Qurbani meat — how to divide in thirds.
The recommended Qurbani meat split is one-third self, one-third relatives and friends, one-third poor and needy. This is mustahab (recommended), not wajib — but practical logistics matter.
The three-way split
- One-third self — your household consumption
- One-third relatives and friends — extended family, neighbours, colleagues
- One-third poor and needy — people who cannot afford Qurbani themselves
This is the Sunnah preference. Keeping more or less is permitted — even keeping all the meat is valid, though contrary to preference. The exception: the poor-and-needy third is strongly emphasized and some scholars consider skipping it makruh.
How much meat to expect
- Bakra (30kg) — ~15kg meat. 5kg each third.
- Dumba (45kg) — ~22kg meat. 7kg each third.
- Cow (500kg) — ~200kg meat. ~28kg per hissedar. ~9kg each third per hissedar.
- Camel (700kg) — ~280kg meat. ~40kg per hissedar. ~13kg each third per hissedar.
Practical logistics
- Pre-pack for distribution — have zip-lock bags, labels, small coolers ready
- Distribute the poor third first — same day if possible. Meat quality degrades fast.
- Relatives/friends — can distribute over 2–3 days
- Self portion — freeze what you won't eat within 48 hours
Who qualifies as "poor"?
Anyone who doesn't own nisaab (Rs 150,000+ in zakatable wealth). Traditional recipients: domestic workers, community janitors, security guards, known-poor families in your neighbourhood, local madaris' students, Afghan/refugee communities. Established charities (Edhi, Saylani, Alkhidmat) also accept meat donations.
Skin (hide)
Skin cannot be used for personal benefit or sold for personal income. Proceeds from skin sale must go to charity. Common practice: donate the skin itself to a recognised charity (Edhi, local madaris) who collect on Eid day.
What NOT to do
- Don't pay the qasai with meat — his wages must be separate cash
- Don't sell any part of the animal for personal benefit
- Don't include Qurbani meat in a commercial transaction
- Don't neglect the "poor third" — it's the most emphasized portion
- Don't let meat spoil — distribute quickly, freeze what you keep
Distribution via BakDumGa
For Season 1, BakDumGa partners with verified Qurbani meat distribution organisations in each launch city. You can opt during booking to have one-third pre-assigned to a charity, with direct pickup from the slaughter site on Eid day.
Sawalat / Questions.
Is the one-third split obligatory?
No — it's mustahab (recommended Sunnah), not wajib. You can keep all the meat validly. However, the poor-and-needy third is strongly emphasized and skipping it is considered makruh by some.
Can I give Qurbani meat to non-Muslims?
Yes — Qurbani meat can be given to non-Muslim neighbours, friends, and colleagues. This is explicitly permitted.
Can I sell Qurbani meat?
No. Selling any part of the Qurbani animal (including skin) for personal benefit is not permitted. Skin proceeds must go to charity.
How do I pay the qasai?
In separate cash. The qasai's wages cannot be paid in Qurbani meat — this is explicitly prohibited. Budget his fee as a separate line item.