Introduction Qurbani (Udhiyah) commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It is performed during Eid al-Adha (expected around May 27–30, 2026, starting 10 Dhul Hijjah). The meat is not what reaches Allah, but your piety (Qur’an 22:37).
Who Must Perform Qurbani?
- Hanafi madhab: Wajib (obligatory) for every sane adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold (after basic needs).
- Other madhabs (Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali): Sunnah Mu’akkadah (strongly recommended).
- Applies individually (husband and wife often each perform one if eligible). Children are not required.
Eligible Animals & Shares
- Goat/Sheep: 1 share (1 person). Minimum age: 1 year (goat); sheep can be 6 months+ if healthy and large.
- Cow/Buffalo: 7 shares (up to 7 people). Minimum age: 2 years.
- Camel: 7 shares. Minimum age: 5 years. Animals must be healthy, free from major defects (blindness, lameness, extreme weakness, etc.). Choose the best you can afford.
Timing
- Starts after Eid prayer on 10th Dhul Hijjah.
- Ends at sunset on 12th or 13th (scholars differ; many prefer 10–12th).
- Best on the first day. Sacrifice before Eid prayer does not count as Qurbani (counts as optional sadaqah; repeat it).
Sunnah Practices
- Avoid cutting hair/nails from 1st Dhul Hijjah until your Qurbani is done (recommended/ obligatory in some views).
- Say Takbir often during the days of Tashreeq.
Step-by-Step Method of Slaughter (According to Sunnah)
- Make sincere intention (Niyyah) for Allah.
- Calm the animal, give it water. Do not sharpen knife in front of it.
- Lay it on its left side facing Qiblah.
- Recite: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
- Use a very sharp knife to swiftly cut the throat (windpipe, esophagus, and two jugular veins).
- Do not skin or cut until the animal is fully still.
- It is Sunnah to slaughter with your own hands if able.
Distribution (Sunnah Way) Divide the meat into three equal parts:
- 1/3 for your family/household.
- 1/3 for relatives, friends, and neighbors.
- 1/3 for the poor and needy. You may eat some, gift some, and donate the rest. Selling any part is not allowed.