Distribution of Qurbani meat
It is recommended to split Qurbani meat equally into three parts. Following the sacrifice, one part is kept for yourself, one part is distributed to your family and friends, and one part is given to the poor and needy. Many Muslims prefer to have their Qurbani performed in the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. When you donate your Qurbani to Islamic Relief, we distribute all three parts to the poor and needy.
Who can receive Qurbani meat?
When distributing your Qurbani meat to the poor and needy, Islamic Relief has set criteria and scoring systems in place to determine Qurbani recipients, which ensures we reach the most vulnerable without bias.
The scoring system is based on the following criteria:
- Families who live on less than the minimum income for that particular country
- Female-headed households
- Families with disabled and/or elderly persons
- Children under five years old
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Families with little or no access to the market
Should I avoid cutting my hair and nails if I intend to give Qurbani?
There are differences of opinions on whether it is unlawful for you to cut your nails and hair or whether it is disliked. Refraining from cutting your nails and hair if you are donating Qurbani is obligatory according to the Hanbali madhab and recommended according to the majority of scholars.
How many animals do I have to sacrifice?
Donating Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially able to do so in the Hanafi madhab and, according to the majority of scholars, it is highly recommended. If you’re obligated to donate Qurbani, the minimum you can donate is one Qurbani share, which is equivalent to one sheep/goat or one seventh of a cow/buffalo/camel.
It is permissible to donate more than one share of Qurbani should you wish to do so. With Islamic Relief, you can donate one Qurbani in South Africa and one abroad, for example. The Prophet (peace be upon him) carried out multiple Qurbani for himself and the Ummah. Therefore, many Muslims offer multiple Qurbani on behalf of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and for deceased parents.
How many Qurbanis per family?
According to the Hanafi school of thought, anyone obligated to donate Qurbani in the household must donate a minimum of one Qurbani each. For example, one Qurbani is equivalent to a sheep/goat. A large animal such as a cow/buffalo/camel is enough for seven people’s Qurbani.
Qurbani rules for husband and wife
According to the Hanafi school of thought, both the husband and wife must donate a minimum of one Qurbani each if they are sane Muslims who possess wealth more than their needs. What is beyond their needs equal to (or more than) the current level of nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver).
What should I do if I have missed my Qurbani?
If you would like to make up for any Qurbani donations that you have missed in previous years, simply calculate the total number of years missed and donate the total number of shares this year. For example, if donating Qurbani was compulsory for you in the last three years, which you’d missed, you can donate four Qurbani shares this year.
Reap the rewards of the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, give Qurbani now.