Qurbani rules in Islam

May 22, 2024

To present a qurbani (sacrificial offering) is not merely ritual—it is a sanctified devotion, a soul-bound testament of obedience cherished by the Almighty (SWT). Each year, as the consecrated days of Dhul Hijjah dawn, Muslims across the globe engage in the solemn act of animal sacrifice—be it a goat, sheep, bovine, or camel—as a tribute to Prophet Ibrahim’s unfaltering readiness to relinquish his beloved son Ismail (AS) for the sake of the Divine. Yet, this sacred rite carries nuanced stipulations that demand reverence and adherence for one’s qurbani to be considered valid.

What governs the sacred offering of qurbani?

Who is obligated to participate? When must the sacrificial act be fulfilled? What other elements are essential to observe?
Put your uncertainties to rest. The following guide unfurls every vital layer of this venerable deed.

Who is Mandated to Offer Qurbani?

Predominantly, qurbani is urged upon the faithful as a virtuous deed. However, within the Hanafi framework, it takes on a binding nature—compulsory upon each mentally sound, adult Muslim possessing surplus wealth beyond essential needs (i.e., exceeding the nisab).
In practical terms, those liable for zakat are invariably the ones responsible for qurbani.
According to Hanafi legal thought, it becomes binding upon:

Any Muslim of sound mind who has reached physical maturity (post-pubescence)
Residents (non-travelers)
Individuals possessing wealth beyond basic sustenance, equivalent to or exceeding the nisab threshold (currently: 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver)

As of May 2, 2025, the threshold’s contemporary value:

Silver benchmark: 612.36g = $640.40
Gold benchmark: 87.48g = $9,162.77

When Does Qurbani Become an Obligation?

While interpretations vary across jurisprudential schools, consensus holds that those reaching physical maturity and holding wealth above nisab are either bound or strongly encouraged to partake in this devotional rite. Its recompense is immense, particularly when offered with the intention of alleviating the burdens of the destitute.

When Should the Animal Be Procured?

Timeliness is essential. The window for sacrifice concludes with the sunset of Dhul Hijjah’s fourth day. Donations are accepted until Maghrib on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (third day post-Eid). Nonetheless, early contributions are highly advised to ensure orderly execution.

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Honorary advisor of BASMAH

Timing of the Sacrifice Itself

Jurists diverge on whether qurbani is permissible for three or four days. To honor all scholarly voices, BASMAH typically completes all sacrificial offerings within three days unless exigencies or local custom necessitate an extension.
Animals are pre-purchased based on anticipated demand. Thus, any donation within the time frame guarantees timely fulfillment.

Distribution of Qurbani Meat

Animals are sacrificed locally via BASMAH’s country-based operations. Post-slaughter, the meat is disseminated amongst the impoverished. Should domestic livestock prove insufficient or compromised (e.g., disaster-struck regions), the animals are ethically sourced, slaughtered abroad, and transported to meet local needs—all in accordance with Islamic principles.

Eligible Species and Conditions

Animals designated for qurbani must meet specific criteria:

Sheep/Goats: Minimum 1 year old (1 share per individual)
Cows/Buffalo: Minimum 2 years old (equivalent to 7 shares)
Camels: Minimum 5 years old (7 shares)

Only animals in good health may be sacrificed. Disqualifying conditions include:

Emaciation or extreme frailty
Inability to ambulate independently
Missing more than half their dentition
One-eyed or blind
Limping with impaired mobility

Ritual Protocol of Sacrifice

To sanctify the slaughter as qurbani, specific rites must be observed:

Employ a sharp blade to avoid undue distress
Sharpening must not occur in the animal’s presence
No animal should witness the slaughter of another
The invocations “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” must be uttered at the moment of sacrifice
The animal must not be flayed until its body has cooled post-mortem

Division of the Meat

Traditionally, the meat is apportioned into three equal portions:

One portion retained by the offerer
One gifted to kin and companions
One entrusted to the indigent

However, when delegated to BASMAH, all three portions are extended entirely to the needy, especially in regions stricken with hardship.

Who Qualifies to Receive Qurbani Meat?

BASMAH employs a tiered scoring protocol to guarantee equitable distribution. Priority is conferred upon:

Households below the national poverty benchmark
Female-led families
Homes with elderly or disabled dependents
Children under five
Pregnant or lactating women
Families with limited or no access to commerce or marketplaces

Is Grooming Forbidden During Dhul Hijjah?

There exists scholarly divergence. Within the Hanbali tradition, trimming nails or hair post-sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent (until sacrifice) is strictly prohibited. The dominant view across other schools regards refraining as meritorious but not obligatory.

How Many Shares Must Be Given?

Every Muslim meeting the criteria must contribute at least one qurbani share:

1 sheep/goat = 1 share
1/7 of a cow/buffalo/camel = 1 share

The Prophet (ﷺ) himself offered multiple sacrifices—both on his own behalf and for the collective Muslim nation. Many emulate this by giving for deceased parents or to multiply reward.

Family Obligations

Under the Hanafi school, each qualified adult within a household must individually fulfill their qurbani obligation:

1 sheep/goat per person
Or, 1 large animal sufficing for up to 7 qualifying individuals

Spousal Requirements

Both husband and wife—if financially solvent by nisab standards—must present a distinct sacrifice each. Wealth in excess of basic needs (gold/silver valuation) mandates personal qurbani per Hanafi guidance.

Making Up for Missed Qurbani

If qurbanis from prior years were overlooked, one can rectify by calculating missed years and donating equivalent shares presently. For instance, three missed years require four total shares this year (three retroactive + one current).

Restrictions Upon Commencement of Dhul Hijjah

Upon the sighting of Dhul Hijjah’s new moon, it is recommended—especially by traditional jurists—to abstain from clipping nails, cutting hair, or altering skin until the qurbani is rendered.

Reap the Divine Bounty of Dhul Hijjah

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are awash with blessings unmatched. Embrace this hallowed interval. Offer your sacrifice with solemnity, humility, and generosity.
Give your qurbani through BASMAH—extend sustenance, spread mercy.