Qurbani | Complete Guide to Islamic Sacrifice

Give your Qurbani with HNCO and provide fresh meat to vulnerable families in Pakistan & Kenya. 100% stun-free zabiha halal slaughter in full Islamic compliance.

• 100% Stun-Free Zabiha
• Pakistan & Kenya
• UK Non-Profit Organisation
• Scholar Verified

Qurbani (Arabic: قُرْبَانِي), also known as Udhiyah (أُضْحِيَة), is the Islamic practice of sacrificing a livestock animal during Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice). This profound act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham, peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in complete obedience to Allah's command.

“"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him." — Quran 22:37”

The Story of Prophet Ibrahim

Allah tested Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail. Both father and son submitted to Allah's will with complete faith. As Ibrahim (AS) prepared to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, honouring their sincere submission.

This event established the tradition of Qurbani, celebrated annually by millions of Muslims worldwide during the days of Eid al-Adha. The sacrifice symbolises:

• Complete submission to Allah's will – Following Ibrahim's example of obedience
• Gratitude for Allah's blessings – Thanking Him for provision and mercy
• Charity and compassion – Sharing meat with the poor and needy
• Spiritual purification – Sacrificing worldly attachments for divine pleasure

When is Qurbani Performed?

Qurbani sacrifice is valid from after the Eid Salah (prayer) on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah – a total of three to four days. Islamic scholars recommend performing Qurbani as soon as possible after Eid prayer.

• Start time: After Eid Salah on 10th Dhul-Hijjah (not before the prayer)
• End time: Sunset on 13th Dhul-Hijjah (4 days total)
• Recommended: First day (10th Dhul-Hijjah) after Eid prayer
• Valid period: Also called "Days of Tashriq" (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)

How is Qurbani Meat Distributed?

The traditional Islamic distribution model divides the sacrificed meat into three equal portions: one third for the donor's family, one third for relatives, friends and neighbours, and one third for the poor and needy.

HNCO's Distribution Model: Since most UK Muslims cannot consume meat from countries where Qurbani is performed, HNCO distributes 100% of the meat to vulnerable families in Pakistan and Kenya. This maximises charitable impact and ensures fresh meat reaches those facing severe food insecurity – widows, orphans, refugees, disabled individuals, and daily-wage labourers living below the poverty line.

The obligation of Qurbani applies to specific categories of Muslims based on their financial capability and personal circumstances.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the Hanafi madhab (school of Islamic jurisprudence), Qurbani is obligatory (Wajib) for every Muslim who meets ALL of the following criteria:

• Muslim – Follower of Islam
• Adult – Has reached puberty (baligh)
• Sane – Of sound mind (aqil)
• Resident – Not a traveller (musafir) during the Qurbani days
• Possesses Nisab – Wealth equal to or exceeding the Zakat threshold

What is Nisab for Qurbani?

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess to be eligible for Qurbani. It is calculated the same as Zakat eligibility:

• Gold standard: Equivalent to 87.48 grams of gold
• Silver standard: Equivalent to 612.36 grams of silver
• Current value: Approximately £400–£450 (fluctuates with gold/silver prices)

Important: Nisab is calculated on surplus wealth – money and assets beyond your basic needs (home, personal belongings, transport, etc.). If your savings, investments, gold, silver, or business assets exceed the Nisab threshold on the days of Eid al-Adha, Qurbani becomes obligatory.

Madhab Differences

Hanafi madhab: Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) for those possessing Nisab. Missing Qurbani without valid reason is sinful, though it does not require makeup (qada) in later years.

Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali madhabs: Qurbani is Sunnah Muakkadah (highly recommended), not obligatory. However, it is strongly encouraged and earns immense reward.

HNCO's recommendation: Regardless of madhab, Qurbani is a beautiful act of worship following the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ consistent practice. We encourage all Muslims who can afford it to fulfil this Sunnah.

