🐑What Is Qurbani?
Every year during Eid ul-Adha, Muslims around the world perform Qurbani — the sacrifice of an animal — to remember the great act of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his beloved son for the sake of Allah. This beautiful tradition reminds us to give, to be grateful, and to put Allah first in everything we do.
✅Who Must Give Qurbani? The 4 Simple Rules
Qurbani is Wajib (required) for you if you meet all four of these conditions:
Qurbani is only required for Muslims. Non-Muslims are not included in this obligation.
You must have reached the age of puberty. Children who have not yet reached puberty do not have to give Qurbani.
A person who does not have sound mental capacity is not required to give Qurbani.
You must own wealth above the Nisab threshold — money beyond what you need for your basic living costs.
💡 Simple rule of thumb: If you meet all four conditions above during the days of Eid ul-Adha, then Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) for you.
💰The “Extra Money” Rule — Nisab Explained Simply
Many people find the word “Nisab” confusing. Here is all you need to know, in plain English:
If you have extra wealth — gold, silver, cash, savings, or business goods — that you do not need for your basic living costs, and this wealth stays above a certain value, then Qurbani is for you.
What Counts as “Extra Wealth”?
- Gold — jewellery, bars, or coins you own (above what you personally wear daily)
- Silver — any silver you own
- Cash or savings — money in your bank account or at home
- Business stock or goods — items you buy and sell for profit
- Money owed to you — debts that others owe you and that you expect to receive
What Does NOT Count?
- Your home that you live in
- Your car that you use daily
- Your clothes, furniture, and household items
- Tools or equipment you use for your job
The Nisab value changes regularly because it is based on the price of silver or gold. Our live calculator checks today’s exact Nisab threshold — it does the maths for you automatically.
👫Qurbani Rules for Husband and Wife
This is one of the most common questions we receive. Here is a clear answer:
Qurbani is an individual obligation. It is not shared between a husband and wife. If a husband has wealth above Nisab, he must give his own Qurbani. If a wife also has her own wealth above Nisab, she must give her own separate Qurbani.
Example to Make It Clear
Ahmed has savings of £5,000 and his wife Fatima has her own gold jewellery worth £3,500. Both amounts are above Nisab. This means both Ahmed and Fatima must each give one Qurbani. Ahmed’s Qurbani does not cover Fatima, and Fatima’s does not cover Ahmed.
What If Only One Has Wealth Above Nisab?
If only the husband is above Nisab and the wife is not — only the husband gives Qurbani. If only the wife is above Nisab and the husband is not — only the wife gives Qurbani. Only the person whose wealth meets Nisab is required to give.
🌎A Few More Things to Know
Do Travellers Have to Give Qurbani?
According to the Hanafi school of thought, a person who is a musafir (traveller) — meaning they are more than 48 miles from their home during the days of Eid — is not required to give Qurbani. However, it is still a beautiful act to give voluntarily.
When Are the Days of Qurbani?
Qurbani can be performed on 10th, 11th, or 12th Dhul Hijjah. Your wealth must be above Nisab during these three days for Qurbani to be Wajib.
What Happens If I Miss It?
If Qurbani was Wajib for you but you did not perform it, most scholars say you should give the value of one Qurbani in Sadaqah (charity) to make up for it. Always try to give on time within the three days of Eid.
🙋Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Hanafi school, Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) for every eligible Muslim. According to the Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools, it is a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu‘akkadah) — very strongly recommended. Speak to your local imam if unsure.
No. Qurbani is an individual obligation based on each person’s own wealth. A husband’s Qurbani does not count for his wife or children above puberty. However, as a kind gesture, a person may give on behalf of others — but this does not remove the obligation for those who are themselves eligible.
The Nisab value changes regularly because it is based on the live market price of silver (612.36 grams) or gold (87.48 grams). Use our calculator on this page to get today’s exact Nisab value in your local currency — it updates automatically.
Yes, in most cases. Gold jewellery that you own beyond your normal personal use is generally counted towards Nisab under the Hanafi school. Some scholars have different opinions on gold jewellery worn regularly. Consult a knowledgeable scholar if unsure.
This depends. Subtract your immediate debts from your total wealth. If the remaining amount is still above Nisab, Qurbani is still Wajib for you. If subtracting your debts brings you below Nisab, you are not required to give — though giving voluntarily is always a good deed.
Yes. Giving Qurbani on behalf of a deceased loved one is a beautiful and permitted act. The reward will reach them, insha’Allah. This is in addition to your own Qurbani — it does not replace your personal obligation.
Children who have not yet reached puberty are not required to give Qurbani. Once a child reaches puberty and has wealth above Nisab, they become responsible for their own Qurbani like any adult.