Qurbani holds immense significance in Islamic tradition, symbolising the ultimate act of devotion, gratitude, and obedience to Allah. This ritual, commemorated annually, emulates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) as an act of obedience to divine command. 

This annual event fosters community spirit, provides for the less fortunate, and underscores the principles of equality and charity through initiatives to donate Qurbani. 

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, commemorates the ultimate act of devotion to Allah exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). 

Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience is revered, marking his willingness to sacrifice for Allah’s command. 

This ritual is observed annually during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, coinciding with Eid ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. It serves as a profound reminder of the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and submission to Allah’s will. 

The act also highlights the values of compassion and charity, as the meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed among family, friends, and those in need, emphasising the Islamic tenet of caring for the less fortunate. 

It is a practice embedded in Islamic tradition, traces its origins to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). 

In Islamic tradition, Qurbani commemorates the moment when Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by instructing him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS). This narrative is detailed in Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107) of the Holy Qur’an. 

When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) demonstrated his unwavering faith and obedience, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead of his son. This moment highlighted Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to submit to Allah’s command. 

This foundational story is celebrated annually during Eid al-Adha, when Muslims around the world honour Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy through the ritual of Qurbani. The act serves as a testament to faith, obedience, and the spirit of sacrifice in Islam. 

Understanding the historical significance enhances the appreciation of this deeply rooted Islamic ritual. 

It is known as Udhiya, is obligatory for every adult Muslim of sound mind who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold. The sacrifice must occur after the Eid al-Adha prayer, and Qurbani animals should be healthy, free from defects, and meet age requirements. 

Eligible animals include sheep, goats, cows, and camels, with specific guidelines on how the meat should be distributed. Traditionally, the meat is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the needy. 

For those wondering how to calculate Qurbani, the larger the animal, the greater the number of available shares. Therefore, goats and sheep account for one share, whilst camels and cows are each worth seven shares. Each qualifying Muslim is required to donate one share and the head of the household must also donate on behalf of their dependents. Therefore, how much Qurbani 2025 per family will depend on the number of family members.

Many Muslims decide to donate on behalf of friends and family members who have passed on. While this is not compulsory, neither is it prohibited and will bring with it extra rewards, both for the person donating and for the person whose name it is being made in. Even if that person is in the afterlife, they will still receive the rewards and benefits from Allah (SWT).

Qurbani is obligatory for adult Muslims who possess wealth above the Nisab threshold and are of sound mind. 

• Nisab threshold: This refers to the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before they are liable to perform Qurbani. 
• Adult Muslim: Individuals who have reached puberty. 
• Sound mind: Muslims who are mentally capable of making such decisions. 
• Possession of wealth: Wealth must exceed the Nisab value after fulfilling basic needs and debts. 

If one meets these criteria, they are religiously obligated to perform the ritual. 

Exceptions exist for those who do not meet these requirements, exempting them from this obligation. 

For Qurbani, only specific types of livestock are eligible, each meeting distinct requirements. 

• Age: 

• Sheep and goats: At least one year old. 
• Cows and buffaloes: At least two years old. 
• Camels: At least five years old. 

• Health: 

• Free from any defects such as blindness or severe lameness. 
• Must not be extremely thin or frail. 

• Condition: 

• Animals should not be visibly sick or injured. 
• Teeth, horns, or tails should not be broken. 

Adhering to these criteria helps in fulfilling the ritual correctly and achieving spiritual acceptance. 

Ensuring the animal is healthy and of correct age reflects the sincerity of your sacrifice. 

Abiding by these guidelines ensures that the Qurbani is performed in accordance with Islamic teachings. 

To ensure your Qurbani is valid, avoid these common pitfalls. 

• Incorrect Intention (Niyyah): Ensure your intention is correct and for the sake of Allah alone. 
• Ineligible Animals: Make certain the animal meets the age and health requirements stipulated in Islamic law. 
• Improper Procedures: Follow the correct method for slaughtering, including reciting “Bismillah Allahu Akbar”. 
• Inaccurate Distribution: Distribute the meat correctly: one-third for family, one-third for friends, and one-third for the needy. 
• Delayed Sacrifice: Perform the sacrifice during the correct timeframe, which is after the Eid prayer over the three days of Eid al-Adha. 

