Qurbani FAQs  

1.  What is Qurbani?   

Qurbani is the act of sacrificing a livestock animal, usually a goat or sheep. It takes place after Eid Al-Adha prayers, marking the conclusion of Hajj.   

Qurbani commemorates the sacrifice that Ibrahim (‘Alayhis-salam) was prepared to make for Allah as a test of his faith. In honour of this, Muslims sacrifice animals as an act of worship to Allah.  

2.  Is Qurbani Obligatory?  

Irrespective of whether it is obligatory or not, there is no doubt that all Muslims unanimously agree that it is a strongly established Sunnah that people should practice especially as it is a symbol of Islam. Some scholars believe that due to its importance it becomes an obligation if one can afford an animal to sacrifice. Imam Abu Hanifah and his school of thought adopt such view. It is also one of the views of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.  

It was narrated from al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) and has followed the way of the Muslims.” Sahih Al-Bukhaari  

3.  Can I give Qurbani in someone else’s name?  

Yes, this is permissible. However, if they are not a family member you must still offer one for your household.  

4.  Can I sacrifice on behalf of my family?  

Most scholars including Malik, al-Shaf’ii, and Ahmad have agreed that one sacrifice is sufficient on behalf of all the members of a household, no matter how many of them there are.   

“Ata’ ibn Yasar said,“I asked Abu Ayyub, “How was the sacrifice conducted at the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?” He said, “A man would offer a sheep on behalf of him self and the members of his family, and they would eat some and feed others with some.” - Tirmidhi  

5.  When should we give money for Qurbani?  

Ideally as soon as possible, our deadline for the last Qurbani donations will be the “night before Eid at 10pm” this is to ensure that we can fulfil the Qurbani from our overseas partners. Some countries may be cut off for donations sooner due to fulfilment.   

6.  When do the animals get sacrificed?   

The days when the sacrificed may be offered are four: the day of Eid after the prayer, and the three days after that.  

At Human Aid &Advocacy, we ensure that all Qurbanis are done within the first 3 days. Donors will be notified via text when their Qurbani has been completed.  

7.  Who Received the Qurbani meat after I offer my sacrifice?  

فَإِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوبُهَا فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْقَانِعَ وَٱلْمُعْتَرَّ ۚ(22: 36)  

“[…] Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. […]” Qur'an 22:36    

The Qurbani meat goes to the poor and needy families, allowing them to share their Eid with us.