Qurbani holds deep significance in Islam, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah during Eid al-Adha. A common question many Muslims ask is whether Qurbani can be performed on behalf of someone else — a family member, a deceased relative, or someone unable to perform it themselves. This article explains the Islamic principles behind performing Qurbani on behalf of others.
The Importance of Qurbani in Islam
Qurbani is an act of worship (ibadah) rooted in the example of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) faith and obedience. The Quran makes clear that its essence is not the physical offering itself:
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you” (Quran 22:37, Sahih International translation).
This verse emphasizes that the true value of Qurbani lies in the sincerity and intention behind it — a principle that applies whether the sacrifice is performed by the person themselves or on their behalf.
Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for every adult Muslim who meets the Nisab threshold. Islam also permits performing Qurbani on behalf of others in several situations:
1. On Behalf of a Family Member
Including family members in one’s Qurbani is both permissible and encouraged. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is recorded to have performed Qurbani on behalf of himself and his family, dedicating the sacrifice to them. Based on this example, a person can perform Qurbani on behalf of close family members such as parents, a spouse, or children.
2. On Behalf of Deceased Relatives
Performing Qurbani on behalf of a deceased relative is a common and accepted practice, considered a form of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) for them. While not obligatory, many scholars consider it a beneficial and virtuous act, provided the intention behind it is sincere.
3. On Behalf of Someone Unable to Perform Qurbani Themselves
If someone is unable to perform Qurbani due to financial hardship, illness, or another valid reason, another person can perform it on their behalf — with their consent and with the correct intention. Appointing someone else to carry out a religious obligation on your behalf is a well-established concept in Islamic jurisprudence. A related practice is sacrificing a goat to fulfil a vow (mannat), which can also be arranged on a person’s behalf.
Conditions for Qurbani on Behalf of Someone Else
1. Permission and Intent
If Qurbani is being performed on behalf of a living person, their permission or clear consent is essential. The intention (niyyah) must be sincere and specifically for that person’s sake.
2. The Person Performing It Must Meet the Requirements
The person carrying out the Qurbani on someone else’s behalf must themselves meet the basic requirements — being a Muslim of sound mind who meets the Nisab threshold — and must ensure the sacrifice itself meets all Islamic requirements, including selecting a healthy animal that meets the age requirements.
3. Sharing a Single Animal Among Multiple People
A larger animal, such as a buffalo, can be shared among up to seven people, with each share able to be dedicated to a different person or intention. This makes it possible to offer Qurbani on behalf of yourself and others using a single animal.
Conclusion
Performing Qurbani on behalf of another person — whether a family member, a deceased relative, or someone unable to do it themselves — is a recognised and meaningful practice in Islam. As the Quran reminds believers:
“Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds'” (Quran 6:162, Sahih International translation).
As long as the correct conditions are met and the intention is sincere, Muslims can offer Qurbani on behalf of others with confidence that it fulfils the obligation and reaches those it is intended for.