Qurbani Frequently Asked Questions

ILM Team • May 8, 2025
People holding boxes for Eid al-Adha in front of a building. Boxes are labeled

How Does ILM Foundation Qurbani Work?

Your ILM Qurbani donation buys a share value of a sacrificial animal. For example goats and sheep are one Qurbani share. A cow is seven shares and can be split between seven individuals. ILM facilitates the entire process following all the Islamic guidelines with our own farmers and staff during the days of Eid al-Adha.

On your behalf ILM distributes your entire Qurbani donation fresh to Muslims orphans, widows, elderly, and disable in the local area. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I used to forbid you to store the meat of the sacrificed animals for more than three days so that there would be enough for everyone. But now Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has bestowed plenty Upon us, so eat, give in charity and store. Indeed, these days are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Nasā’ī)

ILM Qurbani sacrifice is performed on the 11 th and 12 th day of Dhul Hijjah. This is to ensure our USA donors’ Qurbani are all made after their Eid prayers.  Qurbani is expected by every non-disabled Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and for everyone that meets the rules of Zakat. Please consult your local Imam to determine whom Qurbani is compulsory for.

Who needs to offer Qurbani?

The Hanafi School states that any adult, sane Muslim who possesses the Nisab value must give a Qurbani. So if you are eligible to pay Zakat, you need to offer a Qurbani. It is a practice of Prophet Muhammad (saw) who Anas bin Malik (ra) said, ‘The Prophet (saw) used to sacrifice two rams, and I also sacrifice two rams’. [Bukhari]

During the days of Eid al-Adha, the Prophet (saw) would offer both his obligatory sacrifice and an extra Qurbani on behalf of people who couldn’t afford a sacrifice. ‘The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood’. [Tabarani and Ahmad]

How Much is ILM Foundation Qurbani?

For one share per person the cost  $70 for a goat and $99 for a cow share. A whole cow is $693 worth seven shares.

What are the Qurbani Eid Dates?

The Qurbani sacrifice will be made after Eid prayer, over the three days of Eid: the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah.

Qurbani (animal) Share Selection & Slaughter Criteria

Goat and sheep are at least one year and cows two years. The animals must me in good health. The actual slaughter is performed with a sharp knife. No animal is to be slaughtered in front of another animal. When the sacrifice is being made, the words “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” are to be said.

Jundab bin Sufyan Al-Bajali reported, ‘I witnessed the Prophet (saw) on the Day of Nahr (or Eid day). He (saw) said, “Whoever slaughtered the sacrifice before offering the Eid prayer, should slaughter another sacrifice in its place; and whoever has not slaughtered their sacrifice yet, should slaughter now’“. (Bukhari)

How to Pay Qurbani?

You may pay your Qurbani with ILM Foundation to ensure that your Qurbani share is sacrificed Islamic correct and distributed to those in need. Feel free pay here.

Can I cut my nails or hair if I’m giving a Qurbani?

It is strongly encouraged that the one who intends to give the Qurbani does not cut their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. The Prophet (saw) said, ‘When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails’. (Muslim)

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At ILM Foundation, we believe in nourishing bodies and minds. Together, we can create an interconnected community where everyone thrives!

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