Qurbani Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts Every Muslim Should Know
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, is one of the most sacred Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims across the globe. It commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.), who was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah. In return, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead. This act of devotion is honored through Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of a halal animal.
To ensure that this act is performed in accordance with Islamic teachings and with the highest ethical standards, it’s essential to follow the correct Qurbani Guidelines. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the important do’s and don’ts every Muslim should know before performing Qurbani.
Understanding the Purpose of Qurbani
Before diving into the Qurbani Guidelines, it’s important to remember why we perform Qurbani in the first place. It’s not just a ritual or a cultural tradition—it’s a spiritual act of submission to Allah’s will. It’s also a time for reflection, generosity, and sharing with those in need.
Do’s of Qurbani: What You Should Definitely Do
1. Understand Who is Obligated to Perform Qurbani
According to most Islamic scholars, Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) for every sane, adult Muslim who possesses wealth beyond their needs (usually the equivalent of Nisab). This includes gold, silver, cash, or other assets. This is the first and foremost rule in Qurbani Guidelines.
2. Choose a Halal and Healthy Animal
One of the most important Qurbani Guidelines is ensuring that the animal is eligible. It must be:
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Free from any defects
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Of the correct age (at least 1 year for a goat/sheep and 2 years for cows/camels)
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Healthy and well-fed
Animals with broken horns, missing teeth, or visible illnesses are not permissible for sacrifice.
3. Treat the Animal with Compassion
Islam places a strong emphasis on kindness to animals. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed that animals should not be frightened or hurt before being slaughtered. Always ensure the animal is treated gently, fed, watered, and kept comfortable. This is one of the most humane points emphasized in Qurbani Guidelines.
4. Perform the Sacrifice at the Right Time
Qurbani should be carried out after the Eid prayer, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Sacrificing before the Eid salah is not valid. Planning the sacrifice within this window is a crucial part of following Qurbani Guidelines properly.
5. Recite the Correct Du’a and Name Allah
During the act of sacrifice, it is obligatory to say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” and make the intention for Qurbani. Mentioning the name of Allah is essential, and forgetting to do so intentionally invalidates the Qurbani.
6. Distribute the Meat Fairly
Islam encourages generosity and community. According to Qurbani Guidelines, the meat should be divided into three parts:
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One-third for the family
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One-third for relatives and friends
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One-third for the poor and needy
Sharing the meat reflects the spirit of Eid and strengthens social ties.
Don’ts of Qurbani: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Don’t Delay the Sacrifice Beyond the Allowed Days
Some people delay their Qurbani thinking it’s okay as long as it’s within Dhul-Hijjah. But according to authentic Qurbani Guidelines, the sacrifice must be completed by sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Missing this window without valid reason means the obligation is not fulfilled.
2. Don’t Use a Sick or Deformed Animal
Animals that are blind, one-legged, extremely thin, or visibly injured do not qualify for Qurbani. Using such animals is against Qurbani Guidelines, and the sacrifice will not be accepted.
3. Don’t Be Careless with the Knife
One of the most overlooked yet vital Qurbani Guidelines is ensuring the knife is sharp and the slaughter is done swiftly and painlessly. The Prophet (PBUH) advised not to show the knife to the animal and to avoid any unnecessary suffering.
4. Don’t Sell the Meat or Skins for Profit
According to authentic hadiths, the meat, skin, or any part of the sacrificed animal cannot be sold for profit. The butcher can be paid for his services but not with the animal’s meat. Violating this rule goes directly against Qurbani Guidelines.
5. Don’t Neglect the Spiritual Aspect
Some people treat Qurbani as a social event or just another obligation. But at its core, it’s a deeply spiritual act. Reflecting on the meaning behind the sacrifice and maintaining humility is a must. Qurbani Guidelines remind us to keep our intentions pure.
Modern Considerations and Ethical Qurbani
1. Opt for Local and Ethical Sources
Supporting local farmers or ethical slaughterhouses that follow Islamic and humane practices is increasingly encouraged. This ensures compliance with Qurbani Guidelines and promotes sustainability.
2. Online Qurbani Services
In today’s digital age, many Muslims opt for online Qurbani services. This is acceptable as long as the service provider is trustworthy and adheres to all Qurbani Guidelines, including proper slaughter, distribution, and documentation.
Qurbani for Children and the Deceased
According to scholars, children are not required to offer Qurbani, as the obligation lies on adults with sufficient means. However, parents may offer on their behalf as an act of gratitude.
You may also perform Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives, provided you’ve already fulfilled your own obligation. This is considered a noble act and is encouraged in many schools of thought, as long as it aligns with Qurbani Guidelines.
Final Checklist: Quick Qurbani Guidelines Summary
Before wrapping up, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you’re following all essential Qurbani Guidelines:
✅ Have you made the proper niyyah (intention)?
✅ Is the animal healthy, of the correct age, and free from defects?
✅ Are you performing the sacrifice after Eid prayer within the 3 days?
✅ Are you treating the animal with kindness and care?
✅ Have you recited “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” before slaughtering?
✅ Did you divide the meat fairly and avoided selling any part of the animal?
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Sacrifice
Performing Qurbani is more than just a religious duty—it’s a beautiful way to connect with Allah, honor a great Prophet’s legacy, and share blessings with others. By following the proper Qurbani Guidelines, we ensure that our sacrifice is accepted and meaningful.
Let this Eid be not only a time of festivity and food but also of reflection, gratitude, and generosity. May our sacrifices be sincere, our actions pure, and our intentions aligned with the teachings of Islam.
Eid Mubarak!
For more blogs The Story Behind Bakra Eid: The Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) -2025