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The distribution of Qurbani meat is one of the core aspects of the festival of the sacrifice, with great emphasis placed on the need for those who are most poor and needy benefiting. As per Islamic tradition, each sacrifice should account for three equal shares – one to the person making the sacrifice, one to a friend or relative, and one to someone in need.

For those wondering how to give Qurbani in the UK, In the modern-day, most Muslims will not carry out the sacrifice themselves due to domestic laws that exist. These laws make it illegal for anyone other than registered slaughterhouses to slaughter livestock. This means that Muslims, to appease Allah (SWT), make donations to charities such as Children of Adam, who will ensure that a sacrifice is carried out in their name and shares of meat are distributed, all in keeping with Qur’anic law.

What Meat Can be Given?

There are set Qurbani rules in Islam regarding which animals qualify as a Qurbani sacrifice. The following animals qualify as a suitable Qurbani donation:

• Sheep (minimum of one year old)
• Goats (minimum of one year old)
• Cows (minimum of two years old)
• Camels (minimum of five years old)

How is Qurbani Worked Out?

For those wondering how to calculate Qurbani, the larger the animal, the greater the number of available shares. Therefore, goats and sheep account for one share, whilst camels and cows are each worth seven shares. Each qualifying Muslim is required to donate one share and the head of the household must also donate on behalf of their dependents. Therefore, how much Qurbani per family will depend on the number of family members.

Many Muslims decide to donate Qurbani on behalf of friends and family members who have passed on. While this is not compulsory, neither is it prohibited and will bring with it extra rewards, both for the person donating and for the person whose name it is being made in. Even if that person is in the afterlife, they will still receive the rewards and benefits from Allah (SWT).

Who Qualifies to Give Qurbani?

Eid al-Adha Qurbani rules state that those with a personal wealth that exceeds the Nisab value are expected to make a Qurbani donation. This is the only parameter for Qurbani, unlike Zakat, which may call on the need for Muslims to calculate their wealth, income, and savings to determine whether they are eligible.

A Qurbani donation should be given as early as possible, allowing ample time for the sacrifice to be made before the end of Eid al-Adha. Should your donation not be made before the end of Eid, you will miss Qurbani and should seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for missing this religious due.

If you miss one year’s Qurbani, you may make a donation covering multiple shares to make up for your missed donations.

Who Receives Qurbani Meat?

When you donate through Children of Adam, we will ensure that your shares of Qurbani meat are distributed to those most in need. That means we will distribute cuts of meat to those most deserving, both here in the United Kingdom and overseas.

Make your Qurbani donation with Children of Adam, and we will ensure that your sacrifice is carried out as per the word of Allah (SWT) and that your share of meat is used to support the poorest and neediest.

Despite its importance, Qurbani isn’t a festival that is widely known by non-Muslims, resulting in a lot of questions surrounding the topic. As a UK Muslim charity, we’re taking it upon ourselves to ensure that a wide array of individuals is educated on the subject of Qurbani. Listed and answered below are some of the most common questions surrounding the festival of Qurbani and its rules.

What is Qurbani?

During the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are required to slaughter an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow/bull, camel, or buffalo. Following this, the meat would traditionally be split into three equal parts, in which the donor would receive one share, their friends/family would receive another, and the final part would be given to the needy. Despite this, modern Muslims in the UK typically make a Qurbani donation to a Muslim charity that will pay for the slaughtering of an animal that will be distributed to the poor.

What does Qurbani mean?

Qurbani is the Arabic word for sacrifice, which is quite fitting when considering what the festival represents.

Why do we do Qurbani?

Muslims do Qurbani in order to honour the sacrifice that Ibrahim (AS) intended to make in the name of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) requested that Ibrahim (AS) sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), to display his devotion to Him. During the sacrifice, Ibrahim (AS) was blindfolded, whilst Ismail (AS) had asked to be restrained so that he couldn’t struggle. Upon making the sacrifice, Ibrahim (AS) removed his blindfold to find Ismail (AS) alive and well, whilst a slaughtered ram laid in his place. Allah (SWT) had saved Ismail (AS) as a reward for the pair’s dedication to Him in order to show that He would always care for His loyal followers.

Who do you give Qurbani to?

As previously mentioned, Qurbani was initially split between the donor, their family/friends, and someone in need. Despite this, Muslims in the UK usually give their Qurbani to a Muslim charity so that a sacrifice can be made in their name to feed a family in need.

Who is Qurbani compulsory on?

Qurbani is compulsory for all eligible Muslims. In order to be eligible, the person must be of sound mind, over the age of puberty, and have a wealth that exceeds the Nisab threshold.

How do you calculate Qurbani?

For anyone wondering how to calculate Qurbani, different animals account for a different number of Qurbani shares. Small animals such as sheep and goats count as one share of Qurbani, whereas larger animals, including cows/bulls, buffalos, and camels account for seven Qurbani shares.

How does Qurbani work?

When it comes to Qurbani, how it works will differ from country to country. As previously mentioned, Muslims in the UK will typically make a donation for the sacrifice to be carried out in a Muslim country by the word of the Qur’an. Despite this, during the Hajj pilgrimage, some pilgrims may pay for animals to be sacrificed in slaughterhouses near Mecca. Otherwise, Muslims in countries that don’t have excessive rules about the slaughtering of animals may carry out the sacrifice themselves.

