Introduction
Qurbani, also known as Udhiya, is the act of sacrificing an animal during Eid ul-Adha in remembrance of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Every year, millions of Muslims perform Qurbani as a form of worship and gratitude to Allah.
In this guide, we will explain the Qurbani rules in Islam, who must perform it, which animals are allowed, and how to distribute the meat according to Islamic teachings.
What Is Qurbani in Islam?
Qurbani means sacrifice. It is performed during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, from the 10th to the 12th. The act honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah.
Instead, Allah replaced his son with a ram. Since then, Muslims offer a sacrifice to gain closeness to Allah (Qurbatan ila Allah).
Who Should Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) on:
- Every Muslim who is:
- Adult (baligh)
- Sane
- Possesses nisab (wealth above the zakat threshold) on the days of Eid
If you have savings or wealth equal to the Nisab amount (approx. 87.48 grams of gold or its cash value), Qurbani becomes compulsory for you.
Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed?
According to Islamic rules for Qurbani, the animals that can be sacrificed are:
- Goat (1 person)
- Sheep (1 person)
- Cow (can be shared by 7 people)
- Buffalo (7 people)
- Camel (7 people)
📌 Animal Age Requirements:
- Goat/Sheep – At least 1 year old
- Cow/Buffalo – At least 2 years old
- Camel – At least 5 years old
Animal Requirements (Must be Met)
The Qurbani animal must be:
Healthy and free from:
- Blindness
- Broken horns
- Lameness
- Missing teeth
- Illness or weakness
Sick, injured, or very thin animals are not allowed for Qurbani in Islam.
When Is Qurbani Done?
Qurbani must be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Important: If Qurbani is done before Eid Salah, it is not accepted as a valid sacrifice.
How Should Qurbani Be Performed?
Qurbani Must Be Done With:
- Pure intention (niyyah)
- Facing Qiblah
- Using a sharp knife to avoid pain
- Saying Bismillah, Allahu Akbar at the time of slaughter
“So eat of them and feed the poor and the needy.” — (Surah Al-Hajj 22:36)
Meat Distribution in Islam
The meat should be divided into three equal parts:
- One-third for your family
- One-third for relatives and friends
- One-third for the poor and needy
You can also keep all the skin or donate it to charity.
Can Women Do Qurbani?
Yes, women can and should perform Qurbani if they meet the conditions (nisab, adult, sane). They can either do it themselves or ask someone to do it on their behalf.
Can I Donate Qurbani Online?
Yes. If you cannot do Qurbani yourself, you can send money to reliable Islamic charities who will perform Qurbani on your behalf in other countries.
Common Questions
Is Qurbani compulsory for children?
No. Qurbani is not required for children until they reach adulthood.
Can one person do Qurbani for the whole family?
Each eligible person (who meets the nisab) must do their own Qurbani. One animal (like a cow) can be shared by up to 7 people.
Can I do more than one Qurbani?
Yes, you can give extra Qurbani on behalf of deceased loved ones or the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a form of reward.
Final Words
Qurbani is a powerful act of devotion, obedience, and compassion. Every Muslim should understand and follow the Qurbani rules in Islam to ensure their sacrifice is accepted by Allah.
Make this Eid ul-Adha meaningful by:
- Choosing the right animal
- Following the Islamic rules
- Sharing the meat with the needy
May Allah accept our Qurbani and bless us with His mercy and reward. Ameen!
