Qurbani Sunnahs You Should Follow

Most Muslims know the basic obligation of Qurbani that involves purchasing an eligible animal, sacrificing it on the correct days, and distributing the meat. But the Prophet (ﷺ) observed Qurbani with a richness of practice that went beyond the minimum requirements. These additional Sunnah acts, some observed before the sacrifice, others during and after it, deepen the spiritual experience of Eid al-Adha and connect the believer more closely to the tradition of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Following the Sunnah is not about rigid compliance with a checklist. It is about choosing to honor the example of wat of the Prophet (ﷺ) in the sincerest way you can. This blog walks through the key Sunnah practices related to Qurbani, with their sources and the wisdom behind them.

Refrain From Cutting Hair and Nails After Dhul Hijjah Begins

This is one of the most widely known but frequently forgotten Qurbani Sunnahs. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed those who intend to give Qurbani to stop cutting their hair and trimming their nails from the beginning of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice has been performed:

“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)

Scholars note that this practice mirrors, in a small but meaningful way, the state of a Hajj pilgrim in ihram. It is a physical reminder, carried through the first days of Dhul Hijjah, that the sacrifice is approaching and that the person is in a state of spiritual preparation.

This is a Sunnah, not an obligation. Forgetting or needing to cut hair by necessity does not invalidate the Qurbani. But observing it is a way to honor the Prophet’s (ﷺ) practice in the days leading up to Eid, and thus, believers should prioritize it.

Increase Good Deeds in the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that no days carry more spiritual weight for righteous deeds than the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. These days include dhikr, fasting, Quran recitation, prayer, and charity alongside the Qurbani itself. Treating the lead-up to Eid al-Adha as a period of heightened worship is fully in line with the Prophetic tradition. The following Hadith confirms that:

“Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja).” Then some companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 969)

Carefully Follow the Sunnahs of Qurbani

The Prophet (ﷺ) personally performed his own Qurbani when possible. He performed the sacrifice with his own hands, recited the name of Allah (SWT) at the time of slaughter, and ensured the animal faced the qibla. If someone else is performing Qurbani on your behalf, ensure they are Shariah-compliant.

Distribute Generously, Especially to the Poor

Giving generously beyond the bare minimum, or donating the entire sacrifice to the poor, follows an a great Sunnah that all affluent Muslims must follow:

“‘Ali bin Abu Talib narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded him to distribute the entire sacrificial camel – its meat, skin and covers – among the poor.”  (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3157)

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FAQs

Is it obligatory to stop cutting hair and nails in Dhul Hijjah?

No. This is a Sunnah, not an obligation. Missing it does not invalidate Qurbani. However, observing it is a way to honor the full Prophetic practice associated with this blessed time.

What if I am unable to perform the slaughter myself?

You may appoint another person, including a charity, to perform the slaughter on your behalf. The validity and reward of Qurbani are not diminished by delegating the act to a trustworthy representative.

Should I say anything specific at the time of slaughter?

The minimum required is to say Bismillah before the slaughter. It is also recommended to say Allahu Akbar and to make a dua. If giving Qurbani on behalf of someone else, mentioning their name is recommended.

Is it Sunnah to eat from the Qurbani meat on the day of Eid?

Yes. The Prophet (ﷺ) would eat from his Qurbani on Eid al-Adha, whereas he would eat before the Eid prayer on Eid al-Fitr. Eating from the sacrifice is a recommended Sunnah for those performing personal Qurbani.

Can I observe the Sunnah of Dhul Hijjah even if I am not performing Qurbani myself?

Yes. Increasing good deeds, fasting, dhikr, and charity during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is recommended for all Muslims, not only those giving Qurbani.