Significance of Qurbani
The word Qurbani means “to draw near” to Allah. It reflects:
- Devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT)
- Sacrifice for His sake
- Care for the less fortunate
Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for every eligible Muslim who has the financial means. It is a powerful reminder of faith, generosity, and responsibility towards society.
Spiritual Goals of Qurbani
Qurbani is not just the sacrifice of an animal—it is a deeply spiritual act that nurtures:
- Selflessness and devotion to Allah
- Gratitude for His countless blessings
- Compassion and responsibility toward those in need
Qurbani in the Light of Qur’an and Hadith
The Qur’an beautifully reminds us of the true essence of Qurbani.
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
(Qur’an 22:37
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Divide the meat of your sacrifice into three parts: one for your family, one for your relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.”
These teachings guide us to combine worship with compassion and social responsibility.
Conditions and Guidelines for a Valid Qurbani
At Aghosh UK, all Qurbani processes strictly follow Islamic guidelines:
1. Eligibility of Animals
- Permissible animals include camels, cows, bulls, goats, and sheep
- Animals must meet age and health requirements
- The animal must be owned by the person offering Qurbani
- The sacrifice must be made with clear intention (niyyah)
2. Method of Slaughtering
- Recite “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” at the time of sacrifice
- Use a sharp knife for a quick and humane process
- Ensure kind and gentle treatment of the animal
Distribution and Social Impact
Qurbani meat is distributed in three equal parts:
- One-third for personal use
- One-third for relatives and friends
- One-third for the poor and needy
At Aghosh UK, we prioritize the most vulnerable communities—ensuring that your Qurbani reaches orphans, widows, and families in extreme hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Qurbani mandatory in Islam?
According to the Hanafi school, Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) every year on every adult Muslim of sound mind who owns wealth above the Nisab threshold. The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools class it as sunnah muakkadah, a strongly emphasised practice the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never abandoned. In both views, Qurbani is one of the most beloved acts of worship during Eid ul Adha.
2. Who needs to give Qurbani?
Qurbani is due on every adult Muslim who is sane, of sound mind, and owns wealth equal to or above the Nisab value (the same threshold used for Zakat) on the days of Eid ul Adha. Children, travellers (in the Hanafi view), and those below Nisab are not obligated. If you can afford to give, the reward is immense and the need is real.
3. When should you stop cutting nails and hair before Qurbani?
If you intend to offer Qurbani, it is sunnah to stop cutting your hair, trimming your nails, and removing body hair from the start of Dhul Hijjah (expected 18 May 2026) until your Qurbani has been performed. This follows the hadith of Umm Salama (RA). It applies only to the person giving Qurbani, not their family members, and is recommended rather than obligatory.
4. Who pays for Qurbani?
The person on whose behalf Qurbani is offered is the one responsible for paying for it, provided they meet the Nisab threshold. A husband may pay on behalf of his wife, an adult child on behalf of a parent, or a parent on behalf of an adult child, as a gift. However, the obligation itself rests on each eligible individual, so the intention should be made clear.
5. Is Qurbani per person or per family?
In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is per person. Every adult member of the household who meets the Nisab threshold must give their own Qurbani. In the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, one Qurbani from the head of the household can cover the whole family. Most UK Muslims of South Asian heritage follow the Hanafi position and give one Qurbani per eligible adult.
6. How many shares are in a cow for Qurbani?
A cow or buffalo counts as seven shares, meaning up to seven people can share one large animal for their Qurbani. A camel also counts as seven shares. A goat or sheep is a single share and covers one person only. At Aghosh UK, a cow share is £72, a full cow is £505, and a goat or sheep is £170, with distribution in Pakistan by default.
7. How much Qurbani should I give?
The minimum is one share per eligible adult in your household. If you would like to give more, you can offer Qurbani on behalf of deceased parents, your children, or for the Ummah generally. At Aghosh UK, prices for the 2026 season are £170 for a goat or sheep, £72 for a cow share, and £505 for a full cow, with Pakistan as the default country of distribution and Gaza also available.
8. Can I give Qurbani for my deceased parents?
Yes. Giving Qurbani on behalf of deceased parents or loved ones is permitted and highly rewarded across all four Sunni schools of thought. The reward of the sacrifice reaches them by the mercy of Allah, and the meat is distributed in the usual way. Many Aghosh UK donors give one Qurbani for themselves and an additional Qurbani in the name of a parent or grandparent who has passed away.