What Is Qurbani? Meaning, Rules and Who Must Give

The word Qurbani comes from the Arabic qurban, meaning an act that brings you closer to Allah. It represents devotion, gratitude and compassion for others. The Quran reminds believers that what reaches Allah is not the meat or the blood but their piety: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him" (Quran 22:37).

The Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) saw in a dream that he was commanded to sacrifice his son. Both he and his son submitted to Allah's command. Before the sacrifice, Allah replaced the son with a ram. Muslims remember this event every year at Eid al-Adha, and Qurbani is a way of honoring that trust and obedience.

Scholars differ on the ruling, so it helps to know your school of thought:

Whichever view you follow, Qurbani is only for those who can afford it without hardship. If you are unsure whether it applies to you, ask a scholar you trust. For the nisab, see What Is Zakat?

• Animals: goat or sheep (one share), or cow or camel (up to seven shares). The animal must be healthy, free from clear defects, and of the required age.
• Timing: after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, until sunset on the 12th (the 13th in some schools). A sacrifice made before the Eid prayer does not count as Qurbani.
• Intention: it must be made sincerely for Allah.
• Meat: it may not be sold for profit. The butcher's wages are paid separately.

Traditionally the meat is divided into three equal parts: one for your household, one for relatives and friends, and one for people in need. Donors who give Qurbani through a charity usually give the full share to families who might not otherwise eat meat. When you give through Embrace Relief, each Qurbani share serves 6 or 7 families, and the meat is delivered fresh to families and communities in need.

1. 1
   Eid prayer. On the morning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims pray the Eid al-Adha prayer. The sacrifice comes after it.
2. 2
   Sacrifice. A qualified person sacrifices a healthy animal in line with Islamic guidelines, with the name of Allah and the intention of the giver.
3. 3
   Distribution. The meat is shared: some for the household, some for relatives and friends, and the largest part for people in need.
4. 4
   Through a charity. If you give through a charity, it handles the animal, the sacrifice and the delivery on your behalf.

• It is an act of worship that follows the example of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
• It builds gratitude and sacrifice, reminding believers that everything they have is a trust from Allah.
• It feeds people in need. For many families, Eid is one of the few times in the year they eat meat.
• It strengthens community, because the meat is shared with neighbors, relatives and strangers alike.

On our Qurbani page you choose a location (Africa and Asia, Where Most Needed, or the United States), your intention and share, and the name for the sacrifice. You may give Qurbani in another person's name. Embrace Relief coordinates distribution through trusted local partners. Read more in Where to Donate Qurbani in the USA.

• Sacrificing before the Eid prayer
• Missing the days of Qurbani
• Choosing an animal with a clear defect or below the required age
• Not making the intention

Related reading: the history of Qurbani, Qurbani FAQs and Qurbani shares explained.

This article is general information, not religious or tax advice. For questions about the validity of your Qurbani or which ruling applies to you, please consult a qualified scholar.