Basics of Qurbani (Udhiyyah)

Every individual who is mature (above 14.5 yrs), sane, and possesses the zakah nisab (approx £330) on the days of qurbani surplus to basic needs must give qurbani. The days of Qurbani (according to the hanafi madhhab) are from after Eid salah on 10th till Asr on 12th Dhul Hijjah.

That means if you have a 15 year who has his own money to that sum, he/she also has to give Qur’bani.

One person’s qurbani is either one small animal (goat or sheep), or one seventh of a large animal (cow, camel, buffalo)

Below are some conditions which we don’t talk much about. This is why I advise that Qurbani should be given personally or via people who you can trust with these conditions:

The age of the animal should meet a minimum of:

– One year in age for sheep and goats (equivalent to one person’s Qurbani share)
-Two years in age for cows and buffalo (equivalent to seven persons’ Qurbani share)
-Five years in age for camels (equivalent to seven persons’ Qurbani share)
-Any animal chosen for sacrifice should be in good health and have no illness or disease including:

-Their horns cannot be broken
-They must have at least half their teeth
-They cannot have lost a third or more of their ears or tail
-They cannot be blind or have lost a third or more of their sight
-They must be able to walk without limp or lameness
-They must be well-fed and raised with care, not thin or lean.

The immense reward of Qurbani:

“God has made for you the bigger animals as a sign of God [and His greatness], wherein you find much good. So mention God’s name over them when they are drawn up in lines [for sacrifice]. Thereafter, when they are down on their sides [after slaughter], eat thereof, and feed the beggar who does not ask, and [also] the beggar who asks. In this manner we have made the animals subject to you that you may be grateful. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches God, but it is the piety from you that reaches Him. In this manner, we have made the animals subject to you [for your benefit] that you may magnify God for His guidance to you. And give glad tidings to the doers of good.” – (Qurʾān 22:36-37)

‘There is nothing dearer to Allah Ta’ala during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgment with its horns, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood falls on the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.’ (Tirmizi, Ibn Majah)