Who Must Give Qurbani in 2026? The Complete Eligibility Guide

One of the most frequently asked questions as Eid al-Adha approaches is: do I need to give Qurbani this year? The answer depends on your financial situation, your school of Islamic thought, and your personal circumstances. This guide gives you the complete, school-specific answer so you can make the right decision for your family.

The Quick Answer: If You Can Afford It, You Should Not Miss It

While the specific ruling varies between madhabs, the practical conclusion from Islamic scholarship is unanimous: a Muslim who has the financial means to give Qurbani should not miss it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was explicit about this:

Imam Ibn Uthaymin, one of the most respected scholars of recent times, stated: ‘To be on the safe side, one who is able to offer a sacrifice should not neglect to do so, because of what is involved in this act of reverence towards Allah.’

The Hanafi Ruling: Qurbani is Wajib

The Hanafi school, which is followed by the majority of Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Turkish, and many Arab Muslims, holds that Qurbani is wajib (obligatory). It is classified as a religious duty, similar in weight to Zakah and other obligatory acts, for anyone who meets the conditions.

Who is Qurbani Wajib Upon in the Hanafi Madhab?

• Every sane Muslim adult who has reached the age of puberty
• A resident (someone who is not travelling: the Hanafi definition of a traveller is someone who intends to travel more than approximately 78 km and has not yet returned)
• Someone who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold at the time of Qurbani, in excess of their basic needs

The Nisab for Qurbani is the same threshold as Zakah: 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. At today’s gold price (approximately $3,000 per ounce as of 2026), the Nisab is approximately $8,400 worth of net wealth. Anyone who owns assets above their basic needs in excess of this amount is required to give Qurbani.

Failure to give Qurbani without a valid excuse, for a Hanafi Muslim who meets these conditions, is a religious sin. It is not simply missing out on reward. It is a neglected obligation.

The Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali Ruling: Sunnah Muakkadah

The majority of scholars, including Imam al-Shafi’i, Imam Malik, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, hold that Qurbani is Sunnah Muakkadah: a highly emphasised Sunnah that is strongly discouraged to miss for any Muslim who has the means.

In practical terms, a Shafi’i, Maliki, or Hanbali Muslim who has the financial capacity to give Qurbani and misses it without genuine reason has left a major Sunnah. This is not a minor matter. The scholars of these schools strongly emphasise performing Qurbani for any Muslim who is able.

Qurbani Eligibility: Common Questions Resolved

Does a woman need to give her own separate Qurbani?

If a woman meets the Nisab threshold and the other eligibility criteria, her Qurbani is wajib (Hanafi) or a strong Sunnah (other schools). A husband performing Qurbani for himself does not automatically cover his wife’s obligation unless she is included in the niyyah. At Qurbani for Unity, you can give Qurbani for multiple family members by entering each person’s name at checkout.

What about children?

In the Hanafi school, Qurbani is not wajib upon a minor who has not yet reached puberty. However, a parent who wishes to give Qurbani on behalf of their children as a voluntary act is encouraged to do so and the reward is significant.

Can I give Qurbani on behalf of a deceased parent?

Yes. Many scholars permit and even encourage giving Qurbani on behalf of deceased parents or family members. This is categorised as Sadaqa Jariyah (ongoing charity) and is considered a deeply meritorious act. Enter the deceased person’s name and note ‘on behalf of [name]’ when booking. [LINK: /qurbani-on-behalf-deceased]

What if I cannot afford the full price of a goat?

If you cannot afford an entire goat but can afford a share of a larger animal, a cow or camel share (1/7 share) fulfils your Qurbani obligation at a lower cost. A single cow share from Qurbani for Unity starts at $165. If even this is beyond your means, you are exempt from the obligation. Qurbani is only required from those with the financial capacity.

The Nisab Calculation for Qurbani 2026

The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth above which Qurbani becomes obligatory (Hanafi) or a duty of emphasis (other schools). There are two Nisab measures:

• Gold Nisab: 87.48 grams of gold. At a gold price of approximately $97 per gram (2026), this is approximately $8,500.
• Silver Nisab: 612.36 grams of silver. At a silver price of approximately $1 per gram, this is approximately $612.

The majority of Hanafi scholars advise using the silver Nisab for charitable obligations as it is lower and therefore more inclusive. This means any Muslim with wealth above approximately $612 in excess of their basic needs is required to give Qurbani according to the Hanafi school.

Wealth includes savings, gold and silver jewellery, stocks, and business assets above basic living needs. It does not include the house you live in, the car you use for transport, or essential household items.

Frequently Asked Questions: Qurbani Eligibility 2026

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