How is qurbani meat divided?

The recommended three shares

• Your family: you're encouraged to eat from your own sacrifice, just as the Prophet ﷺ did.
• Relatives, neighbours and friends: a gift that spreads the joy of Eid, whether they're rich or poor.
• The poor: charity for those who can't afford meat.

Many scholars from the Hanafi and Hanbali schools mention these thirds as the best practice. Others say half for you and half for the poor. Either way, the rules are flexible. See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?

What the Sunnah says

One year the Prophet ﷺ told people not to keep qurbani meat beyond three days, because many poor families had come to Madinah. The next year he said, "Eat, feed others and store some" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5569). So keeping meat in the freezer is fine, as long as the needy aren't forgotten.

Ali ibn Abi Talib was told to give the meat, skins and coverings of the sacrificial camels in charity, and not to pay the butcher with any part of them (Sahih al-Bukhari 1717). That's why the butcher's fee is paid separately, in money.

Can I keep it all or give it all away?

Scholars differ on the details. Shafi'i and Hanbali scholars say at least a small amount must go to the poor. The Hanafi school says giving some is strongly recommended, and that a person with a large, struggling family may keep more. Giving all of it away is allowed and praised, though eating a little yourself is Sunnah. A qurbani made as a vow (nadhr) is different: all of it goes to the poor.

Practical points in the West

• Don't sell any part of the animal, including the skin. You can use the skin yourself or donate it.
• If you pay a charity to do qurbani abroad, they distribute all the meat to the poor for you. See Can I pay for qurbani abroad instead of locally?
• If several family members share one cow, weigh the meat out fairly. See Can I do one qurbani for my whole family?