Islam is a complete code of life that provides clear guidance on every aspect of human existence. Among the important acts of worship is Qurbani (sacrifice), which is performed annually on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. In this article, we will shed light on various aspects of Qurbani, including: the method of sacrifice, the supplications (duas), who is obligated to perform it, and the animals permitted for Qurbani.
Method of Qurbani
It is essential to perform Qurbani in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The following steps should be observed:
Intention (Niyyah)
One must begin with the sincere intention in the heart that the sacrifice is being offered for the sake of Allah.
Method of Qurbani
- Lay the animal down facing the Qiblah.
- Handle the animal gently and avoid causing pain.
- Use a sharp knife to minimize suffering.
- The person performing the Qurbani must be a Muslim, sane, and adult.
- Saying the name of Allah at the time of Qurbani is obligatory.
Let the blood flow completely
After Qurbani, the animal should be allowed to die fully; do not rush the process.
Duas for Qurbani
The following Qurbani Duas should be recited at different stages of Qurbani:
Before Qurbani
اِنِّیْ وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِیَ لِلَّذِیْ فَطَرَ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ الْاَرْضَ حَنِیْفًا وَّ مَاۤ اَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَۚ(۷۹)اِنَّ صَلَاتِیْ وَ نُسُكِیْ وَ مَحْیَایَ وَ مَمَاتِیْ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَۙ(۱۶۲) لَاشَرِیْکَ لَہٗ وَبِذٰ لِکَ اُمِرْتُ وَاَنَامِنَ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ
While Qurbani
اَللّٰھُمَّ لَکَ وَمِنْکَ بِسْمِ اللہِ اَللہُ اَکْبَر
After Qurbani
اَللّٰھُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّیْ کَمَا تَقَبَّلْتَ مِنْ خَلِیْلِکَ اِبْرَاھِیْمَ عَلَیْہِ الصَّلٰوۃُ وَالسَّلَامُ وَحَبِیْبِکَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّی اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ واٰلہٖ وَسَلَّم
Who Is Obligated to Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory upon every Muslim who:
- Is sane (aqil)
- Is an adult (baligh)
- Is a resident (non-traveler)
- Possesses the nisab amount of wealth — i.e., they own wealth or assets equal to or more than the nisab for Sadaqat al-Fitr (approximately 52.5 tolas of silver or equivalent cash/assets).
Qurbani is only obligatory on those who are financially capable, and both men and women can be required to perform it, provided they meet the above criteria.
To know more about the Nisab for Qurbani, must visit
Animals for Qurbani
Islam designates specific animals as eligible for Qurbani:
- Camel: Must be at least 5 years old.
- Cow/Bull/Buffalo: Must be at least 2 years old.
- Goat/Ram/Sheep: Must be at least 1 year old (a 6-month-old healthy ram may be permissible).
The animal must not have the following defects
- Blind or one-eyed
- Lame to the extent it can’t walk properly
- Extremely weak or emaciated
- Born without ears or tail
- Major portion of ears, tail, or teeth missing
The animal should be well-fed, cared for, and treated with kindness, as it is being offered in the path of Allah.
Qurbani is a noble act of worship and a living memory of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS). The purpose is not merely the spilling of blood but to attain the pleasure of Allah, to demonstrate piety and sincerity in obedience. We must perform this sacred duty with its true spirit and ensure the meat of Qurbani reaches those in need.
