutual care.

The Lasting Impact of Qurbani

Qurbani leaves a lasting impact on both the giver and the recipient. Spiritually, it nurtures humility, gratitude, and closeness to Allah. Socially, it alleviates hunger and strengthens communities.

Islamic teachings describe sincere acts of sacrifice as deeds that endure beyond this life. For this reason, Qurbani is often viewed as an investment in the Hereafter, benefiting believers long after the days of Eid have passed.

FAQs:

  • What is the meaning of Qurbani?
    Qurbani means “sacrifice” and derives from an Arabic root meaning “closeness.” In Islam, Qurbani refers to sacrificing a livestock animal during Eid al-Adha to seek closeness to Allah, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim and demonstrating obedience, devotion, and gratitude through a prescribed act of worship.
  • Is Qurbani mandatory in Islam?
    Qurbani is mandatory (wajib) according to the Hanafi school for adult Muslims who possess wealth above the nisab threshold during Eid days. Other schools consider it a highly emphasised Sunnah. Most scholars agree that Muslims who are able should not neglect Qurbani without a valid reason.
  • What is a Qurbani share?
    A Qurbani share is one-seventh of a large animal, such as a cow or camel. Islamic law allows up to seven people to share one large animal, with each share counting as a complete Qurbani for one individual. Sheep and goats cannot be shared.
  • What is the sacrifice of a goat in Qurbani?
    The sacrifice of a goat in Qurbani means offering one goat as a complete Qurbani on behalf of one person. The goat must meet Islamic age and health requirements and be sacrificed during Eid al-Adha after the Eid prayer, in accordance with proper halal slaughter guidelines.
  • What is the definition of Eid al-Adha?
    Eid al-Adha is the Islamic festival known as the Festival of Sacrifice. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Eid al-Adha occurs on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and is marked by prayer, Qurbani, charity, and communal celebration.
  • Can I give Qurbani in the UK through a charity?
    Yes, Muslims in the UK can fulfil their Qurbani through trusted charities. The charity acts as your agent, arranging the sacrifice during the correct Eid days and distributing the meat to those in need. This approach is widely accepted and ensures global humanitarian impact.
  • Why does Islamic Help focus on overseas Qurbani?
    Islamic Help prioritises overseas Qurbani because, in many regions, families rarely eat meat outside Eid. Your Qurbani provides essential nutrition and dignity to vulnerable households, ensuring the sacrifice fulfils both its spiritual purpose and humanitarian responsibility.
  • Can I give more than one Qurbani?
    Yes, you may give more than one Qurbani if you are able. After fulfilling your required Qurbani, offering an additional sacrifice is a voluntary act often called a Prophetic Qurbani. This follows the example of the Prophet Muhammad and extends the blessing to others.

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