Failing to follow these guidelines can compromise the validity of your Qurbani. 

Meticulous adherence ensures your sacrifice is both valid and pleasing to Allah. 

Plan ahead to avoid these errors and maximise the spiritual benefits

Distributing the meat is integral to the observance of Eid al-Adha, as it underscores the values of charity and community. Traditionally, the meat is divided into three equal shares: one-third for the family, one-third for friends, and one-third for the needy, thus embodying the spirit of generosity and equitable distribution. 

Different communities may have additional guidelines based on local needs and religious interpretations. However, it remains pivotal to ensure that at least one-third of the meat reaches those in need. By adhering to these principles, donors fulfil a significant part of their religious duty and contribute to societal well-being, reinforcing the communal ethos of Eid al-Adha. 

Regardless of location, it’s a Muslim’s duty to perform Qurbani; however, some areas may restrict the actual slaughtering of an animal. For instance, it’s not permitted for individuals in the UK to complete slaughters, as they must be executed by licenced slaughterhouses. Therefore, Muslims in the UK will typically donate an amount that’s equal to the number of shares they’re giving.

Similarly, pilgrims may pay for animals to be sacrificed at slaughterhouses near Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage. This way, they can ensure that the sacrifice is carried out whilst following Islamic practice. Upon the animal being slaughtered, it will be divided into three equal parts, including one for the donor, one for their family/friends, and one for the needy.

Here at Children of Adam, we accept your Qurbani 2025 donations, which we will use to perform the sacrifice and distribute the meat to the needy.

The recipients of meat are carefully delineated according to Islamic tradition, ensuring societal balance and compassion. 

Typically, the meat is apportioned into three parts: one-third for the donor’s family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the impoverished. 

This distribution method ensures the donor’s household benefits from the sacrifice while allowing them to strengthen social ties by sharing with friends and kin. 

Crucially, it ensures that disadvantaged individuals within the community receive vital nourishment, aligning the ritual with the prophetic traditions of empathy and support. 

Adherence to this structured distribution enriches the spiritual and social dimensions of Eid al-Adha, fulfilling both personal and communal obligations. 

Each eligible family member is obligated to give Qurbani; if more than one person in the household meets the eligibility requirements, it’s not permissible to give only one Qurbani. For example, two donations would be required of a family consisting of a husband, a wife, and two children so long as the parents’ wealth meets the Nisab threshold.

Despite this, the head of the household may also make donations for each of their children. Although this isn’t compulsory, the generous act will make the head of the household appear more righteous in the eyes of Allah (SWT).

With this being said, some animals will account for more than one share of. For instance, small animals such as goats and sheep count as one share, whereas larger animals, including cows/bulls, buffalos, and camels account for seven shares.

Typically speaking, those who have to give Qurbani will also donate on behalf of someone who can’t do so. This can be down to the fact that they don’t meet the above requirements or they’re no longer with us. As a result, the head of the household will usually give on behalf of their dependents or even their deceased relatives.

Should you miss an opportunity to give Qurbani, you can reconcile at a later date. For example, you might pay two shares of Qurbani the following year. 

It’s the duty of Muslims to do all they can to make a donation when they’re eligible. Qurbani is accepted on the 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th days of Dhul Hijjah, and the Qurbani Eid rules state that the sacrifices must take place subsequent to the Eid prayers. In fact, the Eid al-Adha Qurbani rules dictate that any sacrifice that takes place ahead of the Eid prayers or subsequent to the 12^th day of Dhul Hijjah won’t count as Qurbani.

If you’re eligible to give Qurbani, you can donate to Children of Adam, and we will guarantee that the sacrifice is performed by word of the Qur’an. Be sure to head over to our Qurbani page and make your donation.

Your generous donations enable us to make a difference in the lives of impoverished individuals across the globe. You can make sure someone in need receives a nutritious meal this Qurbani with Children of Adam. Do your bit, feed the hungry, and save a life, today.