Who has to  pay Qurbani and When? A Complete Guide (2025 Update)

Who has to  pay Qurbani?— This is a question on every Muslim’s mind as the holy days of Eid al-Adha near. For many, it’s not merely tradition — it’s about answering a divine call born out of the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who set the ultimate example of submission and obedience to Allah.

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah reveals:

“It is neither their flesh nor their blood that reaches Allah, but your righteousness that has reached Him.”

(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)

It so elegantly conveys the meaning of Qurbani — it is not the ritual or meat but the taqwa that reaches Allah.

So, yes, who has to do this holy deed? All adult Muslim men and women who have the Nisab threshold of wealth are supposed to offer Qurbani on Eid. These are individuals who not only

• Have financial resources beyond the Nisab

• Are physically and mentally capable

• Are there no travelers during Eid days

But these individual criteria also mark the transition from an overview of who is Sahib-e-Nisab to regulations for men and women as well as conditions for duty

In this article, we discuss in detail who is required to pay Qurbani and when.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani—also referred to as Udhiyah—is the religious practice of sacrificing an animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, on the days of Eid al-Adha. A symbolic ritual exercise conducted to recall Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) unshakeable faith in obeisance towards the will of Allah when he consented to offer his solitary son as an offering. Before the offering was made, Allah replaced his son with a ram — and by doing so it became an illustration of absolute submission, trust, and worship.

But Qurbani is about more than meat and tradition. It’s a spiritual reminder to sacrifice what we love in the name of Allah, to share what we have with the needy, and to purify our wealth and hearts. It’s an opportunity to be thankful, humble, and generous all wrapped up in one incredible act of worship.

And hey, if you’ve ever argued with your siblings over who gets the best cut of meat, congratulations—you’re keeping the spirit of Eid alive in your own way. 

Who has to  pay Qurbani?

Understanding who has to pay for Qurbani is essential for every Muslim preparing for Eid al-Adha. In Islam, Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) on every adult Muslim who meets specific conditions.

First and foremost, a person must be a Muslim because Qurbani is a religious duty only among Muslims. One must also be sane and of legal age, over puberty. Children and persons of unsound mind are therefore exempted from performing Qurbani.

The most important factor is the condition of possessing Nisab, i.e., property that equals or exceeds the value of Nisab (of the same rank as Zakat). It must be more than the individual’s needs and liabilities during Eid al-Adha holidays. Nisab in 2025 is fixed to be the weight of silver equaling 612.36 grams or 87.48 grams of gold. Although one does not need to pay Zakat because their wealth hasn’t exceeded the level for a full lunar year, Qurbani can become obligatory if their savings have hit the Nisab value on Eid.

Another important factor to consider is travel. According to some scholars, Qurbani is not obligatory for travelers (Musafir). However, it is still recommended for them to perform it if they are financially able to do so.

Who has to pay Qurbani also differs on the basis of being a non-traveling, adult, sane Muslim having means and meeting the Nisab requirement. Therefore, if that is your case, the time to start making arrangements for your Qurbani offering is now!

When is Qurbani Performed?

Qurbani is performed after the Eid salah on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The sacrifice had better be done as soon as possible after the Eid salah on the first day of Eid al-Adha.

One should bear in mind that it is best to carry out the Qurbani before Eid Salah since it cancels the sacrifice and has to be done after Salah. Since the rite of Qurbani must be carried out during the appointed days of sacrifice, you will need until sunset on the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah.

Who is Exempt from Qurbani?

According to Islamic law, some individuals are not required to perform. These include:

• Children who have not reached puberty.

• Those who do not own wealth equal to Nisab (the minimum wealth threshold).

• Individuals in debt that reduces their wealth below Nisab.

• Travelers (according to some schools of thought), though it’s recommended if they can afford it.

• Poor or needy Muslims who cannot afford Qurbani.

These exemptions ensure Qurbani is required only for those financially able to perform it.

What If You Miss Qurbani?

If Qurbani was wajib on you but you missed it:

It is advised to give the amount of a sacrificial animal in charity to the poor as a substitute.

But this does not satisfy the actual sacrifice, and it’s advisable to perform it on time in upcoming years.

Can Qurbani Be Done Online or Abroad?

Curious whether you can complete your Qurbani duty from the comfort of your home or overseas? The answer is, yes, you can! You can opt to appoint a trustworthy charity or organization to carry out Qurbani on your behalf, particularly in regions where meat is most required.

Just ensure that the sacrifice occurs within the right Islamic dates (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah) and in accordance with Shariah regulations. You can then comfortably fulfill your Qurbani requirements even from afar.

 Quick Summary: Who Must Pay Qurbani?

Final Thoughts

When asking, Who has to  pay Qurbani?  it’s important to understand that Qurbani is more than just a ritual sacrifice. It is a matter of distributing blessings with others who are less fortunate as well as of blessing and thanks and gratitude. Should Allah have given you the means, carrying out Qurbani would be both a strong act of devotion and an occasion to obey the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). 

Rather than seeing it as a cost, see it as an opportunity to give back, to help to maintain this beautiful tradition, and to put smiles on those who seldom get to sample meat. Wondering who has to cover Qurbani is a boon for those who meet the required criteria, including wealth and a decent social standing.

Do you have any queries on Qurbani’s terms or who has to pay Qurbani? Feel free to leave them below or forward this manual to anyone who might benefit.