Qur’an and Hadith-Based Rules and Regulations of Qurbani (Sacrifice) in Islam

▣ Definition of Qurbani

In Islamic terminology, Qurbani refers to the ritual slaughtering of a specific animal at a specified time with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah. It is an important act of worship in Islam, commemorating the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).

The word Qurbani means nearness, closeness, or offering. Sacrificing a specific animal during the days of Eid al-Adha for the pleasure of Allah is known as Qurbani. (Majma’ul Anhur: 2/516)

The practice of Qurbani dates back to the time of Prophet Adam (AS). However, its formal establishment as practiced today began with Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Allah the Almighty says, "And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations." (Surah As-Saffat, verses 107–108)

▣ Importance and Virtue of Qurbani

Qurbani is a significant form of worship in Islam and a means to attain closeness to Allah. It is not merely a ritual, but rather an expression of a believer’s devotion, sacrifice, and fear of Allah.

• Allah says, "Say: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of all worlds." (Surah Al-An’am, verse 162)
• Allah commanded His Messenger to offer sacrifice, "So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone]."(Surah Al-Kawthar, verse 2)
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "On the day of sacrifice, the most beloved deed to Allah is offering Qurbani." (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1493)
• Another hadith states, "For every strand of hair on the sacrificial animal, a reward is recorded."(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith: 19283)
• Also: "Whoever has the means but does not offer Qurbani, let him not come near our Eid place."(Ibn Majah, Hadith: 3123)

▣ Eligibility of Animals for Qurbani

As per the lunar calendar:

• Camel: 5 years old
• Cow or Buffalo: 2 years old
• Goat, Sheep, or Ram: 1 year old

(In some cases, a 6-month-old sheep that appears to be 1 year old is acceptable)

The animal must be:

• Healthy, uninjured, and free from defects
• One camel or cow can be shared by up to 7 people, but each person must have the intention of seeking only Allah’s pleasure
• Animals that cannot be sacrificed include:
• Blind or with serious eye defects
• Lame or unable to walk
• Sick or emaciated
• With more than half an ear or horn missing
• Lacking most of their teeth

Hadith: “Four types of animals are not valid for Qurbani: one-eyed with severe defect, sick, lame, and extremely weak.” (Abu Dawood, Hadith 2802)

▣ Intention (Niyyah) and Method of Qurbani

Form the intention in the heart: “I am offering this animal in sacrifice for the sake of Allah.”

• Lay the animal on its side facing the Qiblah
• Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” before slaughtering
• Avoid doing any other tasks before the blood fully drains from the animal

▣ When Is Qurbani Performed?

Qurbani can be performed from after Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Best time: 10th Dhul-Hijjah (first day)

If one misses Qurbani, they should give the animal or its value in charity  (Bukhari, Hadith: 5545; Al-Hidayah: 5/295–297)

✅ Dates: 10th–12th Dhul-Hijjah

✅ Time: From after Eid prayer until sunset (night Qurbani is allowed)

✅ Not valid before Eid prayer

Hadith: “Whoever offers the sacrifice before the Eid prayer has merely offered meat, not Qurbani. But whoever offers it after the Eid prayer has performed the proper Qurbani.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5545)

▣ On Whom Is Qurbani Obligatory?

Qurbani is wajib (mandatory) on every adult, sane, resident Muslim (male or female) who owns wealth equal to or above the Nisab (threshold) between Fajr on the 10th and Maghrib on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. (Al-Muhit Al-Burhani: 6/85)

Conditions for Wajib:

• Muslim
• Adult (Baligh)

Sane

• Owner of Nisab-level wealth (free from debt)
• Resident (not a traveler)
• Men and women alike are equally responsible.

Nisab threshold: Owning 52.5 tolas (about 612.36g) of silver or equivalent wealth in excess of basic needs. Wealth includes cash, gold/silver, surplus real estate, and business goods. (Al-Hidayah: 5/292–293)

For those below the Nisab, Qurbani is recommended (Mustahab). However, if they purchase an animal with the intention of Qurbani, then it becomes obligatory. (Bada’i al-Sana’i: 4/192)

▣ Rules of Joint Sacrifice (Sharik in Qurbani)

• Goat, sheep, or ram: one person only
• Cow, buffalo, camel: up to 7 people may share
• All participants must intend to seek Allah’s pleasure

 Animal                 Type             Age             No. of People Condition    

Goat/Sheep     1 year             1 person     Defect-free    

Cow/Buffalo     2 years Max     7 people     All must intend for Allah’s pleasure    

Camel             5 years Max     7 people     Healthy and strong  

▣ Proper Way of Performing Qurbani

✅ Make the intention: “I am offering this animal for the sake of Allah.”

✅ Lay the animal facing Qiblah

✅ Slaughterer must be:

Muslim

• Adult and sane
• Saying Allah’s name during slaughter

Qur’an: “And do not eat that upon which Allah's name has not been mentioned.”(Surah Al-An’am: 118)

▣ Distribution of Meat

• It is Sunnah to eat from one’s Qurbani meat first on Eid day
• If the Qurbani is shared, meat should be divided by weight

Recommended division:

• 1/3 for self
• 1/3 for the poor
• 1/3 for relatives and neighbors
• Meat from a vowed (nazr) sacrifice cannot be consumed by the donor or any wealthy individual
• It is allowed to give meat to non-Muslims
• Selling meat, fat, or bones is not allowed
• Wages of the butcher cannot be paid with meat; it must be paid in cash

(Muslim, Hadith: 4998; Ad-Durr al-Mukhtar: 6/317; Al-Hidayah: 5/295, 300; Ahkam al-Qur’an, Jassas: 3/237)

You may donate the entire animal, but the poor must get a portion.

▣ Prohibited Acts

Qurbani is invalid with animals that are:

• Blind, severely lame, or unable to walk to the slaughter site
• Missing more than a third of any body part
• Lacking enough teeth to chew properly
• With horns completely broken from the root

(Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1497, 1498; Al-Hidayah: 5/297–299)

❌ Do not sell any part (meat, hide, bone)

❌ Butcher should not be paid with animal parts

❌ Do not cause unnecessary pain—slaughter quickly and humanely

▣ Hide of the Sacrificial Animal

✅ The hide can be sold, and the proceeds may be donated to mosques, madrasas, or the poor.

✅ It may also be kept for personal use. However, using the sale proceeds for personal benefit is discouraged.

▣ Can Women Perform Qurbani?

Yes, if they own wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold and meet the required conditions, then Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) upon them.

▣ The Lesson of Qurbani

The core lesson of Qurbani is self-sacrifice, love for Allah, and God-consciousness (taqwa). Just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) demonstrated the highest level of obedience to Allah’s command, we too must be prepared to sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah.

Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 37: "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is your piety."

Conclusion

Qurbani is a significant act of worship in Islam. It is not merely the slaughtering of animals, but a sincere expression of a believer’s faith, sincerity, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah. Therefore, it is essential to learn and follow all the rules and guidelines related to Qurbani properly.