The Importance of Qurbani

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is a sacred Islamic tradition observed annually during Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the profound act of faith and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS), at Allah’s command. Just as Ibrahim (AS) was about to fulfil this divine instruction, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, signifying that the act of submission itself was accepted.

This powerful story underscores a central tenet of Islam: complete devotion and surrender to Allah’s will. For Muslims today, Qurbani is not just about the physical act of sacrifice – it is a reminder of unwavering faith, personal sacrifice, and the willingness to put Allah (SWT) before all else. By performing Qurbani, Muslims connect spiritually with the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), reflect on the meaning of obedience, and express gratitude for the blessings they enjoy.

The act is also a means of purifying wealth and the soul, representing a symbolic offering to Allah (SWT). Through Qurbani, believers are reminded that faith is not merely ritualistic but deeply connected to moral values, sacrifice, and community welfare.

Why Do We Do Qurbani?

Beyond its historical and spiritual origins, Qurbani carries significant contemporary meaning. In the modern world, it serves as a unifying act of devotion that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. Each year, Muslims from all walks of life participate in this sacred ritual, reaffirming their faith and connection to the global Muslim Ummah.

Religiously, Qurbani is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an emphasised Sunnah) for most Muslims and is considered obligatory (wajib) in certain Islamic schools of thought. It is a way to seek Allah’s pleasure and to honour the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Spiritually, it teaches humility, detachment from material possessions, and empathy toward the less fortunate.

Practically, Qurbani has powerful social implications. One-third of the sacrificial meat is typically retained by the family, another third is distributed to relatives and friends, and the final third is given to the poor and needy. This act of charity ensures that even the most underprivileged members of society are able to enjoy a nourishing meal during Eid.

In essence, Qurbani serves as a mechanism for wealth redistribution, reminding Muslims of their duty toward social justice and equity. It reinforces the values of compassion, community, and generosity – all key aspects of Islamic ethics.

How Does Qurbani Work?

In today’s globalised world, the practice of Qurbani has evolved in many places, particularly in developed countries. While some still perform the sacrifice personally or within their local communities, many Muslims now choose to delegate the task to reputable Islamic charities, like UKIM, that carry out Qurbani on their behalf.

Muslims select a charity or organisation, choose their Qurbani package (cow, sheep, or share in a larger animal), and make a payment. The charity performs the sacrifice in a location where the need is greatest –often in countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The meat is portioned and distributed to families living in poverty, conflict zones, refugee camps, or disaster-affected regions.

This system allows Muslims living in wealthier nations to fulfil their religious obligation while maximising the impact of their donation. It ensures that the meat reaches communities who may not have access to regular protein-rich meals. In many cases, this is the only time in the year they eat meat.

In recent years, the scale of Qurbani has been truly immense, distributing millions of portions of meat annually. Each Qurbani package can feed a family of six to eight people, often providing enough meat to last several days.

Thanks to modern logistics, quality assurance measures, and ethical slaughter practices, the Qurbani process today is both efficient and impactful, ensuring dignity and respect for both donor and recipient.

Is Qurbani Compulsory?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether Qurbani is an obligatory act in Islam. The answer varies depending on the Islamic school of thought one follows.

For Muslims following the Hanafi school, Qurbani is considered wajib (obligatory) for those who meet the conditions of wealth, similar to those for paying Zakat. This means that if a person possesses wealth beyond their basic needs equivalent to the Nisab (minimum threshold), they are required to perform Qurbani.

For followers of the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, Qurbani is not deemed obligatory, but it is a highly recommended sunnah (tradition from the time of Muhammad). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly performed Qurbani and encouraged others to do so, emphasising its reward and importance.

Regardless of the legal ruling, the consensus among scholars is that Qurbani holds significant merit and should be observed by those who are financially able. It is a practice rooted in the example of the Prophet (PBUH) and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and it brings immense spiritual and communal benefit.

Who Needs To Give Qurbani?

While Qurbani is a significant act of worship, it is not required of every Muslim. There are specific conditions that determine who is obligated to perform Qurbani. Understanding these conditions helps clarify common misconceptions and ensures the act is carried out by those whom it is truly incumbent upon.

For Qurbani to be an obligation, the person must be an adult, meaning they have reached puberty. Children are not obligated to offer Qurbani, though their guardians may do so on their behalf as a voluntary act of worship.

The individual must be sane and of sound mind. Those suffering from severe mental disabilities are not required to perform Qurbani.

Qurbani is also not required of travellers. If someone is away from their hometown and meets the Islamic definition of a traveller (musafir – usually someone who sets out with the intention of travelling more than 48 miles from home), they are exempt from the obligation. However, if they choose to offer Qurbani despite being away, it is still valid and highly rewarded.

Perhaps the most significant condition is financial capability. Qurbani is only required of Muslims who own wealth or assets that exceed their basic needs and meet or surpass the Nisab threshold – the minimum amount of wealth someone must have to be eligible for Zakat.

This means that poor individuals, who do not have sufficient wealth or assets beyond their essential living needs, are not obligated to perform Qurbani. However, if they wish to do so voluntarily, they may. This is in keeping with the Islamic ethics that surround Qurbani – while it is meant to be an act of generosity and sacrifice, it is not required of those for whom it would be a real hardship or burden. The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) made two sacrifices at Qurbani, with the second being on behalf of those unable to give one themselves. Muslims can follow this tradition, called Prophetic Qurbani, to give a portion for those who cannot afford one.

Conclusion

Qurbani is far more than the act of animal sacrifice. It is a profound expression of faith, a tribute to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and a mechanism for compassion and community support. It reminds Muslims of their responsibilities to Allah and to one another, encouraging generosity, gratitude, and social justice.

In 2025, with the ability to perform Qurbani globally through charitable organisations, the impact of this practice is broader and more meaningful than ever. Whether it’s through direct involvement or remote donation, Muslims across the world are empowered to take part in this beautiful tradition and share its blessings with those in need.