Every year, Muslims ask the same question. Is Qurbani fardh or sunnah? The answer changes depending on who you follow. Different scholars have different views. This guide explains each view in simple words. You will understand your obligation by the end.
What Do These Words Mean?
Let us start with definitions. Fardh means obligatory. If you leave a fardh act without reason, you sin. Sunnah means the practice of Prophet Muhammad. Doing it brings reward. Leaving it does not bring sin. Wajib sits between these two. It is necessary but slightly less strict than fardh.
Qurbani is the animal sacrifice on Eid ul Adha. Muslims give it to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience. The ruling on Qurbani varies across the four main schools of thought.
The Hanafi View: Wajib
Imam Abu Hanifa considered Qurbani wajib. This means necessary. It is not fardh like prayer. But it is compulsory on those who meet the conditions. If you have the financial means, you must give Qurbani. Leaving it without excuse is disliked.
The conditions in the Hanafi school are:
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You are Muslim
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You are sane
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You have reached puberty
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You possess wealth above your basic needs
This wealth equals the Nisab value. Nisab is the same threshold for Zakat. If you own this amount, Qurbani is wajib on you. Many Muslims in South Asia, Turkey, and the Balkans follow this view.
The Maliki View: Sunnah Muakkadah
Imam Malik viewed Qurbani as Sunnah Muakkadah. This means an emphasized sunnah. It is not compulsory. But it is highly recommended. The Prophet consistently performed it. He encouraged others to do it.
In the Maliki school, you do not sin if you leave Qurbani. But you miss a great reward. The Prophet said no good deed on Eid days is more beloved than sacrifice. So while not obligatory, Muslims who can afford it should give. This view is common in North and West Africa.
The Shafi View: Sunnah Muakkadah
Imam Al-Shafi also held Qurbani as Sunnah Muakkadah. It is a confirmed practice of the Prophet. It is not fardh. But abandoning it without excuse is disliked.
The Shafi school emphasizes the financial ability. If you can afford Qurbani without hardship, you should give. If you leave it, you lose reward. But you do not commit a sin. This view is followed in Southeast Asia, Egypt, and parts of the Middle East.
The Hanbali View: Wajib or Sunnah?
There are two opinions within the Hanbali school. Some scholars say Qurbani is wajib. Others say it is Sunnah Muakkadah. The stronger opinion in the school is wajib for those who can afford it.
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal reportedly said he disliked anyone with means leaving Qurbani. The Hanbali conditions are similar to the Hanafi view. Financial ability is the key. This view is common in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
What Should You Do?
Your personal ruling depends on the school you follow. If you follow the Hanafi school, Qurbani is compulsory. You must give it if you have the means. If you follow Maliki, Shafi, or the sunnah view in Hanbali, Qurbani is highly recommended. You should give it if you can.
Most scholars agree on one point. If you have the financial ability, giving Qurbani is better than not giving. The Prophet never missed it. He gave Qurbani every year. Following his example brings you closer to Allah.
Who Must Give Qurbani?
Regardless of the ruling, the conditions are similar. Qurbani applies to:
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Adult Muslims who have reached puberty
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Muslims who are financially able
Financial ability means owning more than your basic needs. This includes:
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Food for your family
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Shelter
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Clothing
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Transportation
If after these needs you have extra wealth, you should give Qurbani. If you do not, you are not expected to give. Islam does not burden you beyond your capacity.
Can One Qurbani Cover the Family?
Many families ask this question. One sheep or goat covers one person. One cow or camel covers seven people. If you want Qurbani for your whole family, you need to account for each adult. Your wife and adult children who meet the criteria must give their own Qurbani.
Parents can give Qurbani on behalf of young children. This is a generous act. It teaches children about sacrifice. But it is not compulsory.
What If You Cannot Afford Qurbani?
If you do not have wealth above your basic needs, you are not required to give. This applies across all schools. Do not take loans for Qurbani. Do not use money meant for rent or food. Allah accepts your intention. He knows your situation.
You can still participate in the spirit of Eid. You can make dua. You can help distribute meat. You can share in the joy of the community.
The Wisdom Behind the Difference
Why do scholars differ? They looked at different evidence. Some focused on the Prophet’s words. He said no deed is better on Eid than sacrifice. They saw this as a command. Others focused on his actions. They saw it as his personal practice.
Both views have strong foundations. Both respect the Prophet. The difference shows the beauty of Islamic law. There is flexibility. There is mercy.
A Simple Summary
Here is what you need to know.
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Hanafi school: Qurbani is wajib (compulsory)
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Maliki school: Qurbani is Sunnah Muakkadah (emphasized sunnah)
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Shafi school: Qurbani is Sunnah Muakkadah (emphasized sunnah)
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Hanbali school: Qurbani is wajib or strong sunnah
The conditions for all schools are similar. You must be an adult Muslim with financial ability. If you meet the conditions, giving Qurbani brings great reward. If you do not, you are not burdened.
Ask your local scholar. Follow the school of your family or community. But know this: Qurbani is a beautiful act. It connects you to Prophet Ibrahim. It feeds the poor. It brings your family together. When you give, you give with your heart.
Blog Summary
This article explains the ruling of Qurbani across the four Islamic schools of thought. You will learn the difference between fardh, wajib, and sunnah. The guide covers the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi, and Hanbali views. It also explains who must give Qurbani and what to do if you cannot afford it.
