Qurbani Meat Distribution - Thirds, Butcher Rules and the Hide
Eat a third, gift a third, give a third to the poor (Quran 22:36): the distribution sunnah, why butchers cannot be paid in meat, and what to do with the hide.
Also searched as: qurbani gosht taqseem | qurbani meat thirds | qurbani ki khaal | butcher qurbani rules | qurbani distribution
How to
Steps in order
- 1Weigh the carcass and divide into family, relatives and poor thirds.
- 2Deliver the poor’s share on Eid day itself, fresh.
- 3Pay the butcher in cash; gift meat only after full wages.
- 4Donate the hide (or its sale value) to the poor or students.
The thirds and the verse
“Eat of them and feed the contented and the beggar” (22:36): one part for your household (barakah of eating your own sacrifice), one for relatives, friends and neighbours (ties of kinship), one for the poor (their Eid too). Exact thirds are recommended, not mandatory - the needy’s share must never be skipped.
Deliver the poor’s share fresh before it spoils; in cities, route it through masjid collection points on the 10th itself so no Muslim begs on Eid day. The eat-and-feed verse is on our dua pages.
Butcher, hide and storage
Never pay the butcher with meat or hide - his wage is separate cash; giving him meat as a gift after full payment is fine. The hide is given in charity (to the poor, students of deen or relief funds), never sold for personal benefit - sale proceeds also go to charity.
Weigh and label portions, refrigerate promptly, and keep a simple ledger (shares in, thirds out) - Qurbani is worship with paperwork.
Sources & review
Quran 22:36 (eat and feed); Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (butcher wages; the Prophet’s distribution)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Exact thirds - mandatory?
Recommended, not mandatory. The poor’s portion is the non-negotiable one.
Can the butcher take meat as wages?
No - Ali reported the Prophet ﷺ forbade it. Pay cash wages, then gift meat if you wish.
Sell the hide and keep the money?
No - the hide or its price goes to charity, never personal use.
Duas
Related duas
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