Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is one of the most important acts of worship during Dhul Hijjah. Whether this is your first time giving or you've been doing it for years, questions come up every year – about timing, eligibility, meat distribution, and more.

Below are clear, sourced answers to the most common Qurbani questions, based on the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the positions of the four major schools of thought.

For a deeper look at the rules, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How

The basics

Why do we perform Qurbani?

Qurbani commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah. Before the sacrifice could take place, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram. This act of complete submission is remembered every year through Qurbani.

The command to sacrifice is mentioned directly in the Quran:

"So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]." — Surah al-Kawthar, 108:2

What is the difference between Qurbani and Udhiyah?

Qurbani and Udhiyah refer to the same act. Qurbani is the more commonly used term in South Asian and wider Muslim communities, derived from the Arabic word meaning "to draw close." Udhiyah is the classical Arabic term used in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), referring specifically to the sacrifice performed during the days of Eid al-Adha.

A related but distinct term is Hady – the sacrifice performed by those on Hajj. Hady is specific to the pilgrimage and has its own separate rulings. When people speak of Qurbani or Udhiyah, they are referring to the sacrifice performed by Muslims who are not on Hajj.

Is Qurbani obligatory or Sunnah?

Scholars differ on this question:

• Hanafi school: Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for every adult Muslim of sound mind who possesses the nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth that makes Zakat obligatory).
• Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools: Qurbani is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah) – strongly recommended but not strictly obligatory.

As a general guide, if you are eligible to pay Zakat, you should also give Qurbani.

Timing and eligibility

When is Qurbani performed?

Qurbani is performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah – the days of Eid al-Adha. The Hanbali school also permits sacrifice on the 13th. The sacrifice must take place after the Eid prayer on the 10th; any sacrifice made before the Eid prayer is not accepted as Qurbani and would be counted as ordinary charity (sadaqah).

For more on the dates and significance of this period, see: When Is Eid al-Adha: Date, Meaning, and How to Prepare

Which animals are eligible for Qurbani?

The following animals are eligible for Qurbani, subject to age and health requirements:

• Sheep: At least 6 months old (jadh'ah) – counts as one Qurbani share
• Goat: At least 1 year old – counts as one Qurbani share
• Cow or buffalo: At least 2 years old – counts as up to 7 Qurbani shares
• Camel: At least 5 years old – counts as up to 7 Qurbani shares

Animals must be free from major defects. The four disqualifying defects established in hadith are: being one-eyed or clearly blind in one eye, being clearly lame, being severely ill, and being so emaciated that it has no marrow in its bones.

For full details on eligibility rules, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How

Do I give Qurbani for my children?

Qurbani is not obligatory on behalf of minor children, as it is linked to personal financial eligibility. The majority scholarly position is that one Qurbani can cover the entire household – this is based on the practice of the Companions, including Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA), who reported that in the time of the Prophet (ﷺ), a man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and his family.

Can I share a cow or camel with other people?

Yes. A cow or camel can be shared between up to seven people, with each person's share counting as their individual Qurbani. The people sharing do not need to be from the same family. This is established in hadith:

"We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey and Eid al-Adha came. We shared in the sacrifice of a cow, seven of us together, and in a camel, seven of us together." — Sahih Muslim

Distribution and giving

How should Qurbani meat be distributed?

The recommended division of Qurbani meat is based on Quran 22:28 and established Sunnah practice:

• One third for the donor and their household
• One third as gifts to relatives, friends, and neighbours
• One third for the poor and those in need

This three-part distribution is supported by multiple scholarly sources, including narrations in Sahih Muslim. For a full guide, see: How Should Qurbani Meat Be Shared?

Can I give Qurbani on behalf of someone who has passed away?

Yes, this is permissible according to the majority of scholars. The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have sacrificed on behalf of his entire Ummah, including those who had not yet been born and those who had passed away. If giving Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person, it is recommended to make a separate intention (niyyah) for them, distinct from your own Qurbani.

Can I give my Qurbani through a charity?

Yes. Delegating your Qurbani to a trustworthy agent (tawkil) is fully permissible in Islamic law. When you give Qurbani through a charity such as Human Appeal, the animal is sacrificed in your name in one of 15 or more countries, and the meat is distributed to families in need. The Qurbani is fulfilled on your behalf.

Personal practices

Can I cut my hair or nails during Dhul Hijjah?

If you intend to give Qurbani, it is a sunnah mu'akkadah to avoid cutting hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice has been performed. This is based on the hadith of Umm Salamah (RA):

"When the ten days begin, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails." — Sahih Muslim

This is a recommended act, not an obligation. The Hanafi school does not require it. Importantly, your Qurbani remains valid even if you do cut your hair or nails during this period.

What if I missed Qurbani in previous years?

The approach to missed Qurbani differs between the schools of thought:

• Hanafi school: Since Qurbani is obligatory (wajib), a missed Qurbani from a previous year must be made up. The makeup is to give the equivalent monetary value in charity. This should be fulfilled as soon as possible.
• Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools: Since Qurbani is a sunnah in these schools, there is no formal makeup obligation. However, giving voluntary charity for past years in which Qurbani was missed is encouraged.

If you are unsure which ruling applies to your situation, consult a qualified local scholar.

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.

What Should I Do If I Missed Qurbani in Previous Years?

You can make up for missed Qurbani by sacrificing an additional animal this year with the intention of covering the missed obligation.

Make Your Qurbani Matter

Your Qurbani is more than a sacrifice—it’s an opportunity to feed the hungry, fulfill a sunnah, and earn ongoing reward. With Human Appeal, you can give confidently, knowing your donation reaches those who need it most.

Donate your Qurbani today and help bring dignity, food, and joy to families across the world.