Is Qurban Required Once in a Lifetime or Annually?

As Eid al-Adha approaches, this classic question frequently arises among Muslims: is the ritual of Qurban sufficient to perform once in a lifetime like Hajj, or should it be an annual obligation for those who are able? There are differing opinions among the schools of Islamic jurisprudence. Ustadz Abdul Shomad Lc, in his book ‘Q&A on Sacrifice’, explains that according to the Hanafi school, Qurban is obligatory annually, based on the following hadith: ’Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever has the means but does not sacrifice, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (HR Imam Ahmad and Ibnu Majah). Such a warning would only apply to an obligatory act. However, the majority of scholars consider it recommended (sunnah) for those able, based on the hadith: “When you see the crescent of Dhu al-Hijjah and one of you intends to sacrifice, let him refrain from cutting his hair and nails.” (HR Muslim). This hadith refers to the intention to sacrifice, which negates the obligation of it being mandatory.