Qurbani, meaning offering, is the recognition of the sacrifice that was going to be made by Prophet Ibrahim when he was going to give up his son, Ismail, for the sake of Allah (SWT). During Qurbani, an animal is sacrificed and the shares are divided.

Qurbani marks the completion of Hajj, the pilgrimage made to the holy city and is celebrated with friends and family over the days of Eid al-Adha.

Those who are eligible to give Qurbani must either sacrifice an animal or make a donation equivalent to the value of a sacrificial animal on the 10th, 11th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah (after special Eid prayers). Monetary Qurbani donations go towards purchasing/rearing animals that can be sacrificed in poor communities so that everyone can enjoy a nutritious meal and the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

The Qurbani sacrifice is where Muslims remember this humble act of complete and utter devotion. Every year, hundreds of millions of Muslims perform Qurbani in accordance with the Sunnah of Ibrahim.

After the livestock animal has been sacrificed, its meat is divided into three equal portions – one for the individual performing Qurbani, one for the family of the Muslim who provided the animal, and one for the poor and needy.

The purchasing or provision of a Qurbani animal, otherwise known as paying the Qurbani price, is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are strict Qurbani rules surrounding which animals can be sacrificed including the species of the animal, the quality of life it has led, its health status and additional guidelines on how it must be sacrificed.

Qurbani is fard on every able-bodied Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and for everyone that meets the rules of Zakat. There are different schools of thought on who is Qurbani wajib on, and you should speak to your local Imam for confirmation. Qurbani provides families in need necessary food for the celebration of Eid and your donation, if you are able and eligible to make one, is gratefully received.