Qurbani or Udhiya is a Muslim ritual that involves animal sacrifice on the occasion of Eid al-Adha each year. According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, Qurbani is obligatory for all adult Muslims who possess wealth equal to or greater than the Nisab value. Other Islamic schools of thought also consider Qurbani to be a highly desirable ritual that brings believers closer to Allah (SWT) by demonstrating that their own desires hold no value against the will of Allah (SWT). Historically, Qurbani is practiced to commemorate the great faith and steadfastness of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS), who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate their faith in Allah (SWT). It is also Sunnah.

Muslims living in Britain also perform Qurbani. However, the UK laws define a specific legal framework for animal slaughter in the UK, which must be kept in mind while fulfilling the Shariah demands of Qurbani. This guide will bring together Shariah rulings on Qurbani animal selection that also specifically apply to Muslims living in the UK.

The Basis of Qurbani and Why it is Obligatory

Qurbani is an animal sacrifice that Muslims make on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, seeking Allah’s (SWT) closeness and approval.  According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is an obligation that must not be overlooked. This ruling is based on the following Quranic verse:

“So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surat Al-Kawthar, 108:2)

The Hanafis interpret the Quranic verse as a clear command from Allah (SWT). The following Hadith further reinforces this interpretation and establishes it as an obligation, according to the Hanafis:

“It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever can afford it, but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3123)

Due to these strong bases, other schools of Islamic jurisprudence also recommend and encourage Qurbani. Overlooking this important ritual is considered Makruh (disliked) by the Shafi’i, Maliki, and the Hanbali schools of jurisprudence.

Is One Qurbani Sufficient for a Family?

It should be clear that Qurbani is an individual obligation. Every adult family member who qualifies for Qurbani must perform it. The Qualification depends on Nisab. Anyone possessing wealth equal to or more than 612.36 grams of silver should give Qurbani. If multiple members of a family qualify for those conditions, they must all perform Qurbani. Therefore, the idea that one Qurbani satisfies the whole family’s obligations is misleading, according to the Hanafi school of thought.

Which Animals are Allowed for Qurbani

Four of the Halal animals are allowed for Qurbani. These are sheep, goats, cows, and camels. These should be domesticated and herbivorous livestock that must be healthy, defect-free, and provide substantial quality and quantity for distribution. Note that animals like chickens, ducks, etc., are Halal, but not eligible for Qurban on Eid al-Adha.

For Muslims living in the UK, sheep and goats are good choices, as both are readily available. However, according to the Law, animals can only be sacrificed by certified abattoirs/slaughterhouses or licensed butchers. If you choose to perform Qurbani through a butcher or local abattoir in the UK, certification from a recognized halal body can be important.

Shariah-recommended Ages of Qurbani Animals

According to the Shariah rulings, goats should be at least a year old. Sheep may be younger than a year, but they should have the health equivalent of a year-old animal. To be on the safer side, it is recommended to choose sheep older than twelve months. Cows should be at least two years old, while camels should be at least five years old.

Qurbani Shares & Animals

For Cattle (cows, bulls, and buffalo) and camels, each animal counts for seven Qurbani shares. Hence, it is an excellent option for families or friends who wish to contribute to Qurbani and pay for one seventh of the animals per share. Remember that for goats and sheep, each animal counts as Qurbani. If you wish to contribute shares in Qurbani or a larger animal, make sure the rest of the contributors are Muslims and have also contributed with the intention of Qurbani, with Halal means.

Health & Condition of Qurbani Animals

Besides age, the health and physical condition of animals also matter. The animals must be defect-free and free of disease. They should also not be very thin and must be able to walk properly without any assistance. Note that disqualifying physical conditions for animals include blindness in one or both eyes, missing tail or horns, lameness in gait, and the absence of the majority of teeth. Age of the animal is also an important consideration and must not be judged merely on the basis of an animal’s health. A well-fed animal may look older than its actual age.

Qurbani on Behalf of the Deceased

It is also allowed to conduct Qurbani on behalf of the deceased. It is a great way to commemorate your loved ones who have passed into the other world. However, remember that if you want to conduct Qurbani on behalf of your deceased loved ones, you must do so after fulfilling your own obligations.  According to the following Hadith, Hazrat Ali (R.A) conducted one Qurbani on behalf of the Prophet (ﷺ):

“I saw Ali sacrificing two rams; so I asked him: What is this? He replied, The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) enjoined upon me to sacrifice on his behalf, so that is what I am doing.”(Sunan Abi, Dawud 2790)

Remember that Niyyah has great importance in Islam, and while conducting Qurbani on behalf of the deceased, make the following Niyyah:

اللهم تقبّل هذه الأضحية عن [الاسم]

“Allahumma taqabbal hadha al-udhiyah ‘an [Name]”

“O Allah, accept this sacrifice on behalf of [Name]”

When to Conduct Sacrifice & How to Distribute Meat

You can perform Qurbani between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It must be conducted after the Eid al-Adha prayers. According to a Hadith, if the Qurbani is performed before the Eid al-Adha prayers, it will be considered Sadaqah, rather than a Qurbani.

It is customary to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal portions. One portion can be kept for self-consumption, another portion is gifted to neighbors and close family members, while another portion is divided among the underprivileged.

You can give all Qurbani portions to the needy, if you like. Allah (SWT) loves those who like to spend magnanimously in His way. If you can afford to consume meat, it is better to gift the entire portion to people who cannot afford it, even once a year. The Quran tells us that:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

For Muslims living in the UK who might find it difficult to arrange Qurbani locally or wish to gift all their Qurbani meat portions to underprivileged communities in Pakistan, Transparent Hands is an excellent option.

Donate Your Qurbani/Qurbani Shares to Transparent Hands

If you are trusting a charity to conduct your Qurbani on your behalf, consider Transparent Hands. We are a crowdfunding organization that has assisted thousands of patients since our inception in 2014. We have a strong Maternal and Child Support Program that has saved many lives. We also support a range of surgeries for deserving patients, while our medical camps are frequently arranged all around Pakistan, to benefit low-income communities.

We have a Shariah-compliant Qurbani program that prioritizes health and hygiene. Right from procuring animals to conducting Qurbani in the best slaughterhouses, we make sure that Qurbani is done in its true spirit, and the sacrificial meat packages reach the most deserving individuals and families. Last year, we distributed sacrificial meat packages among orphans, widows, laborers, transgender community, old people living in nursing homes, madrassa students, families living in slums, and other vulnerable Pakistani communities. This year we intend to reach out to more people with your cooperation. Donate to Transparent Hands. Let’s make this Eid special for those who cannot afford to eat meat even once a year!

FAQs

Which animals are permitted for Qurbani on Eid al-Adha?

Sheep, Goats, Cows, and Camels can be slaughtered for Qurbani on Eid al-Adha.

What is the minimum age requirement for each type of Qurbani animal?

Sheep and Goats should be ideally at least a year old, cows should be at least two years old, while Camels should be at least five years old.

Is one Qurbani sufficient for an entire family according to the Hanafi school of thought?

Qurbani is an individual responsibility. All family members who qualify for giving Qurbani should do so.

Which physical conditions can disqualify an animal from being used for Qurbani?

Other than age, the Qurbani animals should be free of defects and diseases. They shouldn’t be too thin, weak,  and should be able to walk properly, must not be blind in one or both eyes, shouldn’t be lame in their gait, and must retain the majority of their teeth.

Can friends and family members share a cow for Qurbani in the UK? 

Yes, but they must ensure that each Qurbani portion represents a Qurbani, and every participant is a Muslim who has contributed the money with the intention of Qurbani.

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