In 2024/1445H, Islamic Relief’s Korban (Qurban) distributions aim to reach more people than ever before
What is Korban (Qurban) ?
Korban (Qurban) means sacrifice. Every year during the Islamic month of Hari Raya Haji (Dhul Hijjah), Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, for the sake of God. In 2023, Korban (Qurban) distributions will aim to reach more people than ever before.
After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is then distributed to those most in need. You can also find out more about how Islamic Relief distributes Korban (Qurban) meat in the frequently asked questions below.
Donating Korban (Qurban) is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars and obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are also Korban (Qurban) rules which dictate which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of the life it has led, its health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out.
By donating your Korban (Qurban) to Islamic Relief, you will enable the world’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in over 29 countries to enjoy Eid, as this is the only time many families eat meat in the entire year.
Our Quality Assured Korban (Qurban) Programme
The Quality Assured Korban (Qurban) programme is Islamic Relief’s specialised worldwide programme which upholds Core Humanitarian Standard and Shariah compliance throughout the entire process to ensure rightsholders receive quality, halal (permissible) and Tayyib (healthy, pure) meat. This means that the Qurbani meets the needs of the rightsholder, upholds the rules and ensures Shariah compliance, regulatory standards and animal welfare standards.
We make sure no compromises are made when delivering quality Korban (Qurban) to communities in need around the world. Learn more about our Quality Assured Qurbani programme here.
Korban (Qurban) in Palestine and Sudan
Due to the ongoing war and political instability in these countries, the Korban (Qurban) process will be slightly different this year in Gaza and Sudan, to ensure safe and smooth implementation of our programme.
In Gaza, Korban (Qurban) animals will be procured and slaughtered in Egypt, then immediately frozen and transported to Gaza in refrigerated trucks. At the borders, special priority is being given to trucks carrying fresh meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. We expect the meat to reach Gaza and be distributed within 4-8 days after slaughter, and are prepared for multiple contingencies to ensure smooth operations.
In Sudan, Korban (Qurban) will be implemented in safer states, such as Blue Nile, Gedaref, and North Kordofan. Our team in Sudan have a long-standing presence in these regions and were successfully able to deliver food packs in these states this past Ramadan.
Our field office staff in Gaza and Sudan are familiar with local issues and challenges, enabling them to effectively implement mitigation measures if any issues arise.
Your donations reached over two million people
Despite the cost of living crisis, your generous donations in 2023 meant that those living in hardship across the globe received desperately-needed support this Hari Raya Haji (Dhul Hijjah).
Thanks to your kind help, our teams on the ground carried out more than 195,000 Qurbanis across 29 countries, reaching over two million people!
Islamic Relief’s Qurbani meat pack helped us to enjoy the festival of Eid. My children are also very happy to have good food at this time. May Allah reward those who helped us. Thank you very much.
Fetiye, a rightsholder from Ethiopia who received Qurbani meat from Islamic Relief.
Give Korban (Qurban) Online
You can simply give Korban (Qurban) online by using the above calculator. Islamic Relief conducts Korbans (Qurbans) around the world, and the prices vary depending on the cost of animals in the local areas where the sacrifice will be carried out. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an:
So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice.
Korban (Qurban) Donation
Throughout our lives, each and every one of us makes sacrifices to help our friends, family and neighbours. Therefore by sacrificing what we have to help those in need, we offer crucial solidarity and hope. Right now, a staggering 1 in 9 people worldwide are battling chronic hunger. However, there is hope: by giving Korban (Qurban), you can feed a family in need this Eid.
The first ten days of Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah” (the 10 best days) are the most sacred days of the year, loved by Allah (SWT). Therefore, by giving to Islamic Relief, you can reap the rewards of this blessed month. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days
Korban (Qurban) to over two million people
In 2023, your donations enabled us to provide quality meat to over 2 million vulnerable people across 29 countries such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Syria.
Alhamdulillah, your donations provided a critical source of protein to vulnerable families and individuals across the globe.
Here at Islamic Relief, we ensure that only the best quality meat is used – all sacrificed according to Prophetic tradition. We therefore don’t compromise on quality and we deal with local suppliers to help local economies flourish.
So as we remember the struggle and dedication of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice for the sake of Allah, make your sacrifice with Islamic Relief and support a family in need.
Image: Our Qurbani meat distribution programme in Bangladesh.
Eid-al Adha is a joyous occasion for us as we have the opportunity to eat meat from Qurbani. Receiving the meat packages gives us immense pleasure and is very helpful. It means we have the opportunity to eat meat at least once in the year.
Tajul, a rightsholder from Bangladesh who received Qurbani meat from Islamic Relief.
Who is eligible for Korban (Qurban)?
Islamic Relief has a set criteria and scoring systems in place to determine Korban (Qurban) recipients. The scoring system is based on the following criteria:
- Families who live on less than the minimum income for that particular country.
