Every year, as the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah draw near, Muslims around the world prepare to honor the powerful legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) through the act of Qurbani. This annual sacrifice is not merely a tradition; it is a deeply spiritual and symbolic practice that strengthens our faith, revives our sense of empathy, and uplifts entire communities. At MTJ Foundation, we believe in making this act of worship meaningful by ensuring it reaches those who need it the most.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the meaning of Qurbani, its significance, the rules that govern it, who must perform it, and how your donation can make a lasting impact — both spiritually and socially.
What is Qurbani?
Qurbani, meaning “sacrifice” in Arabic, refers to the ritual slaughter of an animal during the days of Eid-ul-Adha. This act commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (AS), as a demonstration of unwavering submission to Allah (SWT). Just as he was about to follow through, Allah replaced Ismail with a lamb, signifying that the sacrifice was accepted.
This act of sacrifice has remained a powerful expression of obedience and spiritual devotion for generations. It reflects the values of faith, sacrifice, and commitment to divine command. For Muslims today, Qurbani is an opportunity to revive this legacy and fulfill a significant Sunnah.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed among the poor, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of Eid. For many families living in poverty, this is the only time of year they have access to meat, making the gesture not just symbolic but deeply impactful.
The Meaning Behind the Word Qurbani
In Arabic, “Qurbani” is derived from the word “Qurban,” which means a way or means of gaining closeness to Allah. It highlights the core purpose of this act — to get closer to our Creator through the sacrifice of something valuable. Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to give up his son symbolizes the ultimate submission to God’s will, a lesson in selflessness that transcends generations.
This meaning transforms the act of Qurbani from a simple animal slaughter into a sacred expression of devotion, bringing immense spiritual rewards to those who perform it with sincerity and care.
Why Do Muslims Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is more than just the slaughter of an animal — it is a means of drawing nearer to Allah (SWT), showing gratitude for one’s blessings, and supporting the less fortunate.
According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for every Muslim who meets specific financial and personal criteria. For followers of other schools of thought, while not obligatory, it is considered highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah).
Performing Qurbani allows Muslims to:
Reaffirm their submission to the will of Allah (SWT)
Follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
Share the blessings of Eid with those who are struggling
Reflect on personal sacrifice and spiritual discipline
Fulfill a charitable obligation that uplifts communities
Qurbani is also an act that fosters empathy and awareness. When we sacrifice an animal for those who have little, we develop a deeper appreciation for our blessings. We recognize the struggle of those who live in poverty and hunger daily. This empathy strengthens the ummah and brings us closer together in the true spirit of Eid.
The Story Behind Qurbani
The story of Qurbani traces back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who, in a divine dream, saw himself sacrificing his son, Ismail (AS). Understanding this dream as a command from Allah, he prepared to fulfill it despite the emotional difficulty. When he shared the dream with his son, Ismail (AS) responded with unwavering faith and agreed to be sacrificed.
As Ibrahim (AS) was about to carry out the command, Allah (SWT) intervened, replacing Ismail with a lamb. This event became an eternal symbol of submission, sacrifice, and faith — values that continue to inspire Muslims to this day.
It reminds us that true faith requires trust in Allah’s wisdom, even when the path is difficult. This level of submission and reliance — or tawakkul — is something every Muslim should strive for.
How to perform Qurbani
The Nisab is currently measured as either 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. For instance, as of May 2025, the value of silver was approximately $640.40, while gold was over $9,000. Anyone whose savings or assets exceed this amount is required to give Qurbani.
It’s important to note that if multiple members of a family meet this criterion, each must perform their own Qurbani. So in a household, both husband and wife may be required to offer a separate Qurbani.
Types of Animals Eligible for Qurbani
The animals eligible for Qurbani include:
- Sheep/Goat (minimum age: 1 year) – 1 Qurbani share
- Cow/Buffalo (minimum age: 2 years) – 7 Qurbani shares
- Camel (minimum age: 5 years) – 7 Qurbani shares
Animals must be healthy and free of disease or defects. Some disqualifying conditions include:
- Missing over half their teeth
- Being blind or one-eyed
- Having a severely lame leg
- Being underweight or physically weak
- Inability to walk to the site of slaughter
These health and age requirements ensure that the animals selected are suitable and respected as per Islamic principles.
How is Qurbani Performed? The Qurbani must be performed according to strict Islamic guidelines:
- A sharp knife must be used to minimize suffering
- The animal should not see the knife being sharpened
- No other animal should be present during the slaughter
- The phrase “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” must be recited before the cut
- The animal should not be skinned until it has completely cooled
The entire process should be handled with the utmost compassion and care. It reflects the mercy that Islam advocates not just toward humans, but toward all living beings. The goal is to complete the ritual respectfully, keeping the sanctity of the act at its core.
When Should Qurbani Be Performed?
Qurbani should be carried out between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah. Donations to us can be made up until the end of the (9th Dhul Hijjah). However, early donations are highly recommended to ensure timely sacrifice.
How is Qurbani Meat Distributed?
Traditionally, the meat from Qurbani is divided into three parts:
- One-third for the donor and their household
- One-third for friends and relatives
- One-third for the poor and needy
At MTJ Foundation, we ensure that all Qurbani meat is distributed to the most vulnerable families in disaster-affected and underserved communities across Pakistan. For many of these families, this is their only access to meat in the entire year.
Our distribution process uses a fair and transparent scoring system that prioritizes:
- Female-headed households
- Families with disabled or elderly members
- Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
- Households with young children
- Low-income families in remote areas
What If You Missed Qurbani in the Past?
If Qurbani was obligatory for you in past years and you missed it, you can still fulfill this obligation by donating the equivalent number of shares in the current year.
This act is known as compensatory Qurbani and serves as a means to rectify missed opportunities for worship.
Can I Give More Than One Qurbani?
Absolutely. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave multiple Qurbanis — one on behalf of himself and one on behalf of his Ummah. Many Muslims also choose to offer Qurbani for deceased parents or other loved ones. You can give as many shares as you like, especially to maximize reward in the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.
This also offers a chance to honor the memory of your loved ones while contributing to a noble cause.
Pre-Qurbani Etiquette:
Hair and Nails According to the Hanbali madhab and supported by many scholars, individuals intending to give Qurbani should avoid cutting their hair and nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until their sacrifice is performed. This act symbolizes humility and submission.
Why Choose MTJ Foundation for Your Qurbani?
- Transparency & Trust: Every donation is tracked from payment to distribution.
- Shariah Compliance: We ensure that each Qurbani is carried out according to Islamic guidelines.
- Serving the Most Needy: We work in disaster-hit, flood-affected, and impoverished areas.
- Hygiene & Dignity: All meat is packed and distributed with proper hygiene and respect for the beneficiaries.
- Community-Centric: Your donation not only provides food but also strengthens our collective sense of solidarity.
By choosing MTJ Foundation, you’re not just donating — you’re uplifting lives, spreading smiles, and fulfilling a divine command with full sincerity.
Final Thoughts
Qurbani is a profound reminder of our relationship with Allah (SWT). It calls us to reflect on the values of obedience, compassion, and community. As we honor the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), we must also recognize our responsibility to share what we have with those who have less.
This Dhul Hijjah, let your Qurbani be more than a ritual. Let it be a source of joy for someone in need — a family that will remember your sacrifice every time they gather around a warm meal on Eid.
Donate your Qurbani through MTJ Foundation and be the reason someone smiles this Eid.
