Qurbani FAQs

• What is Qurbani?

  Qurbani (or ‘Udhiya’, an Arabic word meaning ‘blood sacrifice’) is the sacrifice of an animal for the glorification of Allah. The word Qurbani comes from ‘Qurban’, an Arabic term that means an act performed to seek God’s pleasure.

  A minimum of one third of the meat must go to poor or vulnerable people, and traditionally, the remaining two thirds are split between the donor’s family and neighbourhood. In the UK, many people choose to perform their Qurbani in poorer countries, where the entirety of their donation goes to vulnerable people so their donation can have the greatest impact.

• Why do we give Qurbani?

  Each year, Muslims reflect the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by making an animal sacrifice to the glory of God. In a dream, Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Ismail (AS).

  Although Ibrahim loved Ismail very much, he was willing to give him up in devotion to Allah. At the last minute, Allah spared the life of Ismail and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead.

  Qurbani is an act of worship and charity that was continued by the Messenger (PBUH) who said, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim. For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

  To this day, Qurbani is performed in honour of the Prophet Ibrahim’s surrender to the will of Allah. When we offer our Qurbani, we prove that we too are completely obedient to God and His commands.

• Who should perform Qurbani?

  Qurbani is incumbent upon all sane adults who have wealth in excess of their needs, according to the Hanafi madhab. This usually means that anyone who is eligible to pay Zakat, must also perform Qurbani.

• When is the deadline for Qurbani?

  For your Qurbani to be accepted, it must be performed between the first and third days of Eid al-Adha (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah).

• When should I make my Qurbani payment?

  You can make your Qurbani payment anytime from the start of the month of Dhul Hijjah – which will likely begin on 7 June (depending on the sighting of the moon) – until maghrib on the second day of Eid al-Adha. But the sooner we receive your donation, the better chance we have of ensuring that the people we support will have their meat in time to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

  According to certain sources, the act of Qurbani is best performed directly once Eid prayers are over.

• Which animals are eligible for Qurbani?

  The animals commonly used for Qurbani are sheep, cows, goats and camels. They can be male or female but must be in good health and free from any injuries. The goats and sheep must be at least one year old, cattle, two years, and camels, five years old.

• How do you quality check the meat?

  We carefully select local farmers to work with and inspect each animal to make sure they have been cared for accordance with Islamic principles, and meet the requirements for Qurbani.

• What type of Qurbani meat do we provide?

  All of our Qurbani meat is locally-sourced and fresh.

• How is Qurbani volume decided?

  One person must provide one Qurbani, or one share. Each Qurbani animal makes up a certain number of shares. A small animal such as a sheep or goat counts as one Qurbani share, while larger animals like camels and cows count as seven Qurbani shares each.

• Can I buy more than one Qurbani?

  Only adults of means are required to give Qurbani, but you still buy many shares as you like – one for each family member, and even for loved ones who have passed on.

• Are there any hidden costs?

  No. We’re upfront and transparent about all costs. The amount you give is the amount needed for your Qurbani donation to be completed.

  The prices we list will provide healthy, good quality meat from well-cared for animals. They ensure that farmers and skilled slaughterers are fairly paid, and that your Qurbani is transported and delivered on time, and in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

• Where will my Qurbani be distributed?

  This year, we’re distributing Qurbani parcels to families in 17 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iraq, Kashmir, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. You can also choose to donate to Where Most Needed and we’ll ensure that your Qurbani is delivered to those who need it most in one of these 17 countries.

• Who does my Qurbani help?

  As war and displacement severely impact the ability of the most vulnerable to stay safe and fed, Qurbani parcels are more important than ever. We’re working with some of the most marginalized families across the world, helping them to eat well this Eid, while our longer-term projects help to empower them to lift themselves out of poverty.

  With 821 million people going hungry around the world, this Eid, your Qurbani donations provide relief to those who are struggling to earn a living.

• How are recipients of Qurbani selected?

  Our country staff survey and assess the needs of local families ahead of Qurbani to work out where help is most needed. We complete needs assessments, often focusing on female-headed households and families that live below the poverty line. Often, Qurbani is the only time in the year that some people will have the chance to eat meat.

  Some families will already be benefiting from our help in other ways – through orphan sponsorship, Ramadan distribution or by attending a school or hospital we’re supporting – but for others, this will be the first time they receive help.

  Follow in the footsteps of the prophets. Give your Qurbani today.

• How is Qurbani performed at Human Appeal?

  Our local country offices select local farmers with healthy animals. We perform your Qurbani immediately after Eid prayer, and deliver it as soon as possible to the most vulnerable people. All of our Qurbani is fresh and locally-sourced.

• What days will Qurbani be performed?

  We’re carrying out your Qurbani starting immediately after Eid prayer (whether that’s at home or in congregation in the local country) until the fourth day of Eid al-Adha. But, given the diversity of opinion on whether Qurbani on the fourth day of Eid is valid, we strive to complete all sacrifices by the third day.

  The earlier you make your donation, the more likely we are to be able to fulfil your Qurbani on time; we’ve purchased animals ahead of time to make sure we’re ready to perform your donation as swiftly as possible after receiving your donation.

  If your donation is late and we aren’t able to carry out your sacrifice within the four days of Eid, your charity will still be performed, but it will count as Sadaqah.

• What will happen if a country quota is filled?

  Every year our team in the field endeavors to ensure your Qurbani is distributed on your behalf in the country you selected. However, in cases where it is no longer possible in the country of your choice due to factors beyond our control, we will ensure it is delivered within the Eid days, to those who need it most in the next nearest country