- Female-headed households.
- Families with disabled and/or elderly persons.
- Children under five years old.
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding mothers.
- Families with little or no access to the market.
A thorough assessment is therefore carried out by our teams to objectively identify the weighting and priority of each of the above criteria. These are then applied when selecting recipient families to ensure we reach the most vulnerable without bias.
Who has to give Korban (Qurban)?
According to most Muslims, Korban (Qurban) is highly recommended and according to the Hanafi madhab, it is obligatory upon every sane adult Muslim male/female who has wealth in excess to his/her needs. Therefore, normally those who are eligible to pay Zakat are obliged to give Korban (Qurban).
When is Korban (Qurban) 2024/1445H performed?
Korban (Qurban) will be performed after the Eid Salah in each field office. The slaughter will take place from after the Eid prayer on Eid ul-Adha “Bakrid” (10th Hari Raya Haji – Dhul Hijjah) and ends up to sunset of the 13th Hari Raya Haji (Dhul Hijjah). There is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars as to whether Korban (Qurban) can be done over three or four days. To respect this difference of opinion, Islamic Relief strives to perform Korban (Qurban) in three days. However, we only extend into the fourth day in localities where this is religiously accepted by the local Muslim population. And if there is an operational need for this extra day.
If you give a Korban (Qurban) on any of these days, the Korban (Qurban) will still be carried out in time, as Islamic Relief has already purchased the animals to be slaughtered beforehand.
When is Korban (Qurban) Eid 2024/1445H?
Eid ul-Adha “Bakrid” is sometimes referred to as Korban (Qurban) Eid, and follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid ul-Adha “Bakrid” (10th Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah”) can last anywhere between two and four days. The Korban (Qurban – sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid prayers, which are performed in congregation.
How much is Korban (Qurban)? How are your prices defined?
- High Quality – Since Korban (Qurban) is an act of worship that is the most beloved to Allah (SWT) during the days of Tashreek, it is important that one offers the best possible offering. Therefore Islamic Relief adopts high quality standards when it comes to selecting the sacrificial animals. Standards cover health, weight (meat yielded) and age.
- High Standards – We would also like our brothers and sisters around the world to receive the best quality meat because the believer is asked to love for his brother/sister that which he/she loves for him/herself. These high standards therefore come at a higher cost which in turn further supports economic development of our Korban (Qurban) farmers.
- Transporting Korban (Qurban) to hard-to-reach areas – Islamic Relief always tries to reach the most vulnerable people in the most remote areas where the communities are hard to reach. However, transporting meat to hard-to-reach rural areas incurs higher transportation costs which in turn affects the Korban (Qurban) price. Conflict or disasters can make distribution more difficult and can add to the cost.
How much Korban (Qurban) should I give? Can I give more than one Korban (Qurban)?
You may wish to undertake one Korban (Qurban) in Singapore and one abroad as an example and this is permissible. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself carried out multiple Korban (Qurban) for himself and the Ummah.
This Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah” reap the rewards of the 10 best days. Donate Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Islamic Relief select recipients of Korban (Qurban) meat?
It is the policy of Islamic Relief that the selected beneficiaries of the Korban (Qurban) 2023 project are made eligible based on a scoring system, which ranks families according to need.
The scoring system is based on the following objective criteria:
- Families who live on less than the minimum income for that particular country
- Female-headed households
- Families with disabled and/or elderly persons
- Children under five years old
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- Families with little or no access to the market
A thorough needs assessment will be conducted to objectively identify the weighting and priority of each of the above criteria. These are then applied when selecting beneficiaries to ensure we reach the most needy without bias or subjectivity in selection.
It is the policy of Islamic Relief to distribute only one Korban (Qurban) meat pack to each family regardless of family size.
Do I have to perform Korban (Qurban) on behlaf of my children?
This depends on the school of thought you follow. Please consult your local Imam/Sheikh for further information. According to the Hanafi school of thought it is obligatory for:
- Every sane Muslim of mature age (who has reached puberty).
- Non-travelling persons.
- Those who additionally own wealth which is beyond their needs, equal to (or more than) the current level of nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.35 grams of silver).
Do you need to give the names of all the people giving Korban (Qurban)?
No, this is not necessary as long as you have made the intention that you are giving this Korban (Qurban) on behalf of a certain person.
Korban (Qurban) meat
What types of Korban (Qurban) meat does Islamic Relief provide?
Islamic Relief primarily distributes:
- Fresh Korban (Qurban) – in most countries animals are purchased and slaughtered locally.
- Chilled Korban (Qurban) – in countries such as Jordan where fresh Korban (Qurban) is significantly more expensive, animals are slaughtered in Europe and shipped ready for distribution from the third day of Eid onwards. This enables us to offer a much more cost-effective alternative, without compromising on quality.
