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How to Perform Qurbani Correctly in Islam
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How to Perform Qurbani Correctly in Islam

Learn how to perform Qurbani correctly in Islam, understanding intention, rules, and guidance to ensure your sacrifice is valid, accepted, and spiritually meaningful.

Understanding how to perform Qurbani is essential to ensure this important act of worship is valid and accepted. Qurbani is not simply about sacrificing an animal; it is about intention, obedience, and following the guidance established by Allah and His Messenger. When carried out correctly, Qurbani becomes a deeply meaningful act that reaches Allah through sincerity.

Whether done personally or through a trusted organisation, carrying out Qurbani must follow clear Islamic principles so that the sacrifice fulfils both its spiritual and charitable purposes.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains.”

What Does Performing Qurbani Involve?

At its core, Qurbani involves offering a sacrifice from specific sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha. Performing Qurbani correctly requires attention to timing, the type of animal used, intention, the method of slaughter, and the way the meat is distributed. Each of these elements played a major role in how Qurbani was practised by Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community.

Qurbani is an act of worship that combines devotion to Allah with care for others, ensuring that obedience and compassion go hand in hand.

When Must Qurbani Be Performed?

Qurbani is performed on the day of Eid and the following two days. Specifically, it must take place on the 10th, 11th, or 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, which falls within the month of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.

The sacrifice becomes valid only after the Eid prayer on the first day. Any animal slaughtered before the Eid prayer does not count as Qurbani and is treated as ordinary charity. This timing is connected to the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and how Eid al-Adha is celebrated across the Muslim world.

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Which Animals Are Permitted for Qurbani?

Only specific sacrificial animals are permitted for Qurbani. These include sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. This category, sheep, goats, cattle and camels, is explicitly recognised in Islamic sources.

A sheep or goat is considered a small animal and counts as one Qurbani for one person. Larger animals, such as cattle and camels, may be shared by up to seven people, with each share counting as a complete Qurbani. Animals outside these categories are not valid for Qurbani.

Age and Health Requirements for a Qurbani Animal

For Qurbani to be valid, the Qurbani animal must meet minimum age and health requirements. Sheep and goats must be at least one year old, cattle must be at least two years old, and camels must be at least five years old.

The animal must also be healthy and free from serious defects. Prophet Muhammad forbade sacrificing animals that are blind, severely lame, clearly sick, or extremely weak. Offering a healthy animal reflects respect for the worship and ensures the sacrifice is acceptable.

The Correct Method of Slaughtering an Animal

The Qurbani method emphasises mercy and dignity. Prophet Muhammad taught that excellence should be shown even when you slaughter an animal.

The slaughter must be carried out using a sharp knife to minimise suffering. The knife should not be sharpened in front of the animal, and the name of Allah must be mentioned at the time of slaughter. The throat should be cut correctly to allow the blood to flow. Whether you slaughter an animal yourself or appoint someone else, these principles must be followed.

Intention (Niyyah) When Offering Qurbani

A clear intention is required when offering a sacrifice. The intention does not need to be spoken aloud, but it must be present in the heart.

If you are offering Qurbani on behalf of someone else, such as a family member or through Qurbani donations, the intention should clearly specify who the Qurbani is for. Intention is what transforms the physical act into an act of worship.

How Is Qurbani Meat Distributed?

After the sacrifice, the meat must be distributed responsibly. Islamic guidance encourages dividing the meat into three portions: one portion for the household, one for relatives or neighbours, and one for those in need.

This distribution ensures that Qurbani fulfils its charitable purpose. In many regions, fresh meat is distributed quickly so families can benefit during Eid itself, making Qurbani a source of nourishment and dignity.

Performing Qurbani Through Charity

Many Muslims choose to fulfil Qurbani through Qurbani donations, particularly when living in urban areas or outside Muslim-majority countries. When Qurbani is performed through a charity, the organisation acts as an agent on behalf of the donor.

The charity ensures the sacrifice is performed on the correct days, uses approved animals, and distributes meat to vulnerable communities. This approach is widely accepted and allows Qurbani to reach areas where need is greatest.

Who Is Eligible to Perform Qurbani?

Qurbani applies to Muslims who are of sound mind and possess sufficient wealth. In general, those eligible to pay Zakat are also eligible to perform Qurbani.

Children and those who cannot afford it are exempt. Islam does not impose hardship, and Qurbani is only required from those who can give without difficulty.

Sunnah Practices Associated With Qurbani

Some Muslims observe additional Sunnah practices when preparing for Qurbani, such as delaying cutting their nails and hair until after the sacrifice has been completed. This practice is recommended for those intending to offer Qurbani and serves as spiritual preparation rather than a requirement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure Qurbani is valid, common mistakes to avoid include sacrificing before the Eid prayer, using underage or unhealthy animals, missing the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, neglecting intention, or treating the animal harshly. Avoiding these errors helps ensure the sacrifice reaches Allah with sincerity.

FAQs:

  • How is Qurbani performed in Islam?
    Qurbani is performed by sacrificing a permitted livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha after the Eid prayer. The animal must meet age and health requirements, Allah’s name must be mentioned at slaughter, and the meat should be shared with family and those in need according to Islamic guidance.
  • What are the rules of Qurbani?
    Qurbani rules require the sacrifice to be performed within the prescribed days, using an eligible animal, with correct intention and humane slaughter. It must be done after the Eid prayer, the animal cannot be underage or defective, and a portion of the meat must reach those in need.
  • Which animals can be used for Qurbani?
    Only sheep, goats, cattle, and camels can be used for Qurbani. Sheep and goats count as one Qurbani each, while cattle and camels may be shared by up to seven people. The animal must meet Islamic age and health requirements for the sacrifice to be valid.
  • Can Qurbani be performed through a charity?
    Qurbani can be performed through a charity by appointing the organisation as your agent. The charity arranges the sacrifice during the correct Eid days, ensures Islamic compliance, and distributes fresh meat to vulnerable families. This approach is widely accepted and supports communities with the greatest need.
  • Which animals can be used for Qurbani?
    Only sheep, goats, cattle, and camels can be used for Qurbani. Sheep and goats count as one Qurbani each, while cattle and camels may be shared by up to seven people. The animal must meet Islamic age and health requirements for the sacrifice to be valid.
  • Can Qurbani be performed through a charity?
    Qurbani can be performed through a charity by appointing the organisation as your agent. The charity arranges the sacrifice during the correct Eid days, ensures Islamic compliance, and distributes fresh meat to vulnerable families. This approach is widely accepted and supports communities with the greatest need.
  • When must Qurbani be performed?
    Qurbani must be performed on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It becomes valid only after the Eid prayer on the first day and ends at sunset on the final day. Any sacrifice outside this timeframe does not count as Qurbani in Islamic law.
  • How does Islamic Help perform Qurbani?
    Islamic Help performs Qurbani by purchasing eligible animals in advance, carrying out the sacrifice during the correct days of Eid al-Adha, and following strict Islamic guidelines. Experienced teams oversee slaughter, welfare, and distribution, ensuring each donor’s Qurbani is completed correctly and responsibly.

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