For your convenience, Islamic Relief USA has answered your frequently asked questions about Udhiyah/Qurbani below. For more answers for other topics, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Udhiyah/Qurbani
How many people does Islamic Relief USA’s Udhiyah/Qurbani program benefit?
In 2010, Islamic Relief USA’s donors gave meat to 114,000 people in 24 countries.
Which animals are used?
The animals used are sheep, goats, cows and buffalo. One sheep or goat equals one Qurbani donation; one cow or buffalo equals seven Qurbani donations. Our prices equal one share—one sheep or goat, or one-seventh of a cow or buffalo.
What kind of meat does the Udhiyah/Qurbani program use?
Our program uses 100% halal meat. Meat is sourced locally whenever possible, to support the local economy. It is distributed fresh whenever possible, though in difficult situations like conflict zones, we may send frozen or canned meat so it can arrive to the receipients in good condition.
Who receives Islamic Relief USA’s Udhiyah/Qurbani program meat?
Beneficiaries selected to receive meat include widows, orphans, the destitute, the elderly, people with disabilities, refugees and disaster-affected populations—generally, people who cannot afford to buy meat often and whose diets are lacking in calories and nutrition.
Does the sacrifice occur during the first three days of Eid?
Yes, in general. However, there are exceptions due to the abundant number of requests. In these cases, the Qurbani may be done after the first three days of Eid. Scholars have approved this practice.
Do you need the name of the people on whose behalf the sacrifice is being made?
No, because of the vast number of requests during this season, this practice becomes impossible. This is similar to the practice of offering sacrifice while on hajj. The scholars have approved the sacrifice without the names as long as the intention of the person was made. We suggest that you make the intention now.
Do I have to give a sacrifice on behalf of each member of my family?
No, there are two valid opinions among the scholars regarding this matter. They are both acts of sunnah and not fard. The first is that you may offer a sacrifice on behalf of each adult member of your household. The second opinion is that you may offer one animal sacrifice on behalf of all members of your household. This opinion is considered the strongest one.
How late into the season can I submit my order for a sacrifice?
We accept orders up until the second day of Eid. We prepurchase the animals and plan one year ahead of time. We also buy approximately 20% more animals, in order to fulfill all incoming requests.
Is it possible to request the sacrifice of an animal solely as an act of charity (sadaqah)?
Yes, this may be done in any of the countries in which we offer Udhiyah/Qurbani.
When will the actual sacrifice occur?
Any time during the year.
Learn more about Islamic Relief USA’s Udhiyah/Qurbani program. To donate your Qurbani, visit IRUSA.org.
