What Is Qurbani?

What Is Qurbani?

Qurbani means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal - a goat, sheep, or buffalo - to reflect Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of God. Part of the meat is shared with poor or vulnerable people.

Qurbani is offered after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th lunar month of the Islamic calendar. Hanafi sources end the time before sunset on the 12th, while the Shafi'i school and one Hanbali opinion allow until sunset on the 13th - see our days and time of Qurbani guide.

Islamic preachers use the occasion to remind Muslims that Islam is a religion of sacrifice, and of their duty to serve mankind with their time, effort, and wealth. Those who receive Qurbani meat include widowed women, orphaned children, refugees, and the poor, elderly, or disabled - for many, meat is not otherwise part of their regular diet, and receiving it fosters real hope and a sense of shared celebration.

Whether Qurbani is obligatory or a strongly confirmed Sunnah depends on your school of law - see who Qurbani is due on. According to Hanafi fatwa sources it is recommended, not obligatory, to divide the meat into three parts: one for the home, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy (how to divide Qurbani meat). See our step-by-step Qurbani guide for the full eligibility, timing, and animal requirements.