Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How

Which animals are eligible for Qurbani?

The animals that are acceptable for Qurbani are from the an’am (cattle) category, as referenced in the Quran:

“For every nation We have appointed a rite of sacrifice, so that they may mention the name of Allah over the livestock (bahimatul-an’am) He has provided for them.”
— Surah al-Hajj, 22:34

The following animals are eligible, with minimum age requirements based on hadith and scholarly consensus:

• Sheep — minimum 6 months (jadh’ah); 1 share = 1 person
• Goat — minimum 1 year; 1 share = 1 person
• Cow or Buffalo — minimum 2 years; can be shared by up to 7 people
• Camel — minimum 5 years; can be shared by up to 7 people

Note on shares: A cow or camel can be shared among up to seven people, with each person counting as one share. This is based on the hadith of Jabir (RA): “We sacrificed with the Messenger of Allah (ٺ) in the year of Hudaybiyyah: a camel for seven and a cow for seven.”

What disqualifies an animal from Qurbani?

The Prophet (ٺ) specified four types of animals that are not acceptable for Qurbani:

“There are four that are not permissible for sacrifice: the one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, the sick animal whose sickness is obvious, the lame animal whose lameness is obvious, and the emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones.”
— Reported by al-Tirmidhi and al-Nasa’i

Scholars extend this to include animals with similar or worse defects, such as those that are blind, have broken horns exposing the root, or have lost most of their teeth. Minor defects that do not fall into these categories generally do not disqualify the animal.

Qurbani rules for families

There is a difference of opinion on whether each adult family member must offer their own Qurbani or whether one sacrifice covers the entire household.

• Hanafi view: Each eligible adult in the household who meets the nisab threshold should offer their own Qurbani.
• Majority view (Shafi’i, Hanbali, Maliki): One Qurbani from the head of the household is sufficient for the entire family, based on the hadith of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA): “A man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and his household.”

Both positions are valid. Families should follow the guidance of their school of thought or consult their local scholar.

Can you give Qurbani on behalf of someone else?

Yes. It is permissible to give Qurbani on behalf of another person, whether living or deceased.

• On behalf of the living: A person may offer Qurbani on behalf of a family member or another Muslim, with or without their knowledge, as an act of generosity.
• On behalf of the deceased: The Prophet (ٺ) sacrificed on behalf of his Ummah, which includes those who had already passed away. Many scholars permit offering Qurbani for deceased parents or relatives, and it is a common practice among Muslims.

How is Qurbani meat distributed?

The Sunnah is to divide the Qurbani meat into three portions:

• One third for the donor and their family
• One third for relatives, friends, and neighbors
• One third for those in need

This division is based on the verse:

“So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor.”
— Surah al-Hajj, 22:28

Scholars agree that none of the Qurbani meat should be sold, nor should the butcher be paid from the meat itself.

When donating through a charity: If you give your Qurbani through an organization like Human Appeal, the meat is distributed in its entirety to families in need. This fulfills the portion designated for the poor, and you may offer a separate sacrifice locally if you wish to share meat with your own family and neighbors. For more detail, see How Should Qurbani Meat Be Shared.

Hair and nails during Dhul Hijjah

The Prophet (ٺ) instructed those who intend to offer Qurbani to refrain from cutting their hair and nails once the month of Dhul Hijjah begins:

“When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) begin, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.”
— Sahih Muslim

This restriction begins on the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and lasts until the sacrifice is completed.

Note: Most scholars consider this a strong recommendation (sunnah mu’akkadah), not an obligation. According to the Hanafi school, it is not required. If someone does trim their hair or nails, their Qurbani remains valid.

Giving Qurbani through a charity

It is permissible to delegate (tawkil) the slaughter of your Qurbani to someone else, including a charitable organization, as long as the sacrifice is carried out according to Islamic guidelines during the correct time window.

When you donate your Qurbani through Human Appeal, the animal is sacrificed in the name of the donor in one of 15 countries, and the fresh meat is distributed to families who may not otherwise have meat during Eid al-Adha. For many of these families, this is the only time of year they will eat meat.

You can choose the type of animal and the country where your Qurbani will be carried out. Human Appeal ensures that the sacrifice takes place after the Eid prayer, within the correct timeframe, and according to the Islamic guidelines outlined in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Qurbani obligatory in Islam?

Scholars differ on this. The Hanafi school considers it obligatory (wajib) for every sane, adult Muslim who meets the nisab threshold. The Shafi’i school and the majority of scholars consider it a strongly recommended Sunnah (sunnah mu’akkadah). Both views are well-established.

How many Qurbani per family?

According to the Hanafi school, each eligible adult should give their own Qurbani. According to the majority of scholars, one Qurbani from the head of the household covers the entire family. See also Your Qurbani Questions Answered.

Can I give Qurbani for someone who has passed away?

Yes. Many scholars permit offering Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person. The Prophet (ٺ) sacrificed on behalf of his entire Ummah, which includes those who had passed away.

When is the last day to give Qurbani?

Qurbani can be performed on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah after the Eid prayer. Some scholars also allow the 13th. Any sacrifice made before the Eid prayer is not considered Qurbani.

Can I cut my hair or nails before Qurbani?

The Prophet (ٺ) advised those who intend to sacrifice to avoid cutting their hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is done. Most scholars view this as a strong recommendation. If someone does cut them, their Qurbani is still valid.

What happens if I can’t sacrifice the animal myself?

You can delegate (tawkil) the slaughter to another person or to a charitable organization. This is the basis for donating Qurbani through charities like Human Appeal, which carry out the sacrifice on your behalf according to Islamic guidelines.

Qurbani is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam. Give yours this Eid al-Adha and fulfil your obligation through Human Appeal.

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

Sources

1. Quran, Surah al-Kawthar (108:2)
2. Musnad Ahmad; Sunan Ibn Majah — Hadith on the obligation to sacrifice for those who are able
3. Sunan Abi Dawud — Hadith of Jabir (RA) on the Prophet (ٺ) sacrificing two rams on behalf of himself and his Ummah
4. Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin, Risalat Ahkam al-Udhiyah — summarizing the scholarly positions
5. Sahih Muslim — Hadith of al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (RA) on the timing of sacrifice after the Eid prayer
6. Quran, Surah al-Hajj (22:34)
7. Sahih Muslim — Hadith permitting a jadh’ah (six-month-old) sheep for sacrifice
8. Sahih Muslim — Hadith of Jabir (RA): “We sacrificed at Hudaybiyyah with the Prophet: a camel for seven and a cow for seven.”
9. Sunan al-Tirmidhi; Sunan al-Nasa’i — Hadith of al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib (RA) on the four types of animals not acceptable for sacrifice
10. Sunan al-Tirmidhi; Muwatta of Imam Malik — Hadith of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (RA): “A man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and his household.”
11. Quran, Surah al-Hajj (22:28)
12. Sahih Muslim — Hadith of Umm Salamah (RA) on refraining from cutting hair and nails during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah