How Does the Quran Specify the Distribution of Qurban Meat?

Islam regulates the distribution of qurban meat to ensure its benefits reach a wider segment of society, particularly the poor and needy. The Quran states that the meat from sacrificial animals may be enjoyed by those who offer the sacrifice and also distributed to relatives, friends, and those in need. Scholars explain that it can be divided into three equal parts: one-third for the person offering the sacrifice, one-third for relatives or neighbours, and one-third for the poor and needy.

Ustaz Abdul Somad Lc, in his book ‘Q&A on Qurban’, explains that the meat can be divided into three parts: one-third for the person making the sacrifice, one-third for relatives and friends (even if they are affluent), and one-third for the poor and needy, based on the verses of the Quran and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala states:

وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنٰهَا لَكُمْ مِّنْ شَعَاۤىِٕرِ اللّٰهِ لَكُمْ فِيْهَا خَيْرٌۖ فَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهَا صَوَاۤفَّۚ فَاِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوْبُهَا فَكُلُوْا مِنْهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْقَانِعَ وَالْمُعْتَرَّۗ كَذٰلِكَ سَخَّرْنٰهَا لَكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ

“We have appointed the camels among the symbols of Allah for you; in them is much good for you. So mention the name of Allah over them when they are lined up. Then, when their sides fall (after slaughter), eat from them and feed the contented and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.” (Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 36)

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala states:

لِّيَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ فِيْٓ اَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُوْمٰتٍ عَلٰى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّنْۢ بَهِيْمَةِ الْاَنْعَامِۚ فَكُلُوْا مِنْهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْبَاۤىِٕسَ الْفَقِيْرَ ۖ

“[They are] so that they may witness benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allah on known days over what He has provided them of the sacrificial animals. So eat from them and feed the miserable and the poor.”