Qurbani for Family Members

Who must give separately? Each eligible adult (husband, wife) should give their own Qurbani. Adult children living independently should give their own Qurbani if they possess Nisab. Dependent children (under puberty) are NOT required to give Qurbani.

Example: A family of 4 (2 adults, 2 young children) where both parents possess Nisab would give 2 Qurbani shares (one for each adult). Parents may voluntarily give Qurbani on behalf of children for extra reward, but it is not obligatory.

Qurbani on Behalf of Deceased Relatives

Yes! You can perform Qurbani on behalf of deceased family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse). This is a beautiful way to honour their memory and send reward to them. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Qurbani on behalf of members of his Ummah.

There is no limit to the number of Qurbani you can give. Many Muslims donate multiple shares – for themselves, living family members, deceased relatives, and as voluntary charity (Nafl) for extra reward.

Islamic law specifies which animals are valid for Qurbani sacrifice and the minimum age requirements to ensure the animal is mature and healthy.

Acceptable Animals for Qurbani

• Sheep (Dhaan) – minimum 6 months (if appears 1 year) – 1 share – individual/small family
• Goat (Ma'iz) – minimum 1 year – 1 share – individual/small family
• Cow (Baqarah) – minimum 2 years – 7 shares – groups/large families
• Buffalo – minimum 2 years – 7 shares – groups/large families
• Camel (Ibil) – minimum 5 years – 7 shares – groups/large families (rare in UK)

Animal Health Requirements

The animal must be healthy and free of major defects. Islamic scholars specify that the following conditions invalidate a Qurbani sacrifice:

• Blindness – Animal is completely blind or blind in one eye
• Illness – Visibly sick, feverish, or diseased
• Lameness – Cannot walk to the place of slaughter
• Emaciation – Extremely thin with no marrow in bones
• Missing limbs – Lost more than 1/3 of an ear, tail, or horn

HNCO's Animal Selection: Our partners in Pakistan and Kenya inspect all animals before purchase to ensure they meet Islamic requirements. Only healthy, well-fed animals of proper age and weight are selected for Qurbani sacrifice.

Understanding Cow Shares (1/7)

A common question among UK Muslims: "Is a 1/7 cow share valid for Qurbani?" YES – cow shares are 100% valid. A 1/7 cow share is fully accepted by all four madhabs (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) as fulfilling one person's Qurbani obligation. Islamic jurisprudence permits dividing large animals (cow, buffalo, camel) into seven equal shares.

“"We sacrificed along with the Prophet ﷺ at Hudaybiyah, a camel for seven people and a cow for seven people." — Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1318”

• Each 1/7 share = one full sheep/goat in Islamic law
• Shareholders do NOT need to be family members
• Each person can have different intentions (obligatory, voluntary, on behalf of deceased)
• One person can buy all 7 shares (equivalent to 7 separate Qurbani)

Why Choose a Cow Share?

• Affordability – Cow shares are often more cost-effective per share, making Qurbani accessible to more Muslims
• Equal Validity – 1/7 cow share = 1 full sheep/goat in Islamic ruling – both fulfil the obligation completely
• Greater Impact – A whole cow provides 200–300kg of meat (vs 15–25kg from a goat), feeding 10–15 families vs 2–3 families
• Flexibility – Easy to scale donations – buy 2 shares for spouses, 4 shares for a family of four, 7 shares for a whole cow

HNCO is committed to 100% stun-free Qurbani using the traditional zabiha method in full compliance with Islamic law. This is a non-negotiable standard for us and a primary concern for UK Muslim donors.

“"Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. So when you kill, kill well; and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each one of you sharpen his blade and let him spare suffering to the animal he slaughters." — Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1955”

What is Stun-Free Slaughter?

Stun-free slaughter (also called non-stunned zabiha) follows the method prescribed by Islamic scholars where the animal is conscious at the moment of slaughter. This ensures complete blood drainage and unquestionable halal compliance.

