ELIGIBILITY & OBLIGATION

1. Who must perform Qurbani?

In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) for every sane, adult Muslim who meets the Nisab threshold on the days of Eid al-Adha. In the Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools, it is a Sunnah Mu'akkadah (strongly confirmed Sunnah). While not "obligatory" in these schools, neglecting it while having the financial means is highly discouraged.

2. Is Qurbani required for children?

No, Qurbani is not obligatory for children. However, a parent or guardian may choose to perform a voluntary sacrifice on a child's behalf to earn a reward and include them in the tradition. The primary obligation remains with the head of the household who meets the wealth requirements.

3. Can I give Qurbani on behalf of a deceased relative?

Yes. Scholars across the major schools permit giving Qurbani for a deceased loved one as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. Note that if Qurbani is obligatory upon you, this voluntary share for a deceased relative should be performed in addition to your own share, not as a replacement for it.

4. Do I still owe Qurbani if I am in debt?

It depends on the type of debt:

Immediate/Short-term: Deduct the payments due this month (rent, bills, credit card minimums). If your remaining assets are still above the Nisab, you owe Qurbani.

Long-term: For large liabilities like mortgages or student loans, only the monthly instalment currently due is typically deducted from your calculations. Paying off your debt generally takes precedence over the sacrifice if the debt would drop you below the Nisab.

5. Can a husband give one Qurbani for the entire household?

In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is an individual obligation. If both husband and wife independently meet the Nisab threshold, they must each provide a share. In other schools, one large sacrifice (like a cow or several goats) intended for the whole family can suffice.

TIMING & VALIDITY

6. When is Qurbani 2026 performed?

Qurbani must be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and before sunset on the 12th (or 13th, per the Shafi'i/Hanbali schools).

Important: Any sacrifice made before the Eid prayer is considered general charity (Sadaqah), not Qurbani.

7. What happens if I miss the days of Eid?

If the days of Eid pass and you failed to perform an obligatory Qurbani, you cannot perform the sacrifice later. Instead, you must give the monetary equivalent of the Qurbani animal as Sadaqah to the poor to make up for the missed obligation.

8. Can I give Qurbani if I am not performing Hajj?

Yes. Qurbani is a global obligation tied to the days of Eid al-Adha, not the performance of Hajj. While pilgrims perform a sacrifice as part of their rites (called Hady), Muslims worldwide perform Udhiya (Qurbani) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as).

THE ANIMAL & DISTRIBUTION

9. Which animals are eligible for Qurbani?

Animals must be in good health and meet minimum age requirements:

• Sheep/Goats: 1 year old (1 person per animal).
• Cattle (Cow/Buffalo): 2 years old (Up to 7 people can share one animal).
• Camels: 5 years old (Up to 7 people can share one animal).

10. How is the meat distributed?

The Sunnah suggests a three-way split:

• 1/3 for your family.
• 1/3 for friends/neighbours.
• 1/3 for the poor.

When you donate via Human Appeal Canada, The meat is typically distributed to those in dire need (orphans, widows, and refugees), which is highly rewarded as it maximizes the benefit to the Ummah.

FINANCIAL & DONATION

11. What is the Nisab threshold for 2026 in Canada?

Nisab is the value of 612.36g of silver or 87.48g of gold. As of April 2026, the silver Nisab in Canada is approximately $600 - $700 CAD (check the Human Appeal Canada Zakat Calculator for daily live rates).

12. Is Qurbani separate from Zakat?

Yes. They are two distinct pillars of worship. You cannot use Zakat funds to pay for Qurbani, and your Qurbani donation does not fulfil your yearly Zakat requirement. Each must be paid separately if you meet the respective criteria.

13. What is a "Prophetic Qurbani"?

This is an extra sacrifice performed in honour of the Prophet ﷺ, who used to sacrifice a second animal on behalf of the members of his Ummah who could not afford to do so. Many donors choose to give this "extra share" to double their reward and feed more families.

SUNNAH PRACTICES

14. Should I avoid cutting my hair and nails?

It is a confirmed Sunnah for the one intending to offer a sacrifice to refrain from cutting their hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until their Qurbani is performed. This practice mimics the state of the Muhrim (pilgrim) to share in the sanctity of the season.

Ready to fulfil your sacrifice? [Donate your Qurbani 2026 with Human Appeal Canada today]

By Human Appeal

Canada