Qurbani is a significant Islamic ritual that’s performed to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) commitment to the Creator. Allah (SWT) instructed the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) that he must sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), and the pair obliged out of their devotion to Allah (SWT). Despite this, as the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) put a ram in Ismail’s (AS) place, leaving him completely unharmed. This was a reward for the pair’s undying devoutness to their Creator.
To commemorate this sacrifice, Muslims annually perform Qurbani over the days of Eid al-Adha. Since there are a number of rules, traditions, and logistical considerations surrounding this ritual, it can raise some questions. As a result, Charity Meals has collated some of our most frequently asked questions about Qurbani below.
The Qurbani rules state that any Muslim who has reached puberty is of sound mind and has wealth that exceeds the Nisab threshold must practice Qurbani in some way.
Traditionally, Muslims were required to sacrifice one of the permitted animals according to the Islamic slaughter rules themselves and split it into three parts: one for themselves and their families, one for their friends and neighbours, and one for those in need.
Today, it isn’t possible for Muslims in the UK to slaughter animals themselves, as there are laws preventing this. As a result, most Muslims in the UK choose to donate their Qurbani to a charity, such as Charity Meals. Eligible Muslims are required to donate at least the cost of one Qurbani share, which either equates to one small animal (a sheep or a goat) or one-seventh of a large animal (a cow, a buffalo, or a camel). Charities then use this donation to purchase and slaughter an animal in an Islamic country and distribute the meat among those in need.
Is Qurbani Compulsory?
Qurbani is only compulsory for Muslims who have reached the age of puberty, are of sound mind, and have wealth that exceeds the Nisab threshold.
How Much is Qurbani Per Person?
Every eligible Muslim must donate at least one Qurbani share. The cost of this will vary depending on the type of animal and the country in which it’s based/being slaughtered.
Who Has to Give Qurbani?
Muslims who have reached puberty, are of sound mind and have wealth that exceeds the Nisab threshold must give Qurbani.
How Much Qurbani Should I Give?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re only required to give one Qurbani share; however, some Muslims choose to donate additional Qurbani.
For instance, some Muslims opt for the route of “Prophetic Qurbani”, which mirrors the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as he donated one Qurbani share on behalf of himself and one on behalf of the Ummah.
Meanwhile, some Muslims decide to also give Qurbani on behalf of their dependents or their deceased family members. Not only do additional Qurbani donations result in additional rewards, but they also work to reach more people in need.
How Many Qurbani Per Family?
Eligible Muslims are only required to give Qurbani on their own behalf, so if a household consisted of only one eligible Muslim, one Qurbani share would suffice. Despite this, some Muslims choose to give Qurbani on behalf of their family, too. This allows them to reap more blessings and reach more people in need.
What is Qurbani Eid?
Eid al-Adha is sometimes referred to as “Qurbani Eid”, as this is the Eid in which Qurbani takes place. There are two Eids within the Islamic Calendar: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha is the greater of the two Eids and falls within the month of Dhul Hijjah.
When is Qurbani 2024?
Qurbani 2024 is set to begin on the evening of Sunday, 16 June, and end on the evening of Thursday, 20 June. Despite this, since the Islamic Year follows the Lunar Calendar, these dates are subject to change and will be confirmed nearer the time.
When Will Qurbani Be Carried Out?
Qurbani sacrifices will be carried out during the days of Eid al-Adha. This is currently presumed to be between Sunday, 16 June 2024 and Thursday, 20 June 2024.
How Do I Give Qurbani?
You can give your Qurbani to a charity such as Charity Meals. We will ensure that your donation purchases a Qurbani share in an Islamic country and that the animal is slaughtered in line with Islamic slaughter rules. We will then distribute the meat from your donation to those in need.