HNCO's 7-Step Stun-Free Protocol

• Trained Muslim butcher – Only skilled Muslim slaughtermen perform the sacrifice
• Bismillah recitation – "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" said before each cut
• Sharp blade – Knife is sharpened immediately before slaughter (minimum 3× animal's neck width)
• Swift single cut – Continuous motion severs trachea, oesophagus, and both jugular veins (minimum 3 of 4 vessels)
• NO stunning – Animal is conscious at slaughter (no electric shock, captive bolt, or gas stunning)
• Qibla direction – Animal positioned facing Makkah (horizontal laying)
• Complete blood drainage – Animal allowed to bleed fully before processing

Why Stun-Free Matters

Islamic Concern: The Quran prohibits consuming animals that die before proper slaughter:

“"Forbidden to you is that which dies of itself (maitah), blood, the flesh of swine..." — Quran 5:3”

If stunning kills the animal or causes it to die before the knife cut, the meat is not halal according to majority Islamic scholars. Even if the animal survives stunning, there is scholarly debate about its permissibility.

How HNCO Ensures Compliance

• Partner vetting: Only slaughterhouses with verified stun-free policies are approved
• Pre-Eid inspections: HNCO teams visit facilities before Eid to confirm no stunning equipment is present
• Scholar oversight: Islamic scholars in Pakistan and Kenya provide religious guidance and audit slaughter processes
• Butcher training: All slaughtermen receive training in proper zabiha technique and animal welfare
• Third-party audits: Independent organisations periodically verify HNCO's Qurbani operations

HNCO's Zero-Stunning Commitment: To eliminate any doubt and follow the safest Islamic opinion, HNCO mandates absolutely zero stunning in all Qurbani operations. This aligns with the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and classical scholars. We work exclusively with slaughterhouses and butchers who maintain strict stun-free standards. Any violation results in immediate termination of partnership.

HNCO is a UK-registered non-profit organisation committed to transparent, Islamic-compliant Qurbani operations that maximise impact for vulnerable communities.

• 100% Stun-Free – Traditional zabiha method with scholar oversight. Absolutely no electric stunning, captive bolt, or gas used. Unquestionable halal compliance.
• Pakistan & Kenya Only – Focused operations in two countries allow rigorous quality control, trusted partnerships, and verified distribution to the most vulnerable families.
• Trusted Partnerships – Long-standing relationships with local mosques, community leaders, and halal slaughterhouses ensure transparency and Islamic standards.
• Vulnerable Families – 100% of meat goes to those in need: widows, orphans, refugees, disabled individuals, and daily-wage workers below the poverty line.
• Fresh Meat – Distribution occurs within 48 hours of slaughter. Meat is delivered fresh (not frozen) in family-sized portions for immediate consumption.
• UK Non-Profit Organisation – HNCO is registered with UK authorities, ensuring accountability and transparent financial reporting to donors.

Who Receives HNCO Qurbani Meat?

HNCO's local partners identify recipients using strict criteria to ensure meat reaches the most vulnerable:

• Families living below poverty line (less than $2/day income)
• Widows and female-headed households with dependent children
• Orphans in care and children without parental support
• Disabled individuals unable to work and earn income
• Refugees and internally displaced families
• Daily-wage workers facing unemployment or seasonal hardship

Why Pakistan & Kenya?

Pakistan – Serves densely populated vulnerable communities in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces where millions face food insecurity, particularly widows and orphans from flood-affected regions.

Kenya – Reaches Muslim families in Nairobi slums and Mombasa coastal areas, including refugee communities with high unemployment and limited access to protein-rich meals.

Focused Impact: Limiting to two countries allows HNCO to maintain the highest standards of Islamic compliance, slaughter verification, and transparent distribution networks rather than spreading resources thinly across many countries.

What is Qurbani in Islam?

Qurbani (Udhiyah) is the Islamic practice of sacrificing a livestock animal during Eid al-Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It symbolises submission to Allah's will, gratitude for His blessings, and charity to those in need.

