Who Has to Give Qurbani? A Complete Hanafi Guide for Muslims
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam. It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who demonstrated unwavering obedience to Allah ﷻ by being willing to sacrifice his son in submission to divine command.
Each year during Eid al-Adha, Muslims worldwide perform Qurbani as a symbolic act of faith, gratitude, and charity. For followers of the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is considered Wajib (obligatory) for those who meet specific eligibility criteria, making it essential to understand who must perform it and under what conditions to fulfill this sacred duty properly.
The Meaning and Purpose of Qurbani
The word “Qurbani” literally means sacrifice and represents both an act of worship and a spiritual lesson in Islam. It involves offering an animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel to Allah ﷻ, symbolizing devotion, submission, and gratitude.
Beyond the physical act of sacrifice, Qurbani carries profound spiritual significance. It serves to remind Muslims of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience, encourages sharing blessings with others, and strengthens the sense of community.
By distributing the meat to family, friends, and the needy, Muslims not only fulfill their religious obligation but also cultivate compassion, generosity, and social responsibility. In essence, Qurbani is both an act of devotion and a demonstration of the social ethics embedded within Islam.
Is Qurbani Compulsory According to Hanafi Fiqh?
In Hanafi jurisprudence, Qurbani is Wajib for every eligible adult Muslim. Unlike the Shafi‘i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, where Qurbani is considered Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly recommended but not obligatory), Hanafi scholars emphasize that neglecting Qurbani without valid excuse is considered sinful.
Performing Qurbani at the correct time, which is after the Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah until sunset on the 12th, is essential for fulfilling the obligation. The Hanafi ruling underscores the importance of financial preparedness and awareness, ensuring that eligible Muslims do not inadvertently miss this key religious duty.
Even in non-Muslim countries, understanding this obligation is vital, as Qurbani represents both obedience to Allah and participation in a global act of faith.
Eligibility Criteria for Giving Qurbani
To be obligated for Qurbani, a Muslim must satisfy five key criteria according to Hanafi fiqh.
First, the individual must be a Muslim; this act of worship is exclusive to Islam and is not required of non-Muslims.
Second, the person must have reached adulthood (Baligh), as children are exempt, though parents may perform Qurbani on their behalf if they wish.
Third, the individual must be sane, possessing the ability to make informed decisions.
Fourth, the person must be a resident rather than a traveler, since those who are traveling and unable to access proper facilities are exempt.
Fifth, the individual must possess wealth above the Nisab threshold, which is the minimum level of wealth that makes one responsible for religious obligations.
This wealth is considered after fulfilling essential expenses such as food, housing, and debts.
Assets that count toward Nisab include cash, gold, silver, business inventory, and savings, while debts owed to others or pending income are excluded. For example, a Muslim whose savings exceed the Nisab on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah is obliged to perform Qurbani.
Exemptions from Qurbani
Certain individuals are exempt from performing Qurbani in Hanafi fiqh. People whose wealth does not reach the Nisab level are not obliged to sacrifice. Those in debt, students without personal finances, and those reliant on charity are also exempt.
Travelers who cannot access proper slaughtering facilities are not required to perform Qurbani. These exemptions highlight the flexibility and fairness of Islamic law, ensuring that Qurbani is only obligatory for those who are capable of performing it without undue hardship. Such guidelines preserve the balance between spiritual duty and practical capability.
Qurbani and Family Obligations
Hanafi scholars provide detailed guidance regarding family obligations for Qurbani. Each adult male who possesses wealth above the Nisab is individually obliged to perform Qurbani, and adult women must also perform it if they meet the same wealth criteria.
Children are exempt from this obligation, although parents may choose to perform Qurbani on their behalf. One significant aspect of Hanafi rulings is that a single large animal, such as a cow or camel, may be shared by up to seven eligible individuals.
This means that a family with multiple adults can fulfill their collective obligation with one properly sized animal, as long as each member meets the financial eligibility requirements. This approach ensures fairness, reduces unnecessary burden, and enables families to observe the Sunnah efficiently.
To learn more about the spiritual and educational benefits of Islamic practices, explore the Aims of Islamic Education and how they guide a Muslim’s life.
Qurbani on Behalf of the Deceased
Performing Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person is permissible under Hanafi fiqh. If a deceased individual owned wealth above the Nisab, their heirs or relatives may carry out Qurbani in their name.
This act is considered Sadaqah Jariyah, bringing ongoing reward to both the deceased and the person performing the sacrifice. It reflects the enduring spiritual significance of Qurbani, demonstrating how this act of worship can continue to benefit others even after death. Many Muslims find solace in performing Qurbani on behalf of loved ones, knowing that their act of devotion contributes to ongoing reward and remembrance.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Several common mistakes occur regarding Qurbani. Some believe that one sacrifice automatically fulfills the obligation for the entire family, regardless of individual eligibility, which is incorrect in Hanafi fiqh.
Others mistakenly consider Qurbani optional or confuse it with voluntary charity or Zakat. Delaying the sacrifice until the last day may also compromise the validity if proper guidelines are not followed. Awareness of Hanafi rulings and careful planning ensures that Muslims perform Qurbani correctly and receive the intended spiritual rewards.
Performing Qurbani Correctly
Performing Qurbani requires attention to both spiritual and practical guidelines. The chosen animal must be healthy, mature, and free from defects. Slaughter should be performed after the Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and may continue until sunset on the 12th.
The act of slaughtering must follow halal methods, including pronouncing Bismillah and Takbeer before making the cut. The meat should be distributed thoughtfully: one portion for the family, one portion for relatives and friends, and one portion for the needy.
While performing Qurbani, Muslims are encouraged to recite the Takbeer, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil Hamd,” reflecting gratitude, humility, and remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Modern Qurbani Practices in the UK
For Muslims living in the UK, online Qurbani services offer a practical solution to fulfilling the Hanafi obligation. These services allow eligible Muslims to arrange Qurbani in other countries while ensuring Sharia compliance, proper halal slaughter, and distribution to those in need.
This modern approach facilitates participation in this sacred act, even for those with busy schedules or limited access to traditional facilities. It also provides reassurance that the sacrifice is carried out ethically and benefits those in poverty, fulfilling the social and spiritual purposes of Qurbani.
Common Questions About Qurbani
Does paying Zakat replace the obligation of Qurbani?
No, Zakat and Qurbani are separate acts of worship with different purposes.
Are those who do not fast exempt from giving Qurbani?
No, fasting does not affect the obligation; Qurbani depends on wealth, age, and sanity.
What if someone was unaware that Qurbani is Wajib?
They should perform Qurbani as soon as they become aware of the obligation.
Can Qurbani be performed online?
Yes, if the service ensures halal slaughter, Sharia compliance, and proper meat distribution.
Who benefits from online Qurbani services?
Both the person performing the sacrifice and the needy receiving the meat benefit.
Can Qurbani be performed on behalf of family members or the deceased?
Yes, it is allowed and is considered Sadaqah Jariyah for the deceased.
What is the correct time to perform Qurbani?
After Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah until sunset of the 12th.
Is one animal sufficient for the entire family?
Yes, one animal can cover up to seven eligible adults if each meets the wealth requirement.
Conclusion
In summary, Qurbani is Wajib for Hanafi Muslims who are adult, sane, resident, and financially capable, while children and those below the Nisab are exempt. Family members can share an animal, and Qurbani on behalf of the deceased is permissible.
Modern online services make observing this obligation easier, ensuring it is done correctly and in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). For more guidance on Eid practices, see our detailed guide on the Sunnah of Eid ul Adha.
