Yes, in the Hanafi madhab (school of thought). Qurbani is considered wajib (mandatory) on all individuals who pay zakat.
The conditions which make both qurbani and zakat obligatory are:
However, in other madhabs, qurbani is considered a sunnah muakkidah (a highly emphasized act) which is a grade below mandatory.
*In Islamic law a traveler is someone who leaves their city’s boundary, intends to travel more than 48 miles (77 kilometers) from their home, and plans to stay at their destination for less than 15 full days.
Fard refers to an obligatory religious duty commanded by God.
In the Hanafi madhab qurbani is considered mandatory.
In practical terms, an act being wajib essentially means it is fardh.
Yes, women may perform the qurbani slaughter themselves.
Yes. According to the Hanafi madhab, qurbani is an individual obligation. Both the husband and wife must donate a minimum of 1 qurbani each if they are Muslims if sound mind who possess the nisab amount.
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 from its meat.
Large animals (such as cows, buffalos or camels) can be divided into 7 shares. In this case, both husband and wife can take 1 share each, meaning their individual qurbani obligations are fulfilled.
However, smaller animals (such as a sheep or goat) only count as 1 qurbani.
A husband may donate a share for qurbani on behalf of his wife if he wishes, but this is not compulsory.
According to the Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, 1 qurbani can cover an entire household as a ‘Sunnah Kifayah’ (communal recommended act), but it is still highly recommended for individuals to offer their own qurbani.
If you are unsure what guidance applies to you, it is best to seek advice from your local imam according to your madhab.