Is Qurbani Obligatory for Children? A Family Guide
Qurban.us Team
Written by Qurban.us
Many parents ask: is Wajib Qurbani obligatory for children? Can I offer Qurbani on behalf of my child? Get clear answers to your family Qurbani questions.
When parents prepare for Eid al-Adha, one of the most common questions that arises is whether Qurbani is obligatory for their children, and whether they can offer a Qurbani on their behalf. These are important practical questions, and Islamic jurisprudence provides clear answers.
Is Wajib Qurbani Obligatory for Children?
According to the Hanafi school — followed by the majority of Muslims in the US and Turkey — Wajib Qurbani is only obligatory for adults who possess the nisab amount of wealth independently. A child's wealth does not trigger the adult obligation of Qurbani, even if the child has savings, inheritance, or gifts in their name. This obligation falls on adults alone.
Can Parents Offer Nafl Qurbani on Behalf of Their Children?
Absolutely yes. Parents may voluntarily offer a Nafl (optional) Qurbani on behalf of their children at any time of year. This is considered a beautiful act of generosity and a spiritual blessing for the child. Many families choose to do this as a way of connecting younger generations to the tradition of Qurbani and the spirit of sacrifice.
Unlike Wajib Qurbani, Nafl Qurbani has no nisab requirement and no age restriction.
One Family, Multiple Intentions
When a family shares a large animal — a cow or camel can be shared by up to 7 people — each participant can hold a different intention:
- One share: Wajib Qurbani (fulfilling the adult's obligation)
- One share: Nafl Qurbani on behalf of a child
- One share: On behalf of a deceased relative
- One share: General nafl for the whole family
This is a powerful way to multiply the blessing of a single sacrifice across the entire family.
What About a Child Who Has Their Own Nisab?
Some scholars note that it is encouraged (mustahhab) for parents to offer Qurbani on behalf of a child who possesses nisab-level wealth, but the Hanafi school does not consider it wajib until the child reaches adulthood.
How to Offer Family Qurbani Through Qurban.us
When placing your order through Qurban.us, you can specify the number of Qurbanis, the names, and the intention for each sacrifice. Our team ensures each sacrifice is performed separately according to your stated intentions, following Islamic requirements.
Starting from $175 per person — share the blessing of Qurbani with your entire family.
