After the Qurbani sacrifice is completed, the next step is distributing the meat. Islam provides clear guidance on how to share Qurbani meat so that the sacrifice benefits the donor, their community, and those in need.

This guide explains the recommended way to divide Qurbani meat, what the different schools of thought say, and answers common questions about what is and isn't permitted.

For the full rules on who must give Qurbani and which animals are eligible, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How

What the Quran and Sunnah Say About Sharing Qurbani Meat

The Quran addresses the sharing of Qurbani meat directly in Surah al-Hajj:

"Then eat from them and feed the desperate and the poor." — Surah al-Hajj, 22:28

"So eat of them and feed the contented [i.e., those who do not ask] and the beggar." — Surah al-Hajj, 22:36

The Sunnah reinforces this further. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave clear guidance on how to treat the meat:

"Eat, store, and give in charity." — Sahih Muslim

In the early years, the Prophet (ﷺ) had temporarily prohibited keeping sacrificial meat beyond three days, due to a shortage affecting those in need. Once this hardship had passed, he lifted the restriction and made clear that all three acts – eating, storing, and giving in charity – are part of the Sunnah:

"I had forbidden you to keep the meat of the sacrificed animals beyond three days so that those who have could share with those who do not. Now eat, give in charity, and store." — Sahih Muslim

This establishes that eating, sharing, and storing are all permitted and encouraged as acts of the Sunnah.

The Recommended Way to Divide Qurbani Meat

Based on the Quranic verses and Sunnah above, scholars have identified a three-part division as the recommended approach:

• One third for the donor and their household – It is Sunnah for the person giving Qurbani to eat from the meat.
• One third as gifts to relatives, friends, and neighbours – Sharing with those around you strengthens community ties and reflects the spirit of the occasion.
• One third for the poor and those in need – This is the most important portion; the Quran specifically commands that the needy are fed.

This division is a recommendation, not a strict obligation. If someone chooses to give more to the poor – even all of it – that is permissible and rewarded. What is not permitted is to give none of it to those in need.

What the Four Schools of Thought Say

Hanafi and Hanbali view

Both the Hanafi and Hanbali schools consider the three-part equal division to be preferred. Giving a greater portion to the poor is encouraged and carries additional reward.

Shafi'i view

The Shafi'i school recommends giving the majority of the meat to the poor. The donor should eat at least a small amount – even a single bite – as this fulfils the Sunnah of eating from one's own sacrifice.

Maliki view

The Maliki school does not prescribe a fixed ratio. The key principle is that some portion of the meat must reach those in need. Beyond this, the division is left to the donor's discretion.

Despite these differences, all four schools of thought agree on two points: eating from the sacrifice is Sunnah, and sharing with the poor is required.

Common Questions About Qurbani Meat Distribution

Can you give Qurbani meat to non-Muslims?

Yes. The majority of scholars, including Imam al-Nawawi and the broader Shafi'i tradition, permit giving Qurbani meat to non-Muslims. The Quran's instruction to feed "the poor" is not restricted to Muslims, and giving to a non-Muslim neighbour or colleague in need is a valid and praiseworthy act.

Can you sell Qurbani meat?

No. It is unanimously prohibited to sell any part of the sacrificed animal, including the meat, skin, or bones. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever sells the skin of his sacrifice, there is no sacrifice for him." — Reported by al-Hakim and al-Bayhaqi

Can you pay the butcher with the meat?

No. Paying the butcher with the meat or any part of the animal is not permitted. The butcher's fee must be paid separately in cash or equivalent. This is established by the hadith of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA):

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered me to take charge of his sacrificial camels, to distribute their meat, skins, and blankets to the poor, and not to give the butcher anything from them." — Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

The butcher may, however, receive a portion of the meat as a separate gift from the charitable share – but this must not be in lieu of their fee.

Can you freeze or store Qurbani meat?

Yes. Once the charitable and gift portions have been distributed, the remaining meat may be frozen and stored for personal use. There is no time limit on how long it can be kept, as the Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly permitted storing after the earlier restriction was lifted.

Is there a deadline for distributing the meat?

The sacrifice itself must take place during the designated days of Eid al-Adha (10th–12th Dhul Hijjah, with the Hanbali school also permitting the 13th). The meat can be distributed after the sacrifice has been completed; there is no fixed deadline for distribution, though distributing promptly is preferred so that those in need receive it while it is fresh.

What Happens When You Give Qurbani Through a Charity?

When you give Qurbani through a charity, the entire animal is sacrificed on your behalf and the meat is distributed directly to families in need. This fulfils the charitable portion of your Qurbani – and in fact, the full animal goes to those who need it most.

If you would also like to fulfil the Sunnah of eating from your own sacrifice, you can offer a second local Qurbani for your household. This is not required – your Qurbani through charity is complete and valid – but it is an option for those who wish to observe all aspects of the practice.

Human Appeal carries out Qurbani in 20 or more countries, with sacrifices performed after the Eid prayer within the correct timeframe, and meat distributed to vulnerable families on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should Qurbani meat be divided?

The recommended division is three equal parts: one third for the donor and family, one third as gifts to relatives and neighbours, and one third for the poor. This is based on Quran 22:28 and established Sunnah practice.

Can I give all my Qurbani meat to the poor?

Yes. Giving all of the meat to those in need is permissible and carries extra reward. When you give Qurbani through a charity, the entire animal is distributed to families living in poverty.

Can non-Muslims receive Qurbani meat?

Yes. The majority of scholars permit giving Qurbani meat to non-Muslims, particularly those in need.

Can I sell any part of the Qurbani animal?

No. Selling the meat, skin, or any other part of the sacrificed animal is prohibited. The butcher's fee must be paid separately and cannot be deducted from the animal.

How long can I keep Qurbani meat?

There is no time limit. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Now eat, give in charity, and store." The meat can be frozen and kept for as long as needed after the charitable and gift portions have been distributed.

This article is for general educational purposes. Where scholars differ, all established views are presented. For rulings specific to your circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

Different Opinions from Scholars:

• Hanafis and Hanbalis: Prefer the 1/3 rule, but giving more to the poor is encouraged.
• Shafi’is: Give most to the poor.
• Malikis: No set rule—give and eat as you wish.

Deadline for Distribution:

Sacrifice must happen by sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, but meat can be distributed after Eid if needed.

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