1. “Is it permissible for multiple individuals to collectively contribute towards the Qurban sacrifice of a single cow?”
According to a narration by Muslim, it is reported that during Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged sharing a cow or camel among seven individuals: “During Hajj, Rasulullah Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam exhorted us to share 7 persons to camel or a cow.” (Mugniyul muhtaj 4:328)”
2. “Can a person perform Qurban with a single goat/sheep for his whole family? “
One sacrifice is sufficient on behalf of all the members of a household, no matter how many of them there are.
Al-Tirmidhi (1505) narrated that ‘Ata’ ibn Yassaar said: I asked Abu Ayyoob: How was the sacrifice done at the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? He said: A man would offer a sheep on behalf of himself and the members of his family, and they would eat some and feed others with some.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
It says in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi:
This hadeeth clearly states that a single sheep is sufficient on behalf of a man and the members of his household, even if they are many, and that is correct.
It’s permissable for a person to carry out this ibadah and includes his family members in the reward. But the reward of Udhiyah will be for the doer only and family members will get reward of Dadaqah. (Mugniyul Muhtaj 4:327)
In a household upon few members, qurban has become sunnah muakkadah, and if one person from that family does that ibadah by giving one sheep, the responsibilities on others will be removed. And only the doer will get the reward. (I’anatut Talibeen 2:517)
As-Syaukani in Al-Raudlah 2:210 says: “The command to perform Qurban indicates it is mandatory. This command is directed to the head of the family as it is mandatory for him to fulfill it for each member of the family. And for those without a family, or a family of which he is responsible, then the Qurban will be performed for himself.”
3. “How can one fulfill the obligation of Qurban?”
If performing the sacrifice personally is not feasible, one can opt to contribute to reputable charities that carry out Qurbani on their behalf. Prices for Qurbani may vary based on the location of the sacrifice, but the purpose remains consistent.
While it’s preferred to conduct the sacrifice in one’s residing country, scholars permit selecting a country with greater poverty and need.
4. “Who is obligated to perform Qurban?”
Qurbani is incumbent upon every mentally sound and financially capable Muslim. Offering a sheep or goat, or a share in a cow or camel, as practiced in the time of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., suffices for oneself and their household. Refer point 2 above.
5. “When is the appropriate time for Qurban?”
The sacrifice must occur between Eid prayer on the 10th and sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, an Islamic month. For those donating to charities for the sacrifice, early donations before Eid are advisable.
An essential reminder for those intending to perform the sacrifice: once Dhul-Hijjah commences, it’s recommended to refrain from cutting hair or nails until after the sacrifice, following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. This practice aligns with the rituals observed by Hajj pilgrims, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the act.
Make your Qurban here today to fulfil your obligations and helping to alleviate hunger and support vulnerable individuals and families in various countries around the world.
May Allah guide us all.
6. “Is Qurban sunnah or wajib?”
In the Shafi‘i school, which is widely followed in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Qurban is a highly encouraged sunnah (sunnah muakkadah) for a Muslim who is financially able. In the Hanafi school, it is treated as wajib for those who meet the conditions. This is why many scholars in our region strongly encourage capable Muslims to perform Qurban every year.
7. “Can Qurban be done online or through an agent?”
Yes. A person may appoint a trusted organisation or agent to carry out Qurban on their behalf. This is based on the permissibility of wakalah in Qurban matters. Many Muslims today perform Qurban through recognised organisations that handle purchase, slaughter, and distribution for them.
8. “Is overseas Qurban allowed from Singapore?”
Yes. It is permissible to perform Qurban in another country through a trusted organisation, especially where recipients are in greater need. Malaysian fatwa discussions have also recognised the permissibility of distributing Qurban meat to another country.
9. “What is the minimum age of a Qurban animal?”
The animal must meet the required Shariah age. For example, in Shafi‘i references commonly used in the region, a goat should have reached the required age, and sheep also have their own minimum age requirement before they are valid for Qurban.
10. “Until when can Qurban be performed?”
The time for slaughter begins after the Eid al-Adha prayer on 10 Zulhijjah and continues until sunset on 13 Zulhijjah. Slaughter done before the Eid prayer does not count as Qurban.
11. “Can I do Qurban for a deceased parent or loved one?”
Many scholars allow Qurban on behalf of a deceased person, especially if it was part of their wishes or done as a form of reward dedicated to them. Because there are detailed differences among scholars, it is best to state clearly at the time of booking whose Qurban it is intended for.
12. “When should I make payment for Qurban?”
You should book and pay early enough for the organisation to arrange the purchase and slaughter during the valid Qurban days. For overseas Qurban, early confirmation is advisable because slots, livestock, and logistics are usually finalised before Eid.
13. “Can I cut my hair and nails if I intend to do Qurban?”
This issue has a known difference of opinion among Sunni scholars. Some scholars discourage or prohibit cutting hair and nails after the first ten days of Zulhijjah begin until the sacrifice is completed, while Shafi‘i discussions in the region often treat it more lightly than the Hanbali view. For the cautious approach, many Muslims avoid cutting them until after their Qurban is done.
14. “Can a woman perform Qurban?”
Yes. Qurban is not limited to men. A financially able Muslim woman may perform Qurban in her own name, just as a man may.
