"So turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him alone)." - Surah Al-Kawthar:108:2

Every year during the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world come together to revive a beautiful act of faith, the Qurban.

It's more than just a ritual. It's a moment of obedience. A lesson in trust. A legacy of sacrifice.

But what exactly are the rules of Qurban? Who must give it? What type of animals are allowed? How can you ensure your Qurban is valid and reaches those who truly need it?

This guide covers everything you need to know.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah ﷻ ..." - Trimidhi

Qurban (or Udhiyah) is the ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid al-Adha, from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. It is an act of worship that honours the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS).

When commanded by Allah ﷻ to sacrifice his beloved son, Ibrahim (AS) submitted wholeheartedly. And when Ismail (AS) accepted that command, he did so with patience and trust. In response, Allah ﷻ replaced him with a ram from Jannah.

"Indeed, this was a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." — Surah As-Saffat, 37:106–107

That sacrifice wasn't just a moment in history. It's a lesson for all of us to trust, to obey, and to give from what we love.

You've probably heard both words, Qurban and Udhiyah. Both refer to the same sacrifice during Eid al-Adha.

Udhiyah (أُضْحِيَة) comes from the Arabic word "Ḍuḥā" (ضحى), meaning mid-morning hours, the time when the sacrifice is performed.

Qurban (قُرْبَان) comes from the root "Q-R-B" (ق ر ب), meaning closeness or nearness. It reflects the true purpose of the sacrifice, an act of devotion that brings the believer closer to Allah ﷻ in both heart and action.

In the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is considered wājib, an obligation for every Muslim who meets the conditions. In other respected schools, it is viewed as a Sunnah Mu'akkadah, a strongly emphasised Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ never missed.

Whichever opinion you follow, Qurbani remains a deeply meaningful act of worship, one that revives the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), brings relief to the poor, and draws you closer to Allah ﷻ.

If you are:

• •An adult
• •Sane
• •Not travelling
• •And have wealth above the nisab threshold (similar to Zakat)

If that sounds like you, this is your opportunity for reward, legacy, and compassion.

Qurban must be one of the following types of animals:

• •Sheep or goat – one animal per person
• •Cattle (cow, bull, buffalo) – can be shared by up to 7 people
• •Camel – can also be shared by up to 7 people

Animal Criteria:

• •Must be free from defects (not blind, severely sick, lame, etc.)
• •Must meet minimum age requirements:

- Sheep/goat: 1 year old

- Cattle: 2 years old

- Camel: 5 years old

The Prophet ﷺ said: "There are four that will not do for sacrifice: A one-eyed animal with an obvious defect, A sick animal whose illness is clearly visible, A lame animal with a pronounced limp, And an emaciated animal with no marrow in its bones." - Saheeh al-Jaami'

Minor issues like a missing horn, ear slits, or small physical imperfections don't disqualify an animal, but it's discouraged (makrooh) to sacrifice such animals.

Why? Because Qurban is an act of worship. And Allah ﷻ is Pure and only accepts that which is pure. The more honour and care we give to His commands, the more reward there is in it for us.

"Whoever honours the symbols of Allah — indeed, it is from the piety of hearts." — Surah Al-Hajj 22:32

Qurban must be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and before sunset on the 13th.

If done earlier, it's not valid.

"Whoever sacrifices before the prayer, it is just meat, not Qurban." - Bukhari & Muslim

If you intend to give Qurban, it is Sunnah to avoid cutting your hair or nails from the start of Dhul Hijjah until your sacrifice is completed.

"When the ten days begin and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, let him not cut anything from his hair or nails." — Muslim

It's a quiet act of spiritual unity, standing in humility with those at Hajj.

The Prophetic Qurban refers to a beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, where he would offer not one, but two sacrifices:

• •One on behalf of himself
• •One on behalf of his Ummah — those who could not afford to give

"The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed two rams — one for himself and one on behalf of those in his Ummah who could not afford to offer a sacrifice." — Musnad Ahmad

This noble act is a Sunnah many people overlook. By reviving it, we multiply our reward, follow in the Prophet's footsteps, and show mercy to others.

No. Qurban, Aqiqah, and Sadaqah are each independent acts of worship. Each one:

• •Requires a separate animal
• •Needs a clear, specific intention

Combining them into one sacrifice is not valid according to the majority of scholars.

Absolutely. Women who meet the same criteria - adult, sane, financially able, and not travelling, are equally encouraged (or obligated, according to the Hanafi school) to perform their own Qurban.

Their reward is just as great. Their sacrifice, just as valid.

Yes. The Prophet ﷺ sacrificed for himself and his family. One Qurban can cover your entire household. You can also include deceased loved ones in your intention, it becomes a form of charity (sadaqah) for them.

At Al-Ihsan, your Qurban isn't just fulfilled, it's delivered with Ihsan, mercy, and dignity.

• •Strictly Shariah-compliant
• •Locally sourced livestock (where possible)
• •Sacrificed ethically and distributed fresh (never frozen)

Given to the most vulnerable:

• •Orphans
• •Widows
• •Refugees
• •Elderly
• •Communities in crisis

We'll keep you updated:

• •Please wait for confirmation before cutting your hair or nails, in line with the Sunnah.
• •All Qurban is conducted overseas, across 11 countries in four groups (A–D).
• •Due to international time differences:

- Your Qurban may be performed at varying times depending on your selected group

- You must monitor our social media channels, Facebook and Instagram, for announcements on when your Qurban is carried out.

• •Only then should you cut your hair or nails.

Qurban is not about the meat or the ritual alone. It's a declaration of love. A step of obedience. A gift of hope.

"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah — but your piety…" - Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37

May your Qurban be accepted. May your reward be multiplied. And may your mercy reach where it's needed most.

Follow the Sunnah. Feed the Needy. Honour the Legacy.