Qurbani/Udhiya FAQs - Everything You Need to Know!

What is Qurbani / Udhiya?

Qurbani / Udhiya is the sacrifice of a livestock animal (such as a cow, goat or sheep) which is offered during the four days of Eid-al-Adha in the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This tradition is an echo of the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to make of his son to show his devotion to Allah (SWT). For Muslims around the world, Qurbani is a form of showing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His countless favours and blessings. One Qurbani is either a small animal, such as a goat, or a share in a larger animal, like a cow. Either will fulfil your obligation.  

Is Qurbani an obligation or a sunnah?

The majority view is that Qurbani/Udhiya is a Sunnah mu’akkadah (emphasized sunnah). Imam Al-Shafi'i, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad hold this view. The view of Imam Abu Hanifah is that it is a fardh (obligation).  

Shaikh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: “Udhiya is Sunnah mu’akkadah for the one who is able to do it, so a person should offer the sacrifice on behalf of himself and the members of his household.” 

Who is responsible to do Qurbani?

Qurbani is an emphasized Sunnah with great rewards. Whoever can afford to do it without it becoming a financial burden should offer the Qurbani. Infact, multiple members within the same household can offer their own Qurbani if they can afford it and wish to do so. 

What is included in my Qurbani donation?

Your Qurbani donation of $450 includes sacrificing the animal (cow-share, lamb, or goat, as per local availability), cutting and cleaning, packaging (8 -10 lbs. per family), delivery of fresh meat to needy families and email notification upon completion of Qurbani.

Is one Qurbani/Udhiya sufficient for the entire family?

Yes, one Qurbani/Udhiya is sufficient for one family who live together regardless of the number of household members. 

What is the Prophetic Qurbani?

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) sacrificed two white rams speckled with black. He slaughtered them with his own hand, and said ‘Allaahu Akbar’ ” [Bukhari & Muslim] 

What is the reward of doing Qurbani?

The Prophet (SAW) said: "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the sacrificial animal, you receive a reward from Allah. [At-Tirmidhi] 

When should the Qurbani be completed?

Qurbani must be offered after the Eid al-Adha prayer and before the last of the Days of Tashreeq (the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah) before Maghrib. This is the 4^th day of Eid. 

When will my Qurbani with NZF be completed so I can cut my hair and nails?

NZF will notify you by email upon fulfilment of your Qurbani. After this time, you may proceed with trimming your hair & nails.  NZF plans to fulfil all Qurbani between the 10^th and the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah. 

How will NZF ensure the Qurbani is fulfilled correctly?

NZF is working with local reputable professional slaughterhouses and butcher shops to ensure the process from acquiring the animal to the packaging of the meat is at the highest level. NZF Canada will ensure that the animals selected for Qurbani and the method of slaughter will adhere to the strict requirements of an acceptable Islamic Qurbani. 

Why should I do my Qurbani locally?

With the rising cost of living and current economic uncertainty, thousands of Canadians continue to live in poverty and are struggling to make ends meet, despite the availability of government support and benefits. Many of our most vulnerable community members struggle to afford food, especially with the rising cost of halal meat. By giving your Udhiya/Qurbani locally, you can help ensure that our brothers and sisters in need can enjoy a warm meal and take part in the joys of Eid. 

What animals qualify for Qurbani?

The following animals and their suitable ages are mentioned by the Prophet (SAW): six months for a lamb, one year for a goat, two years for a cow and five years for a camel. The animal should be free of any defects, physical deformities, and sickness. 

Can I donate less than the full Qurbani amount?

If you have already fulfilled your Qurbani elsewhere OR if you are not required to do Qurbani, you may donate any amount you wish. NZF will use your donation to provide additional meat to more families in need.  

Note: If you are required to do Qurbani, any amount less than $450 will not fulfill your Qurbani obligation.  

Am I required to not cut my nails and hair until the Qurbani is complete? Is it sinful to cut before the Qurbani?

If you have intended to offer Qurbani, then it is recommended that you refrain from trimming your hair & nails from the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah until after your qurbani is completed. NOTE: If you wish to follow the sunnah of not trimming your hair & nails, then groom yourself a day or two before the start of Dhul Hijjah. This way you are not too unkempt in the next 10-12 days. 

How will NZF distribute the Qurbani meat?

NZF Canada will distribute your Qurbani/Udhiya meat to the most vulnerable members of our community through local community partners and direct deliveries to families in need. This will be in the form of cow, sheep, lamb, or goat. 

I am tight on money this year, but generally do okay with finances. Am I required to do Qurbani?

According to the majority opinion, Qurbani is a sunnah mu'akkadah (emphasized sunnah), and not obligatory. If a person is pressed financially and opts out of offering the qurbani, insha’Allah there is no sin on her/him. If a person is financially strong and still chooses not to offer it, he/she will be missing out on tremendous rewards. 

I missed my Qurbani for previous year(s). Do I have to make it up? And how?

There is no obligation for making up missed qurbani from the previous year(s).

CLICK HERE to donate your Qurbani locally in Canada.

Planning to pay your Zakat or give Sadaqah in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah? CLICK HERE to donate.