Hows is a Korban (Qurban) volume decided? Is it a cow or sheep?
The volume of Korban (Qurban) is representative by the allocations committed for each country.
For donors, the following information can help you calculate your donation:
- 1 Sheep or Goat = 1 Korban (Qurban)
- 1 Cow = 7 Korban “Qurban” (one Korban “Qurban” equals 1/7th of the share).
How can we be sure that the Korbans (Qurbans) we pay for in some ofthe poorest countries actually take place?
Islamic Relief has been performing Korban (Qurban) since 1986. As with our other projects, Islamic Relief’s work is constantly monitored and audited. Reports are also produced each year showing what activities have taken place in each country.
What types of Korbans (Qurbans) meat does Islamic Relief provide?
Islamic Relief primarily distributes:
Fresh Korban (Qurban) – in most countries animals are purchased and slaughtered locally.
Chilled Korban (Qurban) – in countries such as Jordan where fresh Qurbani is significantly more expensive, animals are slaughtered in Europe and shipped ready for distribution from the third day of Eid onwards. This enables us to offer a much more cost-effective alternative, without compromising on quality.
Payment
If I pay for a Korban (Qurban) of someone else, will their name be called out at the time of the slaughter?
No, as Islamic Relief is conducting hundreds of thousands of Korbans (Qurbans) around the world, therefore this is practically not possible. It is also not necessary to pronounce the name of the person, even if you are making a Korban (Qurban) on behalf of someone else. Simply making the intention that you are giving this Korban (Qurban) on behalf of a certain person is sufficient.
Until when can I make Korban (Qurban) payments?
The time for sacrifice ends when the sun sets on the fourth day. Therefore, you can make payments right up until the end of the third day after Eid (13th of Dhul-Hijjah) before Maghreb salah. Islamic Relief has already purchased the animals to be slaughtered.
When should we give money for Korban (Qurban)?
It is advisable to give as early as possible. Islamic Relief implements our Korban (Qurban) over 4 days (10th to 13th Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah”). We purchase the animals to be slaughtered in advance based on forecasted quotas. Hence if you give a Korban (Qurban) on any of these days, it will be carried out in time.
Cost
Why does Islamic Relief include an admin charge in its Korban (Qurban) pricing?
Admin charges are necessary in order to perform the Korban (Qurban) as they cover the cost of transportation, slaughtering, cutting, packing, distribution and hire of staff as well as organisational support costs.
Are all costs included in the price?
Yes, all the various expenses such as the cost of the animal, slaughter, butchering, transportation, storage, selection of the beneficiaries, and distribution are included in the price.
How Korban (Qurban) is performed?
How is Korban (Qurban) performed at Islamic Relief?
Korbans (Qurbans) are performed through Islamic Relief field offices who purchase and slaughter animals locally. If there are problems with livestock supply in a particular country (due to limited local supply, natural disaster etc.) then animals are sourced and slaughtered abroad, and then shipped to the affected countries. All animals are sacrificed according to Islamic guidelines.
Why can't an animal of our choice be sacrificed?
Animals chosen in a country are dependent upon:
- The suitability of the meat to the local diet.
- The cost of the animal.
- The location and the availability of animals.
- The quality of the meat.
Miscellaneous questions
Can Korban (Qurban) be sent to my village in a particular country?
Islamic Relief performs Korban (Qurban) as part of our overall seasonal programme. Therefore, the people who benefit in Ramadan and from our general projects, Insha’Allah, would also benefit from Korban (Qurban). This allows us to focus our efforts and help the same people to improve their lives, rather than providing small amounts of help occasionally but not achieving great successes.
Can I make a Korban (Qurban) donation towards the orphan I am sponsoring?
We are not able to carry out Korban (Qurban) for specific orphans; the scale of the operation makes this exceptionally difficult. However, orphans are a high priority in our programmes; therefore they not only benefit from donors’ sponsorship, but also benefit from receiving other support in Ramadan and Korban (Qurban).
If someone is intending to make a sacrifice, when should they stop clipping their nails?
It is recommended for the one who wants to offer a sacrifice, once the new moon of Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah” appears (i.e. on the 1st of Hari Raya Haji “Dhul Hijjah”), not to remove anything from his hair, nails or skin, until he has offered the sacrifice.
Can I visit the place where Korban (Qurban) is being offered as I will be in the country at the time?
It would be better if people did not visit, as on the day our teams on the ground are extremely busy with slaughtering the animals, dividing them, packing the meat, transporting it to villages and distributing the Korban (Qurban) packages. Therefore, our teams will not have the capacity or time to host individuals. However, if you are at the locations where the Korban (Qurban) is being distributed then you are welcome to observe. To demonstrate our distributions to donors, we will share photographs of some of our distributions around the world on our website and social media channels.
Check out this playlist on YouTube to see how our teams on the ground distribute your Korban (Qurban).