Qurbānī (Uḍḥiyah)

Qurbānī (Uḍḥiyah) is an act of worship. It is to slaughter an animal on the day of ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (the 10th of Dhul-Ḥijjah) or on one of the two subsequent days (11th/12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah). Qurbānī is wājib (compulsory) upon a sane adult Muslim who on the 10th, 11th or 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah owns the niṣāb amount of zakāh (presently, approximately £380), or its equivalent in net surplus possessions. Hence, Qurbānī is not compulsory on non-pubescent children even if they have net surplus possessions in excess of Niṣāb. Nor are their guardians required to do Qurbānī on their behalf (though they may do so if they wish to).

The Qurbānī animal can be slaughtered on the 10th of Dhul-Ḥijjah after the ʿĪd Ṣalāh up until Maghrib of the 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah.

A small animal (goat/sheep) will suffice for one person. A cow/camel will suffice up to seven people. It is also permissible to do Qurbānī overseas. 

A small animal (goat/sheep) must be at least one year old. It is permissible to slaughter a lamb that is 6 months or older provided it looks like a one year old. Lambs in the UK will not meet this condition during the Qurbānī season for this year (2021) and the following few years. Hence, it will not be permitted to slaughter a lamb. A cow must be at least two years old and a camel at least five years old.

When performing Qurbānī via relief organisations or butchers, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that they are reliable and mindful of all the conditions and prerequisites of Qurbānī. 

If an individual has not done Qurbānī on 10th, 11th or 12th of Dhul-Ḥijjah despite it being obligatory, he will have to donate the value of a Qurbānī animal to the poor. 


Sign up for a free account today and get access to a range of free Islamic courses.

Related articles