What are the rules of Qurbani?
Qurbani is a beloved act of worship, and is compulsory for every sane adult Muslim who has wealth in excess of his/her needs, according to the Hanafi madhab. However, there are many rules and conditions that must be adhered to for the slaughter of the animal to be counted as a Qurbani.
Qurbanis must be performed in a timely manner over either three or four days from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, depending on the madhab (school of thought).
Animals for Qurbani must be healthy and free from disease, and must be slaughtered according to certain conditions. There are also rules around how to distribute Qurbani meat. Find out more about Qurbani rules here.
What are the rules for a husband and wife?
According to the Hanafi madhab (school of thought), both the husband and wife must donate a minimum of one Qurbani each if they are sane Muslims who possess wealth more than their needs. What is beyond their needs is equal to (or more than) the current level of Nisab (87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver).
It is not compulsory for the husband to donate a share for Qurbani on behalf of his wife if she possesses her own money, but he can choose to do so if he wishes.
Both husband and wife can make a joint Qurbani, but only in the case where the animal is large enough that they can both donate their required share.
After the couple have made their intention to donate a Qurbani, it is recommended that they refrain from cutting their hair or nails from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until their Qurbani has taken place over the days of Eid ul-Adha. According to the Hanbali madhab, it is obligatory that they do so.
Other schools of thought (madhabs) differ in opinion on whether both husband and wife must offer a Qurbani. It is best to seek advice from your local Imam according to your madhab (school of thought).