Who must give Qurbani?

According to the Hanafi madhab, Qurbani is obligatory (Wajib) for every sane adult Muslim who possesses wealth equal to or exceeding the Nisab threshold (approximately £400–£450, same as Zakat eligibility). Other madhabs consider it a highly recommended Sunnah. Even if not obligatory in your madhab, giving Qurbani earns immense reward.

Is a 1/7 cow share valid for Qurbani?

Yes! A 1/7 cow share is 100% valid for Qurbani according to all four madhabs (Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali). Islamic jurisprudence permits dividing large animals (cow, buffalo, camel) into seven equal shares, with each share fulfilling one person's obligation. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "We sacrificed along with the Prophet at Hudaybiyah, a camel for seven people and a cow for seven people." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1318). Each 1/7 share is equivalent to one full sheep or goat in Islamic law.

What is stun-free Qurbani?

Stun-free Qurbani follows the traditional zabiha method where the animal is conscious at the moment of slaughter. HNCO uses trained Muslim butchers, Bismillah recited before each cut, a sharp blade sharpened immediately before slaughter, a swift single cut severing trachea, oesophagus, and jugular veins, no electric shocking, captive bolt, or gas stunning, and complete blood drainage. This method ensures unquestionable halal compliance and is accepted by all Islamic scholars worldwide.

Can I give Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives?

Yes! Giving Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives (parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse) is recommended in Islam and highly rewarded. The reward reaches the deceased person, and you also earn reward for the charitable act. You can donate multiple Qurbani shares – for example, one for yourself, one for your spouse, one for your deceased father, and one for your deceased mother. There is no maximum limit on Qurbani donations.

Which countries does HNCO serve for Qurbani?

HNCO performs Qurbani in Pakistan and Kenya only. These countries are chosen for trusted partnerships with local mosques and community leaders, verified 100% stun-free slaughter protocols, high concentration of vulnerable Muslim families (widows, orphans, refugees), and efficient distribution networks ensuring fresh meat reaches recipients within 48 hours. Limiting to two countries allows HNCO to maintain rigorous quality control and Islamic compliance rather than spreading resources thinly across many locations.

What animals are valid for Qurbani?

Valid animals: sheep (6+ months), goat (1+ year), cow (2+ years), buffalo (2+ years), camel (5+ years). The animal must be healthy, free of major defects (blindness, illness, lameness), and meet minimum age requirements. Small animals (sheep, goat) = 1 share (1 person). Large animals (cow, buffalo, camel) = 7 shares (up to 7 people).

When is Qurbani performed?

Qurbani is valid from after the Eid Salah (prayer) on 10th Dhul-Hijjah until sunset on 13th Dhul-Hijjah – a total of 3–4 days. It is recommended to perform Qurbani as soon as possible after Eid prayer. Important: Qurbani performed before Eid Salah does not count and must be repeated.

How much does Qurbani cost with HNCO?

HNCO offers affordable Qurbani options in Pakistan and Kenya with prices varying by country and animal type. Current pricing ranges from budget-friendly options to premium whole animals. Kenya generally offers lower prices due to local costs and efficient distribution networks. Pakistan prices are slightly higher but serve densely populated vulnerable communities.

Can I give multiple Qurbani shares?

Yes! There is no maximum limit on Qurbani donations. Many UK Muslims give multiple shares: one share per eligible family member (yourself, spouse, adult children), additional shares on behalf of deceased parents/grandparents, extra shares as voluntary charity (Nafl) for greater reward, and Prophetic Qurbani (2 shares – one for yourself, one for the Ummah). Example: A family of 4 adults might donate 4 obligatory shares + 2 for deceased parents + 1 voluntary = 7 shares total (equivalent to 1 whole cow).

“"There is nothing dearer to Allah 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. The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart." — Tirmidhi, Hadith 1493”