In order for an animal to qualify as Qurbani, it must be able to walk itself to the slaughter, not be blind, not be missing over a third of its ear/tail, not have horns broken from the root, not have a lame leg, not be too thin, and not be missing more than half of its teeth. Similarly, sheep and goats must be older than one year old, whilst cows/bulls, buffalos, and camels mustn’t be younger than two years old.

How much Qurbani do I give?

If you’re eligible to give Qurbani, you must give at least one share; however, many Muslims decide to give more. For instance, the head of the household will often give Qurbani shares on behalf of their dependents, as well as their deceased relatives. Should more than one member of the household qualify to give Qurbani, one share for each eligible member must be given.

Can you remove your hair before Qurbani?

Once the month of Dhul Hijjah has begun, it’s not customary for anyone intending to offer a Qurbani sacrifice to cut their hair or nails.

What is Eid al-Adha?

Eid al-Adha, otherwise known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is the celebration that marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. This is a time of worship, remembrance, and thankfulness, in which Muslims appreciate their blessings from Allah (SWT).

How do I give Qurbani?

For anyone wondering how to give Qurbani in the UK, it couldn’t be simpler with the help of Children of Adam. We accept your Qurbani donations via our Qurbani 2022 page, so fulfil your obligation to Allah (SWT) with us.

This is the mountain upon which Allah (SWT) performed a miracle in honour of the unwavering faith that Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Ismail (AS) expressed towards Him. As a result, the mountain is regarded the space upon which the sincerest meaning of obedience and sacrifice was learnt and understood by humanity. This is just one of the many benefits of Qurbani.

As a Muslim charity in the UK, Qurbani and its roots are incredibly important to us. Read on to discover more about the importance of Qurbani and to answer the question of “Why do we do Qurbani?”

What is Qurbani?

First things first, we must make it clear what Qurbani is. Qurbani is the sacrificing of an animal in the name of Allah (SWT), which takes place from the 10^th to the 13^th day of Dhul Hijjah. This sacrifice is performed to mark the completion of Hajj, as well as to commemorate the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS).

Qurbani is much more than simply slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat; its key purpose is to bring one closer to Allah (SWT). It’s easy to lose oneself in the chaos of everyday life and forget one’s true purpose, which is to submit to Allah (SWT) and sacrifice whatever is asked of us. Qurbani reminds us of our life’s purpose.

The Sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS)

The Qurbani story recalls Ibrahim (AS) being addressed by Allah (SWT) in a dream, whereby He commanded that Ibrahim (AS) must sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). Out of devotion to Allah (SWT), neither Ibrahim (AS) nor Ismail (AS) questioned this command and made the preparations for the sacrifice.

Ismail (AS) requested that he be bound by ropes so that he was unable to struggle, whilst Ibrahim (AS) wore a blindfold so that he didn’t have to witness his son’s suffering. Following this, Ibrahim (AS) took a knife to his son and made the sacrifice; however, upon removing his blindfold, he found his son to be alive and well. Instead, a slaughtered ram lay in his place, as Allah (SWT) had saved Ismail (AS) as a reward for the pair’s dedication to Him. From this, we can understand that Allah (SWT) will always care for those who express unwavering faith in Him.

Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat sits just 20 kilometres to the east of Mecca and reaches around 70 metres above sea level at its highest point. This makes it the tallest point in the centre of the Plain of Arafat.

The first Qurbani isn’t the only significant event that is believed to have taken place at Mount Arafat. In fact, this mountain is thought to be the place where Allah (SWT) forgave Adam for his first sin that led to him being expelled from heaven. Similarly, some believe that this is the site in which Adam and Hawa were reunited following their fall from heaven. As a result, Mount Arafat is also believed to be the ideal location to pray for a marital life partner.

Additionally, Mount Arafat is the location where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon to those who had joined him on the Hajj to Mecca. Quite simply, Mount Arafat has undeniable significance in the Qur’an, and each of us can continue to learn from the teachings and sacrifices that took place here.

The Day of Arafat

Due to one of the most selfless and pure displays of obedience to Allah (SWT) taking place upon this mountain, Muslims now celebrate the Day of Arafat on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. This celebration is often commemorated by Muslims travelling to Mount Arafat on the Hajj, in which they will partake in Wuquf (standing before God) until dusk. The Zuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers are performed by the pilgrims, who then repent previous sins and seek Allah’s (SWT) mercy.

The mountain’s great height and religious significance have enabled it to see so much, meaning we can be inspired by its wisdom. Mount Arafat should always be considered as we contemplate how we lead our lives. The site can inspire us to progress in our waking, working, and giving alike.

Donate Your Qurbani to Children of Adam

Children of Adam is a UK Qurbani charity, meaning that we welcome your charity Qurbani donations.

We understand that making a physical Qurbani sacrifice isn’t always possible, which is why we provide you with the option to make a monetary donation. We will use this donation to slaughter an animal in an Islamic country by name of the Qur’an and distribute the meat to those in need.

You can make your 2024 Qurbani donation here.