Can I give qurbani meat to non-Muslims?
Yes, most scholars say you can give qurbani meat to non-Muslims, especially family, neighbours and people in need. The Hanafi and Hanbali schools allow it as a gift or charity. Some Shafi'i and Maliki scholars are more cautious, so a common middle path is to give non-Muslims from your own share or the gift share.
Why most scholars allow it
Qurbani meat is a gift and a charity, and Islam encourages kindness to non-Muslims who live peacefully alongside us. The Quran says so directly:
When a sheep was slaughtered for the Companion Abdullah ibn Amr, he kept asking his household, "Have you given some to our Jewish neighbour?" and reminded them how strongly the Prophet ﷺ stressed the rights of neighbours (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1943). When Asma bint Abi Bakr asked whether to be kind to her non-Muslim mother, the Prophet ﷺ told her to keep good ties with her (Sahih al-Bukhari 2620).
Where scholars differ
- Hanafi and Hanbali: allowed, from the gift share and as voluntary charity.
- Maliki: many consider it disliked (makruh) to give to non-Muslims, though not forbidden.
- Shafi'i: many say qurbani meat is for Muslims, especially an obligatory (vowed) sacrifice. Some allow giving from the part you would eat yourself.
Everyone agrees that zakat is different and has its own rules. See Can I give zakat to non-Muslims?
A real chance for converts
For many new Muslims, Eid al-Adha is a lovely moment to include non-Muslim parents and neighbours. A plate of lamb curry or a roast with a short note ("It's Eid, and we share the meat with people we care about") explains the festival far better than a lecture. Some relatives may ask if the meat is "different"; it's simply halal meat. See Can I eat halal food if I'm not Muslim?
Keep the poor in mind
Giving to non-Muslim family doesn't replace the share meant for those in need. Make sure part of the meat still goes to poor people, Muslim or not, in line with what the Quran asks. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
- Most scholars allow giving qurbani meat to non-Muslims.
- Some Maliki and Shafi'i scholars dislike or restrict it.
- Giving from your own or gift share avoids the dispute.
- Neighbours and parents have strong rights in Islam.
People also ask
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