Can I do one qurbani for my whole family?
It depends on your school of thought. Most scholars (Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali) say one sheep or goat is enough for a whole household living together. The Hanafi school says one sheep covers only one person, so every adult family member who meets the wealth threshold should offer their own share. Either way, you can include your family in the reward of your sacrifice.
The majority view: one per household
A Companion was asked how sacrifices were done in the time of the Prophet ﷺ. He said: "A man would sacrifice a sheep for himself and the people in his household. They would eat from it and feed others" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1505). The Prophet ﷺ himself sacrificed a ram saying "Bismillah" and asking Allah to accept it from Muhammad, the family of Muhammad and his community (Sahih Muslim 1967).
Based on this, the Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools say one sheep or goat fulfills the Sunnah for the head of the house and everyone living with him and depending on him: spouse, children and others in the household.
The Hanafi view: one per eligible person
For Hanafis, qurbani is obligatory on each individual who has wealth above the nisab. A sheep or goat counts for one person only. So if both a husband and wife each own enough wealth, each should offer a share. Children and family members below the threshold don't need their own. You can still include the whole family in your intention for reward. To check whether you or your spouse meet the threshold, see How much money do I need before I have to pay zakat?
Big animals: seven shares
A cow or a camel can be divided into seven shares. Jabir reported that, with the Prophet ﷺ, they "sacrificed a camel for seven persons and a cow for seven persons" (Sahih Muslim 1318). That's why charities sell "one share" of a cow: it equals one sheep. A family that needs several shares often finds this the cheapest way.
Common convert situations
- You're the only Muslim in the house: your qurbani is for you. You don't offer one for non-Muslim relatives, but you can happily share the meat with them.
- You live with your Muslim spouse and kids: one sheep for the household (majority), or one per eligible adult (Hanafi).
- You're a student living with roommates: roommates aren't one household in this sense. Each person decides for themselves.
- Money is tight: do what you can. Qurbani is only for those who can afford it. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
Some families also want to add a parent who has passed away.
- Majority: one sheep covers the whole household.
- Hanafi: one share per adult who meets the nisab.
- A cow or camel can be shared by seven.
- You can include your family in the reward either way.
People also ask
Do I have to stop cutting my hair and nails before qurbani?
It depends on your school, but it's at least recommended to stop cutting hair and nails from Dhul Hijjah until your qurbani is done.
Read the full answer →Can I do qurbani for someone who died?
Yes, most scholars allow qurbani for a deceased Muslim; Shafi'is traditionally need a will. Three practical options and non-Muslim relatives.
Read the full answer →Can I pay for qurbani abroad instead of locally?
Yes, qurbani done abroad through a charity is valid. Pros and cons of abroad vs local, and how to pick a trustworthy qurbani charity.
Read the full answer →Can I give Eid money to non-Muslim children?
Yes, giving Eid money or gifts to non-Muslim kids, like nieces, nephews or neighbors, is allowed and kind. Just don't count it as zakat.
Read the full answer →What is Eidi and do I have to give it?
No, Eidi isn't required. It's Eid money or gifts, mainly for kids, a cultural custom and a good deed, and it's not zakat al-fitr.
Read the full answer →