Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam.
It commemorates the unwavering devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to Allah, and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to the Divine command.
In honor of his submission, Allah replaced his son with a Ram, and the act of Qurbani or sacrifice became a ritual for Muslims around the world.
At Sabil Al-Quran, we believe understanding the principles behind this great ritual deepens our connection to the faith and enhances the spirituality of Eid.
This guide offers a comprehensive explanation of the rules, conditions, and etiquettes of Eid al-Adha sacrifice according to Islamic teachings.
The Significance of Qurbani
The act of Qurbani is a profound expression of a believer’s faith, devotion, and gratitude to Allah. It represents a sincere willingness to let go of personal desires, material attachments, and worldly priorities in order to submit wholeheartedly to the commands of the Almighty. It is not merely about sacrificing an animal, but about nurturing a spirit of humility, trust, and obedience in one’s heart.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ…”
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you…”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37)
At Sabil Al-Quran, we teach that the inner state of sincerity and taqwa (God-consciousness) is the true essence of Qurbani.
Who Must Offer the Sacrifice?
According to the majority of Islamic scholars, Qurbani is a sunnah mu’akkadah (highly recommended practice) for Muslims who meet the following conditions:
- They are Muslim
- They are sane and mature (baligh)
- They are resident (not a traveler)
- They possess the nisab (the minimum amount of wealth that makes one liable to pay zakat)
- If these conditions are met during the days of Eid, the individual is encouraged to perform the sacrifice, and in some schools of thought, it is even considered obligatory.
When Should the Sacrifice Be Performed?
The sacrifice must be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until sunset on the 13th.
Important note from Sabil Al-Quran:
If the sacrifice is done before the Eid prayer, it is invalid and must be repeated, as per the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Whoever sacrifices before the prayer, let him repeat it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Types of Animals Permissible for Sacrifice
The animals allowed for sacrifice include:
- Sheep (one year old or six months if healthy)
- Goats (at least one year old)
- Cows or buffalo (at least two years old)
- Camels (at least five years old)
- One sheep or goat suffices for one person, while a cow or camel may be shared by up to seven people.
Sabil Al-Quran Tip:
Always verify the health and age of the animal before purchase. It should be free from defects such as blindness, sickness, broken horns, or lameness.
Conditions for the Sacrificial Animal
To ensure your Qurbani is valid, the animal must be:
- Free from visible illness or injury
- Not undernourished
- Not missing more than a third of a horn, ear, or tail
- Not blind, even in one eye
- Not pregnant (for some scholars)
- Not castrated (this may vary among schools of thought)
The sacrifice should be made with kindness and mercy, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
“Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in everything. So if you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well…”
(Sahih Muslim)
Method of Slaughter in Islam
According to Islamic law, the animal must be slaughtered in a humane and specific way:
- A sharp knife should be used to minimize suffering.
- The name of Allah must be mentioned:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” - The throat, windpipe, and blood vessels in the neck should be cut, but not the spinal cord.
- The animal should be allowed to bleed out completely before further handling.
Sabil Al-Quran Reminder:
Avoid causing distress to the animal by sharpening the knife in front of it or mistreating it before the slaughter.
Distributing the Meat
Once the animal has been sacrificed, the meat should be divided into three equal parts:
- One-third for yourself and your family
- One-third for relatives, friends, and neighbors
- One-third for the poor and needy
While this is the traditional division, scholars agree that more can be given to the poor if one desires.
At Sabil Al-Quran, we encourage our readers to prioritize the needy, especially those in war zones, disaster-stricken areas, or refugee camps. Acts of generosity on Eid reflect the compassion of Islam.
Intention and Sincerity
The niyyah (intention) behind the sacrifice should be sincere and solely for the sake of Allah. It is not a cultural event or a display of wealth; rather, it is a spiritual obligation rooted in submission and remembrance.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Actions are judged by intentions…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Before sacrificing, make the intention that this Qurbani is for the sake of Allah, following the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Qurbani
- Sacrificing before the Eid prayer
- Not verifying the health or age of the animal
- Omitting the name of Allah at the time of slaughter
- Being harsh or careless with the animal
- Neglecting to share the meat with the needy
- Treating Qurbani as a burden instead of an act of devotion
Sabil Al-Quran encourages all Muslims to prepare well in advance and study the rules so that their Qurbani is valid and accepted.
Women and Qurbani
Women who meet the criteria for Qurbani are equally encouraged to perform the sacrifice.
There is no restriction in Islam preventing women from offering Qurbani themselves or delegating someone to do it on their behalf.
In many cultures, it is wrongly assumed that only men are responsible for the sacrifice.
At Sabil Al-Quran, we promote the empowerment of women through knowledge and equal participation in Islamic rituals.
Is Qurbani Permissible on Behalf of the Deceased?
Yes, it is permissible to offer Qurbani on behalf of deceased loved ones, especially if they left instructions or if you intend it as an ongoing act of charity (sadaqah jariyah).
Some families choose to perform multiple sacrifices, one for themselves and another for a deceased parent or grandparent.
The Spiritual Benefits of Qurbani
- Taqwa (God-consciousness) – Sacrifice brings us closer to Allah through acts of devotion.
- Generosity – Sharing meat strengthens social ties and reduces hunger.
- Sunnah Revival – Following the Prophet’s traditions connects us to our spiritual heritage.
- Gratitude – Sacrifice reminds us of our blessings and the value of life.
At Sabil Al-Quran, we remind our community that these inner meanings are what elevate Qurbani from a physical ritual to an act of the heart.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Islam strongly emphasizes the humane treatment of animals and responsible consumption. In modern times, Qurbani must also be done in an ethical, environmentally conscious manner:
- Avoid over-purchasing or wasteful slaughter
- Ensure clean, halal-certified environments
- Minimize environmental damage
- Treat animals with mercy and respect
Sabil Al-Quran’s initiatives promote sustainable Qurbani practices that respect both divine law and the planet.
Conclusion: Honoring the Spirit of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha is not just a celebration; it is a time for deep reflection on the values of faith, obedience, compassion, and community. The act of Qurbani is one of the most powerful ways to reconnect with our Creator and contribute to the welfare of others.
At Sabil Al-Quran, we are committed to educating Muslims around the world on how to perform their religious obligations with sincerity, understanding, and excellence. May your Qurbani this year be accepted, and may your Eid be filled with joy, mercy, and spiritual growth.
Eid Mubarak from Sabil Al-Quran!