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Qurbani vs Aqeeqah: Key Differences and When to Perform Each

By Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra • 9 April 2026 • 1,500 words

Qurbani is performed during Eid al-Adha and is obligatory (Hanafi) or strongly recommended. Aqeeqah is performed after a child's birth and is Sunnah. They are separate acts with different conditions.

Understanding the Difference

Qurbani and Aqeeqah are both forms of animal sacrifice in Islam, but they serve different purposes and have different rulings.

Side-by-Side Comparison

AspectQurbaniAqeeqah
When10–12 Dhul Hijjah onlyAny time (preferably 7th day after birth)
Ruling (Hanafi)WajibSunnah muakkadah
Who performsEvery eligible adultParent/guardian for the child
Animals1 sheep/goat or 1/7 cow2 for a boy, 1 for a girl
CommemoratesSacrifice of Ibrahim (AS)Birth of a child

Can You Combine Them?

The majority of scholars say no. Each is a separate act of worship with its own intention and conditions. If your child is born during the days of Eid al-Adha, you should still perform both separately.

However, a minority of Hanafi scholars allow combining the intention if the sacrifice takes place during the days of Qurbani. The safer opinion is to keep them separate.

Which Should I Prioritise?

If you are obligated to give Qurbani (Hanafi school) and also owe Aqeeqah for a child, Qurbani takes priority as it has a time limit. Aqeeqah can be performed at any time and does not expire.

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