How to Perform Qurbani Correctly

Qurbani is not simply a matter of buying an animal and slaughtering it before Eid is over. Like all other acts of deviation and worship, it requires fulfillment of specific conditions, recommended practices, and sincerity of purpose. Many Muslims perform Qurbani every year without fully understanding all the steps needed for Qurbani, which means some may unknowingly miss important aspects of this great ritual. This guide walks through everything you need to know to perform Qurbani correctly, from the first day of Dhul Hijjah to the final distribution of the meat.

Stop Cutting Hair and Nails When Dhul Hijjah Begins

If you intend to give Qurbani, the first Sunnah practice begins the moment the new moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted, which marks the start of the month. From this point, until the sacrifice has been performed, it is recommended to avoid cutting hair or trimming nails.

The Prophet (ﷺ) described this clearly:

“He who has a sacrificial animal with him whom he intends to offer as sacrifice, and he enters the month of Dhul-Hijjah, he should not get his hair cut or nails trimmed until he has sacrificed the animal.” (Sahih Muslim, 1977g)

This practice is a Sunnah, not a strict obligation. However, observing it is one way to honor the spiritual state that the days of Dhul Hijjah invite, mirroring in a small way the condition of a pilgrim in ihram.

Choosing a Valid Animal for Qurbani

The animal must meet the minimum age requirements recommended by the Shariah.One year for goats and sheep, two years for cows and buffaloes, and five years for camels. A goat or sheep counts as one Qurbani. A cow, buffalo, or camel may be shared between up to seven individuals, with each share counting as a separate complete Qurbani.The animal must be free from disqualifying defects. The Prophet (ﷺ) specified:

“Narrated Ubayd ibn Firuz :I asked al-Bara’ ibn Azib: What should be avoided in sacrificial animals? He said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood among us, and my fingers are smaller than his fingers, and my fingertips are smaller than his fingertips. He said (pointing with his fingers): Four (types of animals) should be avoided in sacrifice: A One-eyed animal which has obviously lost the sight of one eye, a sick animal which is obviously sick, a lame animal which obviously limps and an animal with a broken leg with no marrow. I also detest an animal which has defective teeth. He said: Leave what you detest, but do not make it illegal for anyone.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 2802)

A healthy, well-fed, clearly robust animal is the ideal one for Qurbani. The principle of Qurbani is to give something of value, not to sacrifice the least acceptable animal available. Believers are expected to apply this principle wholistically in their lives.

Make the Intention for Qurbani

Before the slaughter, the intention (niyyah) for Qurbani must be in the heart. It does not need to be spoken aloud in Arabic, though saying it quietly is a common practice. The intention should be clear that the sacrifice is being offered as Qurbani to Allah (SWT), as an act of worship.

Perform the Sacrifice at the Correct Time

Qurbani must be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. The window closes at sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Performing the sacrifice before the Eid prayer renders it invalid as Qurbani, however it is acceptable as Sadaqah. The same applies if it is performed after the closing time. Therefore, conducting a sacrifice at the correct time must be prioritized.

Follow the Islamic Method of Slaughter

The animal must be laid on its left side, facing the qibla. The name of Allah (SWT) must be recited at the moment of slaughter. The common formula is: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar”.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ 

The blade must be sharp, and the cut must sever the windpipe, esophagus, and the two jugular veins in a single, swift motion to minimize suffering. The Prophet (ﷺ) stressed the importance of treating the animal with care and performing the slaughter quickly and efficiently to minimize its pain.

Distribute the Sacrificial Meat

The traditional method divides the meat into three equal portions. One for the donor and family, one for relatives and neighbors, and one for the poor. It is also fully permissible to give all three portions to the poor, which is the Sunnah practice when the intention is maximum benefit for those in need. The skin and non-edible parts should be donated or used for charitable purposes. They must not be sold for the donor’s personal benefit.

Donate Your Qurbani via Transparent Hands This Eid al-Adha

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FAQs

What should I recite during the Qurbani slaughter?

At the moment of slaughter, recite Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. Some scholars also recommend adding the intention or the name of the person on whose behalf the Qurbani is being performed.

Can I watch the slaughter if I am not performing it myself?

Yes. Witnessing the slaughter is not required but is considered spiritually beneficial. If you are donating through a charity, you will not typically be present, but the sacrifice is still valid.

What if I accidentally cut hair or nails after Dhul Hijjah begins before giving Qurbani?

If it happens by mistake, it is not considered a serious violation. The Sunnah of avoiding hair and nail trimming is recommended, not strictly obligatory. Simply resume the practice for the remaining days and perform Qurbani as planned.

Can Qurbani be performed at night?

According to the Hanafi school, it is preferred to perform Qurbani during the day. Performing it at night is permitted but disliked. To be safe, aim to complete the sacrifice before sunset on any of the three valid days.

Is it permissible to delegate the slaughter to a butcher?

Yes. You do not need to slaughter the animal yourself. You may appoint another person, including a professional butcher, to perform the slaughter on your behalf. Your intention is what counts, and the conditions of slaughter must still be fully observed.