What is the Nisab Threshold for Qurbani?

Qurbani is an act of worship that’s carried out during the blessed celebration of Eid al-Adha by all able Muslims worldwide. It’s an animal sacrifice that’s made to Allah to show unmatched devotion and obedience to Him, while commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his only son for Allah. Ibrahim (AS) never wavered from Allah’s command and was about to complete the sacrifice when a ram took his son’s place and was sacrificed instead. This was a reward for Ibrahim (AS) for passing the test of love and loyalty to God, and it also began the sacred act of Qurbani. Now, Muslims across the world reflect this same commitment to Islam through Qurbani during the days of Eid and earn immense reward for doing so.

A huge part of the animal sacrifice is to help those in need by giving them the meat, so that they can also join in the celebrations of Eid al-Adha and have vital protein to help them survive. Due to the importance of this act of worship, there are specific Islamic regulations around it that must be followed to make the sacrifice count as Qurbani. At UKIM, we know there can be some confusion around these regulations, especially when it comes to who pays Qurbani. To help you do your sacrifice correctly and help the less fortunate across the world, we’ve created this guide to the Qurbani threshold, so you know when you need to give the donation and if you qualify.

Who Has to Pay Qurbani?

So, who has to pay Qurbani? Giving the donation is dependent on a Muslim’s personal and financial situation. Just like other types of giving in Islam, there are set Islamic regulations that state when someone must give the donation. These regulations are mainly based on the Qurbani threshold, which means that a believer must have wealth beyond their basic needs, just like Zakat. So, if you meet or exceed the Nisab threshold, then you should pay Qurbani.

As well as this, there are other rules that are stated, which determine when a Muslim can give Qurbani. Believers must be adults, of sound mind, not travelling during the celebration of Eid al-Adha and possess wealth above the Nisab. If you meet these regulations, then you’re required to fulfil the act of worship and help those in desperate need through a donation that provides them with fresh, quality meat.

When Does Qurbani Become Compulsory?

A popular question among many Muslims is when does Qurbani become compulsory? The answer to this is slightly different based on the Islamic school of thought you follow. Each school has a different opinion on the act of Qurbani and whether or not it’s compulsory for able Muslims to do.

In the Hanafi school of thought, which is the largest school that has about one-third of the world’s Muslims following it, determine that Qurbani is an obligation for those who meet the requirements. They classify the sacrifice as a wajib act, which is an obligation that doesn’t have direct evidence from the Quran or hadith. Even though it isn’t farz, wajib acts still need to be achieved because it’s sinful not to complete the act of worship if you have the means to do so.

As for the other schools of thought, Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali, the sacrifice is seen as Sunnah Mu’akadah, which means that it’s a highly encouraged act for able Muslims to complete. This is because Qurbani is a confirmed sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and should be followed to earn reward and help those in need.

So, whichever school of thought you follow, Qurbani is a very encouraged act of worship to do when you meet the requirements. Doing this sacrifice allows Muslims worldwide to show their commitment and obedience to Allah, earn immense rewards and help to save the lives of the hungry.

Who Pays Qurbani?

When it comes to who pays Qurbani, many Muslims can be confused about the age at which a believer must be to do this act of worship. There isn’t a set age that makes an able believer qualify for Qurbani. Instead, it’s based on when a Muslim reaches and passes the age of adolescence, meaning that it’s an act of worship that’s only required for adults to do. Children aren’t required to give to the sacrifice, so in your household, only the adults who meet the requirements need to give their share of Qurbani. This cannot be done together as the sacrifice is an individual responsibility, but you can all contribute a share of a larger animal, which is equivalent to 7 shares, to make it more affordable. You can also give an extra share of Qurbani on behalf of your children or loved ones if you wish to do so, but only after you’ve contributed your own share first.

Who is Obliged to Pay Qurbani?

So, who is obliged to pay Qurbani? What makes a Muslim eligible to pay Qurbani is mainly down to their financial circumstances, alongside the other requirements. Islam focuses on giving to those in need to help change their lives and make them feel a part of the ummah. However, financial circumstances are always considered because, even though giving charity is a core value, it should never burden anyone and cause financial struggle. This means that Muslims should give regularly if they have the means to do so to uplift the struggling and provide them with lifesaving support. Qurbani works in this way and only requires those who have wealth beyond their basic needs to donate. The sacrifice also offers various options to choose from to make the donation work for all types of budgets, allowing Muslims to give in line with their financial circumstances.

A Muslim is eligible and obliged to pay Qurbani when they hold wealth that is beyond their basic needs. Those who have money left after paying for their immediate needs, such as paying for clothing, food, housing and basic living expenses, should pay the donation. This is as long as the assets you have are sufficient enough to meet or exceed the Nisab.

What is the Threshold for Qurbani?

The Qurbani threshold is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they should give to the sacrifice. The threshold used to calculate if someone meets these requirements is the Nisab, meaning that if you need to pay Zakat, you will have to give Qurbani.

A minimum amount of certain assets must be in your possession, and for the Nisab threshold for Qurbani, this is based on gold and silver, which are the most popular assets that Muslims own. The threshold is set at 87.48 grams of Gold and 612.36 grams of silver. If you have this amount in these assets or the monetary equivalent in other assets, such as cash and savings, you must donate Qurbani.

With this Nisab threshold for Qurbani, most scholars recommend using the silver value to calculate your assets to determine whether or not you are required to pay Qurbani. This is because the value is a lower amount that’s needed, meaning that more people can give the donation and, therefore, more people in need can be helped.

When to Pay Qurbani

Many wonder when to pay Qurbani, especially when giving a donation to a charitable organisation, like UKIM. The sacrifice must be carried out during a specific timeframe to make it count as Qurbani, as before or after this, the act of worship only counts as Sadaqah. This means that eligible Muslims must do their sacrifice during the days of Eid, from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid day) to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (the days of tashreeq). Qurbani should only begin after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and can continue on the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, until the sun sets on the last day.

So, to make sure that your sacrifice counts as Qurbani, you should give your donation as early as possible. Try to donate before Eid al-Adha begins to ensure your sacrifice is carried out during the correct timeframe to earn the rewards and help the hungry in time for them to enjoy Eid.

How Much Qurbani Do I Have to Give?

Another popular question with this act of worship is how much Qurbani do I have to give? As the sacrifice works as an individual responsibility, it means that you only have to give your Qurbani. When you donate to a charity to do the sacrifice on your behalf, this works in shares. One share equals one person’s Qurbani, and each animal offered represents a different number of shares. Small animals, such as sheep or goats, are equivalent to one share of Qurbani, while larger animals, such as camels, cows and buffalo, are equivalent to 7 shares of Qurbani, meaning they can be divided between 7 eligible Muslims. This makes Qurbani more affordable as the overall cost is split into 7 and still makes a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable communities.

Make Your Sacrifice with UKIM

Giving your Qurbani through UKIM means that you contribute to a trusted and impactful charity that are dedicated to helping those most in need. We handle the whole sacrifice process on your behalf with care, transparency and adherence to Islamic regulations to ensure that your sacrifice counts and helps to save countless lives around the world.

Donate Qurbani to help struggling families in poverty-stricken areas, conflict zones and remote locations finally put healthy food on the table and receive the sustenance they need to survive. Your sacrifice can be the only time of the year they get to eat meat and can transform their lives. Bring hope for a better, healthier future and allow them to feel the blessings and joys of Eid through your Qurbani.