Sadaqah Sacrifice

A Sadaqah sacrifice is a voluntary animal sacrifice performed for the sake of Allah. Unlike Qurbani (which is obligatory during Eid al-Adha), a Sadaqah sacrifice can be performed at any time of the year. It is an act of worship where an animal — typically a goat, sheep, or cow — is slaughtered and the meat is distributed to those in need. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Sadaqah sacrifices as a means of seeking healing, protection, and blessings from Allah.

Qurbani (Udhiyah) is an obligatory sacrifice performed during the days of Eid al-Adha (10th-12th Dhul Hijjah) by every eligible Muslim who meets the nisab threshold. A Sadaqah sacrifice, on the other hand, is completely voluntary and can be performed at any time throughout the year. Both involve slaughtering an animal and distributing the meat to the poor, but Qurbani follows specific timing rules while Sadaqah sacrifice does not. Many Muslims perform Sadaqah animal sacrifice when seeking healing, giving thanks, or fulfilling a vow.

Yes, absolutely. In Islam, Sadaqah can be given in many forms — cash, food, clothing, or animal sacrifice. A Sadaqah animal sacrifice holds special significance because it follows the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and provides fresh, nutritious meat directly to families in need. While cash donations are flexible, an animal sacrifice has the added spiritual dimension of the actual slaughter being performed in the name of Allah. At Qurbani Foundation, we handle the entire process — from selecting the animal to distributing the meat to families who need it most.

Both goat and sheep are valid for Sadaqah sacrifice in Islam. A goat or sheep counts as one share (for one person or household), while a cow or camel can be shared among up to seven people. At Qurbani Foundation, we primarily use goats and sheep for Sadaqah sacrifices as they are the most common and accessible animals in the regions we serve. The animal must meet Islamic requirements: it should be healthy, free from defects, and of the appropriate age (at least 6 months for a lamb, 1 year for a goat, 2 years for a cow).

A Sadaqah sheep sacrifice can be given at any time of the year — there is no specific date or season required. Common occasions include: when a child is born (similar to Aqiqah), when seeking healing from illness (the Prophet PBUH said Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah), when giving thanks for a blessing, when fulfilling a vow (nadhr), on Fridays (Jummah) for extra reward, or simply whenever you feel moved to give for the sake of Allah. Many Muslims also give Sadaqah sacrifices on behalf of deceased loved ones.

At Qurbani Foundation, a Sadaqah goat sacrifice starts from $100 for one sheep or goat. This covers the cost of purchasing a healthy animal, performing the Islamic slaughter, and distributing the fresh meat to families in need across our partner countries. You can also give multiple sacrifices: 3 sheep for $300, 5 sheep for $500, or 10 sheep for $1,000. The more you give, the more families you feed — and the greater your reward with Allah.

Yes, giving a Sadaqah sacrifice on behalf of someone who is sick is strongly encouraged in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Treat your sick by giving Sadaqah (reported by Abu Dawud). Many scholars recommend performing a Sadaqah animal sacrifice specifically when a loved one is ill, as it combines the spiritual benefit of charity with the Sunnah practice of animal sacrifice. You can give it on behalf of anyone — a family member, friend, or even yourself.

No, they are different. Aqiqah is a specific Sunnah sacrifice performed on the 7th day after a child is born (2 sheep for a boy, 1 sheep for a girl). Sadaqah sacrifice is a general voluntary sacrifice that can be given at any time for any reason. However, both involve slaughtering an animal and distributing meat to the poor. If you missed the Aqiqah for your child, you can still perform it later, or you can give a Sadaqah sacrifice with the intention of seeking blessings for your child.

Qurbani Foundation distributes Sadaqah sacrifice meat to families in need across 15+ countries including Pakistan, Palestine (Gaza), Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Somalia, and more. Our field teams ensure the animal is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (halal), and the fresh meat is delivered directly to vulnerable families — including orphans, widows, refugees, and those affected by conflict and natural disasters. 100% of your Sadaqah reaches those in need.

While the term Sadaqah sacrifice specifically refers to animal sacrifice, you can always give cash Sadaqah as well. However, there is a unique spiritual reward in animal sacrifice that cash alone does not carry — it connects you to the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and involves the physical act of sacrifice for Allah. If you prefer to give cash, we recommend our general Sadaqah fund. But if you want the specific blessings of an animal sacrifice, our Sadaqah sacrifice program handles everything on your behalf.

Yes. Qurbani Foundation USA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 38-4109716). All donations, including Sadaqah sacrifices, are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by US law. You will receive a donation receipt via email immediately after your payment is processed, which you can use for your tax filing.