Many Muslims want to perform Qurbani on behalf of their deceased parents, grandparents, or other relatives. This act of devotion is not only permissible but carries immense reward in Islam. This guide explains the Islamic rulings on Qurbani for the deceased and how you can easily book it online through Qurbani Easy. For the general eligibility, timing, and animal rules behind every Qurbani, see our step-by-step guide.
Is Qurbani for the Deceased Allowed in Islam?
Yes. Performing Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person is a well-established practice in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed Qurbani and said, “This is for myself and for those of my ummah who could not perform Qurbani.” According to most scholars, this includes the deceased. The reward of the Qurbani reaches the deceased and benefits them, similar to making dua and giving sadaqah on their behalf.
If a deceased person left a will (wasiyyah) asking for a Qurbani to be performed on their behalf, their family should aim to fulfil it, though scholarly sources we could verify describe this as a strongly recommended act of charity rather than confirming it as wajib in every case (Mathabah, via IslamQA) — if you need a definitive ruling for a specific estate, please confirm with your own scholar. If there is no will, performing Qurbani voluntarily on their behalf is a highly rewarded act of charity that benefits both the living donor and the deceased recipient.
How to Perform Qurbani for Deceased Parents
When booking Qurbani online for deceased parents, you simply specify during the booking process that the Qurbani is for the deceased person. Qurbani Easy records their name and your intention (niyyah). On Eid day, their name is stated at the time of slaughter, ensuring the Qurbani is correctly attributed to them.
You can book a separate Qurbani for each deceased relative, or include multiple names in one large animal share. Many families book one Qurbani for their father and another for their mother, each as a separate act of devotion.
The Reward of Qurbani for the Deceased
Many scholars hold that acts of worship performed on behalf of the deceased – including Qurbani, Hajj, Umrah, and charity – benefit them, with the reward reaching them in the grave and adding to their good deeds (Mathabah, via IslamQA). This is based on the Prophetic teaching (hadith) that a person continues to benefit after death from certain deeds, including a righteous child’s prayers on their behalf (Sahih Muslim 1631), alongside the broader Islamic principle that reward from charity and worship can be conveyed to the deceased.
Performing Qurbani for deceased parents is particularly recommended. It honours them, continues the bond of family even after death, and brings comfort to the living donor knowing they have done something meaningful for their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform Qurbani for both living and deceased family members? Yes. You can book multiple Qurbanis in one order – some for living family members and some for deceased relatives. Each booking is handled separately with the correct niyyah.
Does the deceased person receive the full reward of Qurbani? Yes. Scholars confirm that the reward of Qurbani performed on behalf of a deceased person reaches them in full, by the mercy of Allah.
Can I perform Qurbani for a non-Muslim deceased parent? Most scholars advise that Qurbani is a specific Islamic act of worship. Instead, you can give sadaqah (charity) on behalf of your non-Muslim parent, which is permitted and rewarded.
Do I need the deceased person’s will to perform Qurbani for them? No. You can voluntarily perform Qurbani for any deceased Muslim relative without a will. It is a gift of reward from you to them.
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