28.04.2026
Every Eid al-Adha, millions of Muslims give Qurbani not just for themselves and their families, but in memory of loved ones who are no longer here. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling, or spouse, you may be wondering whether Qurbani on their behalf is permitted, how it works, and what the scholars say. This guide answers every question.
Is It Permissible to Give Qurbani on Behalf of the Deceased?
Yes. The majority of scholars across all four Sunni schools of thought — Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali — permit giving Qurbani on behalf of someone who has passed away. It is treated as a form of sadaqah (voluntary charity) made on the deceased's behalf, from which they can benefit in the hereafter.
The basis for this comes from the practice of the Prophet ﷺ himself. It is reported in Ibn Maajah that when the Prophet ﷺ slaughtered his Qurbani animal, he said: "O Allah, this is on behalf of my ummah — everyone who bears witness to Your oneness and to my prophethood." Scholars have understood this to include both the living and the deceased members of the Muslim community.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah all explicitly permitted Qurbani for the deceased, treating it in the same category as giving sadaqah on their behalf or performing Hajj in their name — acts that the Prophet ﷺ endorsed during his lifetime.
Is It Obligatory?
No. Giving Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person is a voluntary act (mustahabb) — highly recommended, but not obligatory — unless the deceased left a will (wasiyyah) requesting that Qurbani be performed on their behalf. In that case, scholars agree it becomes a duty to be fulfilled from one-third of the deceased's estate.
If no will was left, giving Qurbani for them remains one of the most beautiful acts of charity you can offer. There is no deadline, no formal process, and no limit on how many years after their passing you may give on their behalf.
Who Can You Give Qurbani On Behalf Of?
You may give Qurbani on behalf of any Muslim who has passed away. There is no restriction to close family — scholars permit it for any deceased Muslim whose soul you wish to honour:
Parents and grandparents — the most common intention, and deeply encouraged in Islamic tradition given the emphasis on honouring one's parents even after death.
A spouse — many Muslims give an additional Qurbani for a husband or wife who has passed, alongside their own.
Siblings, children, or other relatives — all permitted, regardless of whether the person passed recently or many years ago.
Any Muslim friend or community member — it is not restricted to family.
Can You Give for a Non-Muslim Who Has Passed Away?
Scholars are unanimous that Qurbani is an act of Islamic worship (ibadah), and its spiritual reward is for Muslims. It is not valid on behalf of a non-Muslim. If you wish to give charity in memory of a non-Muslim loved one, general sadaqah remains open.
Should You Give Your Own Qurbani First?
The majority position among scholars is that your own Qurbani obligation takes precedence. If you are able to give only one Qurbani, it should be for yourself and your household. Giving exclusively for a deceased person while neglecting your own obligation is not recommended.
If you are able to give more than one, the most common approach is to give one Qurbani on behalf of yourself and your household, and a separate one for a deceased loved one. This reflects the practice of the Prophet ﷺ, who gave one sacrifice for himself and his family, and another for his wider ummah.
How to Make the Intention (Niyyah)
When giving Qurbani for a deceased person, make a sincere intention that the sacrifice is offered on their behalf. You do not need to say this aloud, though many scholars recommend it. A simple intention such as: "This Qurbani is on behalf of [name]. O Allah, accept it from them and grant them its reward" is sufficient according to all four schools.
You may also combine intentions — giving one Qurbani on behalf of yourself, your household, and a deceased loved one simultaneously. The scholars who permit this point to the Prophet ﷺ including his entire ummah in a single sacrifice.
Does It Need to Be a Complete Animal, or Can It Be a Share?
For smaller animals — goats and sheep — a single animal counts as one complete Qurbani for one person. For larger animals — cows and camels — up to seven people may share, each receiving the reward of a full Qurbani. This applies equally to Qurbani given on behalf of the deceased: a share in a cow is valid and counts as a full Qurbani for that person.
What Happens to the Meat?
The Sunnah is to divide Qurbani meat into three parts: one-third for the family of the person giving Qurbani, one-third as a gift to relatives and friends, and one-third given to those in need. When giving Qurbani through a charity on behalf of a deceased person, the meat is distributed to families living in poverty — which many scholars consider the most virtuous use, as it reaches those who genuinely need it.
Give Qurbani for Your Loved One Through Human Appeal
Human Appeal accepts Qurbani on behalf of deceased family members. When you donate, you can make the intention for a named loved one, and your Qurbani will be carried out on Eid al-Adha in one of 41 countries where Human Appeal operates — from Gaza and Syria to Yemen, Bangladesh, and across sub-Saharan Africa. The fresh meat is distributed directly to families who may have no other source of protein during Eid.
In 2025, Human Appeal reached 1.9 million beneficiaries through its Qurbani program. Your gift — given in a loved one's name — becomes part of that.
Give Qurbani on Their Behalf. Honour your loved one this Eid al-Adha — your sacrifice provides fresh meat to a family who needs it most.
Give Qurbani on Their Behalf
