How are Qurbani prices calculated? Is it a cow or a sheep?
Qurbani prices are calculated by contacting our field offices in each country where we work. Each country then gives us the prices of the livestock in their area.
1 Sheep or Goat = 1 Qurbani
1 Cow = 7 Qurbanis
How are the animals chosen for a particular country?
Animals chosen are dependent upon:
- The suitability of the meat to the local diet
- The cost of the animal and its affordability compared to other animals
- The location and the availability of animals
- The quality of the meat
It is not always cost effective or logistically practical to get orders for different types of animals. This would raise the costs of the overall programme and in some cases, cause tension amongst beneficiaries that may feel that they have not been provided the same meat as others.
How are Qurbanis offered?
- Islamic Relief field offices purchase animals from local farmers, markets or traders.
- Animals are slaughtered locally and the food is distributed within the locality.
- Sheep are purchased in bulk, slaughtered according to Shari’ah principles. In most of the places, we work in, the meat is then cut bagged and given out to the most needy
- In a few countries the meat is then cooked and then canned. The cans are then transported to the field offices for distribution. Where Islamic Relief has no field offices, other partners carry out the process of Qurbani on our behalf.
Why is Qurbani canned for some countries?
As well as the reasons explained above, in some countries (like Palestine) there are restrictions on bringing animals from neighbouring areas. Also, conflict causes logistical problems for the purchase and distribution of fresh meat. This is why Islamic Relief initiated the canning process in countries like Bosnia, Kosovo, Palestine and Afghanistan.
Benefits of Canning
Islamic Relief continues to provide Qurbani in cans for Afghanistan, Iraq, Kashmir and Palestine. The animal is sacrificed according to Islamic guidelines, cleaned and cooked in Australia. The halal Qurbani meat is then shipped to other countries. The benefits of canning include:
- No meat is wasted
- Cans have a shelf-life of four years
- Meat is pre-cooked and ready to eat
- Canning is hygienic
- Cans are easy to transport in areas of conflict
- Cans can be distributed in areas where livestock is notavailable
How do we get the Qurbani’s done on time?
Forecasts on the expected number of Qurbanis are drawn. On this basis, funds are allocated and transferred to each country. As the appeal gets into full swing, the numbers of Qurbanis are compared to the forecasts, modifications are made, and further funds are transferred as necessary.
Is all the cost included in the price?
Yes, all the various expenses such as the cost of the animal, slaughter, transportation, storage and canning (where applicable)… are included in the price.
Why are there differences in the prices between the countries?
Price is affected by a number of factors including the local market conditions of demand and supply which affect the price of livestock. Some countries have an abundance of animals which can thus be purchased and slaughtered quite cheaply. In countries where the availability of animals for slaughter is low the prices tend to be higher.
When should we give money for Qurbani?
It is advisable to give as early as possible, so that Islamic Relief can forecast more accurately and definitely before the end of Eid day itself. You can make payments right up until the third day of Eid.
Do you need to give all the names of the people who are giving Qurbani’s?
No. The person giving Qurbani simply makes the intention that the Qurbani is being performed on behalf of such-and-such a person.
Which country shall I give towards?
That’s entirely up to you. By way of guidance we tend to encourage people to give towards a group of countries as opposed to a particular country. This allows Islamic Relief to offer Qurbani in a country that is not commonly selected.
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