Is Qurban Wajib or Sunnah? A Scholar-Backed Answer
Is Qurban (wajib) obligatory or just a sunnah (recommended)? The answer depends on which Islamic school of thought you follow! Here is a clear, balanced explanation of both positions according to our scholars.
Qurban, also called Udhiyah, Korban, or Qurbani, is one of the most meaningful parts of Eid al-Adha. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s AS willingness to obey Allah SWT by sacrificing his son. Muslims worldwide continue this legacy by sacrificing an animal (goats, sheep, cows, or camels) in Dhul Hijjah and distributing its meat. It is an act of worship and gratitude to Allah, as well as a communal act of charity.
The ruling on whether Qurban is Wajib (obligatory) or Sunnah (encouraged) is one of the most commonly asked fiqh questions before Eid al-Adha. The answer is: it depends on which school of Islamic jurisprudence (madzhab) you follow! There is a genuine, well-established scholarly difference of opinion on this matter, and both positions are valid.
The Hanafi Position: Qurban is Wajib (Obligatory)
According to the Hanafi school of jurisprudence - the largest of the four major Sunni madzhabs, followed by the majority of Muslims in South Asia, Turkey, Central Asia, and large parts of the Arab world - Qurban is wajib upon every adult Muslim who:
Possesses the minimum threshold of wealth (nisab) above their basic needs and debts
Is a resident (muqim) and not a traveller (musafir) during the days of Eid Al-Adha
Is an adult (baligh) and of sound mind
The Hanafi scholars base this position on the Quranic verse: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Quran 108:2), which they interpret as an explicit divine command (amr). They also cite the hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah RA: “Whoever has the capacity to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3123). They argue that the Prophet’s stern warning indicates an obligation, not merely a recommendation.
The other three major Sunni schools of jurisprudence - Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali - hold that Qurban is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah: a strongly emphasised, confirmed Sunnah that it is highly discouraged (makruh) or even sinful to abandon without a valid reason for a person of means.
These schools base their position on:
The Prophet’s statement: “The Udhiyah is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3127), using the word “Sunnah” rather than “Fardh” or “Wajib”
The report that Abu Bakr RA and Umar RA sometimes did not slaughter an Udhiyah in certain years to avoid people thinking it was obligatory (Al-Bayhaqi narrated this in Ma‘rifat as-Sunan wa’l-Athar)
The general principle that any acts of ibadah not explicitly categorised as Fardh in the primary texts should default to Sunnah status
What is the Practical Difference?
Aspect of Qurban
Hanafi Position
Maliki / Shafi’i / Hanbali Position
Classification
Wajib (obligatory)
Sunnah Mu’akkadah (highly encouraged Sunnah)
Missing it deliberately
A sin requiring repentance and making up (fidya)
Strongly discouraged; missing it is blameworthy
Missing it due to a lack of means
Excused
Excused
Ruling for the capable
Cannot be omitted
Should not be omitted
Practical guidance
Treat as obligatory if you can afford it
Treat as obligatory if you can afford it
As you can see, the practical implications are the same regardless of madhab: any Muslim who can afford Qurban should give it. The scholarly difference is largely one of categorisation.
What is the Minimum Nisab for Qurban?
The nisab threshold, which is the minimum level of wealth above which Qurban becomes obligatory or Sunnah Mu’akkadah, is the equivalent of:
85 grams of gold (the gold nisab); or
595 grams of silver (the silver nisab)
Many contemporary scholars recommend using the silver nisab as the more accessible standard. This is a relatively low threshold - anyone who has disposable savings above their basic living needs for the month likely meets it.
Share Your Blessings this Eid al-Adha
According to the FAO, around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023, and 2.33 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. This is where your Qurban can become a source of real hope.
When you donate Qurban, you are not only fulfilling a religious duty or a beloved sunnah. You are also putting food on a family’s table, giving children a happier Eid, and sharing Allah SWT’s blessings with people who rarely get to enjoy meat during the year.
If you are able to give this year, let your Qurban carry hope further.
GER facilitates Qurban for both Hanafi and non-Hanafi donors across 40 countries, ensuring every order is performed within the valid days of Tashreeq in accordance with Islamic requirements. Book yours now and give hope with every sacrifice!
