Qurbani Animals: Types, Conditions, and Rules

Before performing Qurbani (animal sacrifice) on Eid-al-Adha, it’s essential to know all the conditions and rules associated with Qurbani animals. From following Islamic rules while selecting sacrificial animals and making sure they are slaughtered humanely to distributing meat to make a greater impact, a number of factors need to be considered. The Qurbani rules and conditions in this article can help you give your sacrifice the right way with confidence. 

Select Your Qurbani Animal

Qurbani Animals for Eid-al-Adha

You can choose one or more of the following Qurbani animals this Eid-al-Adha. However, make sure these animals are healthy, free from defects, and old enough to be sacrificed. 

Sheep and Goats: These animals must be at least one year old. One sheep or goat is sufficient for one person’s Qurbani (one share).

Cattle: This category includes cows and buffaloes. They must be at least two years old. One cow or buffalo can suffice for the Qurbani of seven people (seven shares).

Camels: Camels need to be at least five years old. One camel can cover the Qurbani of seven people (seven shares).

Conditions for Selecting Qurbani Animals

For an animal to be eligible for Qurbani, it must meet certain conditions. These Qurbani rules include:

Health: The animal must be in good health. It should not be blind, one-eyed, or have any obvious illness. Animals with one or more lame legs are also not suitable. Make sure it can walk to the spot where you plan to perform the sacrifice. If the Qurbani animal is too lean or thin, don’t select it. You should also check its teeth to ensure all or most of them aren’t missing.

Age: As mentioned earlier, the animal must meet the minimum age requirement. Sheep and goats must be at least one year old, cattle at least two years old, and camels at least five years old.

Hadith: “A crippled animal whose limp is obvious is not to be slaughtered as sacrifice, nor an animal with a bad eye whose blindness is obvious, nor a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, nor an emaciated animal that has no marrow (in its bones).” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1497)

Select Your Qurbani Animal

Other Qurbani Rules 

Qurbani Timing: Qurbani is performed after the Eid-al-Adha prayer on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah and usually continues until the sun sets on the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah.

Dividing and Distributing Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is typically divided into three parts by Muslims: one-third for those who are performing the Qurbani, one-third for relatives and friends, and at least one-third for the needy and poor. However, many Muslims choose to donate 100% of the Qurbani meat (all portions) to the underprivileged to feed more families on Eid-al-Adha.

Method of Sacrifice: The animal should be sacrificed in a humane manner, following the Islamic Qurbani rules. Qurbani animals shouldn’t be subjected to any unnecessary pain or distress. Make sure other animals are not watching when you sacrifice the Qurbani animal. The knife used for slaughtering should be sharp to minimize the Qurbani animal’s suffering but don’t sharpen it in front of it. The person performing the Qurbani should say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” while sacrificing the Qurbani animal. 

Understanding Qurbani Shares and Our Obligation 

This sacred act is obligatory for every sane Muslim who meets the Nisab threshold and has already reached or crossed puberty (Hanafi Madhab). An eligible Muslim should give Qurbani equivalent to one share. If you sacrifice a goat or sheep, it will count as one Qurbani share, but each cow, camel, or buffalo is divided into seven shares. This means seven people can sacrifice one cow. Many Muslims choose to donate multiple Qurbani shares. 

Online Qurbani Donation With Transparent Hands 

Muslims can give their Qurbani donation online with ease from anywhere in the world through Transparent Hands’ online crowdfunding platform. Besides selecting healthy animals and performing the sacrifice according to the Islamic Qurbani rules, our experts distribute 100% (all portions) of the meat among the most deserving families in Pakistan. All Qurbani animals are sacrificed hygienically and humanely. Multiple Qurbani options, including cow shares, are available at lower prices compared to many other organizations. 

Donate Qurbani to Deserving Families

Conclusion

Understanding the types of animals, conditions, and rules of Qurbani is essential for performing this sacred act the right way. It is also an opportunity for Muslims to help the underprivileged, alleviate hunger, and make it possible for needy families to celebrate Eid-al-Adha to the fullest. Donating your Qurbani donation online through organizations like Transparent Hands can increase the impact of your Qurbani. Together, we can make this Eid-al-Adha special with our Qurbani and Dhul Hijjah donations.