Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is the sacred act of animal sacrifice during Eid ul-Adha, symbolizing devotion to Allah and compassion for humanity. A key aspect of Qurbani is how the meat is shared. But who can actually receive Qurbani meat according to Islamic guidelines?
Whether you’re preparing to perform Qurbani yourself or donating through a trusted organization like Embrace Relief, understanding the rules of meat distribution ensures your sacrifice is spiritually accepted and ethically impactful.
The Three-Part Division of Qurbani Meat
Islam encourages Muslims to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts:
- One-third for your household – This portion is for personal and family consumption.
- One-third for relatives and friends – You may give this to neighbors, colleagues, or anyone you wish to include in the joy of Eid.
- One-third for the poor and needy – This is the most crucial portion, directed toward those who cannot afford meat or proper meals.
This three-part model ensures that Qurbani remains both an act of personal worship and communal generosity.
Who Is Eligible to Receive Qurbani Meat?
According to Islamic law, anyone in need can receive Qurbani meat, including:
- The poor (those who do not meet the nisab threshold)
- The needy (those who struggle to meet daily expenses)
- Orphans and widows
- Refugees and displaced families
- Disaster-affected communities
- Low-income households
Recipients do not need to be Muslim, although priority is often given to Muslims in Islamic-majority programs. The overarching rule is that the recipient should not be wealthy and should be someone who genuinely needs support.
Who Cannot Receive Qurbani Meat?
Islamic guidelines prohibit giving Qurbani meat to:
- The donor themselves as charity (you can eat and share, but not donate your own portion as zakat)
- Non-needy individuals who exceed the nisab
- Non-beneficiary slaughterhouse workers as compensation (unless they are also needy and it’s a gift, not payment)
The distribution should be made with the intention of charity, and not as a means to pay for services.
Embrace Relief’s Global Qurbani Distribution
Embrace Relief ensures that your Qurbani meat reaches those who need it most. The organization:
- Performs sacrifice according to Shariah
- Distributes meat to impoverished communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
- Prioritizes vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, and refugees
- Operates with full transparency and ethical sourcing
Donate your Qurbani through Embrace Relief: https://www.embracerelief.org/charitable-donation-for-hunger-relief/qurbani/
Final Thoughts
Qurbani is more than a ritual—it’s a moment of mercy. By understanding who can receive Qurbani meat, Muslims fulfill their duty to spread compassion and nourishment to those most in need. Whether you distribute meat personally or through a humanitarian organization, your Qurbani should be a reflection of sincerity, care, and generosity.
Make your Qurbani count. Donate through Embrace Relief and help feed families in need this Eid ul-Adha.
