How to Perform Qurbani Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Perform Qurbani Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is more than just a ritual—it is a deep act of obedience, love, and submission to Allah ﷻ. Performed during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, this sacrifice revives the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and brings immense reward for those who do it sincerely and correctly.
What is Qurbani in Islam?
Qurbani refers to the sacrifice of a livestock animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) during the days of Eid ul Adha (10th–13th Dhul Hijjah) in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to Allah’s command.
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
Who Must Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) on every adult Muslim who:
- Is of sound mind,
- Has reached puberty, and
- Possesses wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold (after fulfilling basic needs).
This ruling is agreed upon by most scholars of the Hanafi school and recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) in others.
Eligible Animals for Qurbani
The animal must meet specific age and health requirements:
|
Animal |
Minimum Age |
Shares (if applicable) |
|
Sheep/Goat |
1 year |
1 person |
|
Cow/Bull |
2 years |
Up to 7 people |
|
Camel |
5 years |
Up to 7 people |
Important Conditions:
- Animal must be free from defects (blind, lame, sick, or underweight).
- Should be well-fed and cared for before sacrifice.
- Slaughter must be done with proper intention and method.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform Qurbani Properly
1. Make the Intention (Niyyah)
Before sacrificing, make a sincere intention:
“O Allah, I perform this Qurbani for Your sake and to earn Your pleasure.”
2. Choose the Right Day
- Qurbani must be done between 10th–13th Dhul Hijjah.
- Best to perform on 10th Dhul Hijjah, after the Eid prayer.
Sacrificing before the Eid prayer is invalid and must be redone.
3. Use a Sharp Knife and Say the Takbeer
The person sacrificing should:
- Use a sharp knife for a swift and painless slaughter.
- Lay the animal on its left side facing the Qiblah.
- Say the Takbeer:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar”
(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest)
4. Perform the Slaughter
- Cut the windpipe, food pipe, and both jugular veins quickly.
- Blood should drain completely.
- Avoid severing the spinal cord immediately to prevent unnecessary suffering.
5. Distribute the Meat
Divide the meat into three equal parts:
- One-third for yourself and your family
- One-third for relatives and friends
- One-third for the poor and needy
Even if you are donating the entire animal, dividing it this way ensures everyone benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Qurbani
- Buying unfit animals (too young or with defects).
- Performing the sacrifice before Eid prayer.
- Not saying the name of Allah during slaughter.
- Neglecting the poor and keeping all the meat.
- Using improper tools or harming the animal unnecessarily.
Women and Qurbani: What You Should Know
- Women can perform Qurbani if they meet the financial criteria.
- They may personally sacrifice or appoint someone to do it on their behalf.
- Qurbani is not required for children or those who do not meet the Nisab.
The Spiritual Meaning Behind Qurbani
Qurbani is a symbol of total submission. Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام was ready to give up his beloved son. Allah replaced the child with a ram, teaching us that what matters most is our willingness to obey.
The lesson: Sacrifice what you love most for Allah’s sake—be it time, wealth, comfort, or ego.
Final Thoughts
Qurbani is not just a ritual—it’s a profound expression of faith, gratitude, and obedience. Done with sincerity, it becomes a source of immense spiritual benefit and community care. May your Qurbani be accepted, and may it bring you closer to Allah ﷻ.
“Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.’”
(Qur’an 6:162)