Qurban (Udhiyah): The Complete Guide to the Eid al-Adha Sacrifice

Twice a year the Muslim world marks a feast. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, the fast broken, the month of mercy concluded. Eid al-Adha celebrates something older and more elemental: Ibrahim's ﷺ willingness to surrender everything to God, and God's mercy in accepting his obedience while sparing his son. At the center of that feast is the udhiyah (أُضْحِيَّة), the sacrifice.

It is an act of worship that costs something real: money, effort, intention. And yet the verse that anchors the entire practice reminds us that God does not need any of it. "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." (Quran 22:37). The Udhiyah is not tribute to a god who needs feeding. It is an exercise in remembrance, gratitude, and solidarity, with the poor who eat of it, with Ibrahim's ﷺ example, and with a global community doing the same thing in the same days.

This guide covers every practical question: the ruling, who is obligated, which animals are valid and at what ages, how to share a sacrifice, the timing window, the pre-sacrifice sunnah of refraining from hair and nails, how to slaughter correctly, and how to distribute the meat. It closes with the five most common questions people have when Eid al-Adha approaches.

What is Udhiyah (Qurban)?

The Arabic word udhiyah (أُضْحِيَّة) derives from duhaa, the mid-morning time of day, because the sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer in the morning hours of 10 Dhul Hijjah. The broader Quranic word qurban (قُرْبَان) appears in Quran 5:27 and means any act of drawing near to Allah. In everyday Muslim usage across South and Southeast Asia, "qurban" has become the common name for the Eid al-Adha sacrifice specifically, though scholars generally prefer udhiyah for precision.

Its origin is the story of Ibrahim ﷺ and his son Ismail ﷺ. After years of longing for a child, Ibrahim ﷺ received his son, and then received in a dream a command to sacrifice him. Both father and son submitted. As Ibrahim ﷺ drew the knife, Allah called out that he had already fulfilled the vision, and a ram was sent in Ismail's place. Allah praised him: "Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." (Quran 37:106-107). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinstated this as an annual practice for the Muslim community, and it has been performed every Eid al-Adha since.

The Prophet ﷺ was asked about the Udhiyah and said: "It is the sunnah of your father Ibrahim." He also said, with a note of urgency that the Hanafi school takes as evidence of obligation: "Whoever can afford it and does not sacrifice, let him not come near our musalla." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3123, the chain of this hadith is debated among hadith scholars, but the Hanafi school uses it alongside other evidence to establish wujub; the majority of schools hold the practice is a strongly confirmed sunnah on the basis of Sahih al-Bukhari 969 and related narrations.)

Is it obligatory or sunnah?

The four major Sunni schools differ on the exact legal category, and it is worth understanding this honestly rather than pretending there is a single unanimous ruling.

The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools classify Udhiyah as sunnah mu'akkadah, a strongly confirmed sunnah. It is not personally obligatory (fardh 'ayn) in their view, but abandoning it without excuse is blameworthy and contrary to the way of the Prophet ﷺ. These schools point to the fact that the Prophet ﷺ described it as Ibrahim's ﷺ sunnah and that there are narrations indicating it is not compulsory on the poor or those without means.

The Hanafi school holds that Udhiyah is wajib, obligatory, for every Muslim who is sane, adult, not travelling, and who possesses wealth at the level of nisab (approximately the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver) after covering basic needs, during the days of Eid. Their evidence includes the hadith of Ibn Majah cited above and the verse: "So pray to your Lord and sacrifice." (Quran 108:2). On the Hanafi reading, "sacrifice" in this verse is a command, making it obligatory.

The practical conclusion is the same regardless of which school you follow: if you can afford it, you should not skip it. The difference in ruling matters mainly when someone is at the financial borderline, the Hanafi would say they must sacrifice; the other schools would say it is not sinful to skip it but strongly recommended not to. For anyone comfortably above the nisab threshold, every school agrees that performing Udhiyah is the right action.

Valid animals and age requirements

Not every animal is accepted. The Prophet ﷺ specified both the types of animals that are valid and the minimum ages they must reach, and he also enumerated the defects that disqualify an animal. This is documented in Sahih Muslim 1963, where the Prophet ﷺ specified the conditions, and in Sunan Abu Dawud 2802, where he named four types of animals that are not to be sacrificed: one that is clearly one-eyed, one that is clearly ill, one that is clearly lame, and one that is so emaciated its bones have no marrow.

A few clarifications on the age rules. For sheep, there is a dispensation noted in several schools: if a sheep is 6 months old but appears full-grown like a yearling, it may be used when yearlings are not available. For goats, the minimum is strictly 1 year with no dispensation. Animals must be free of the four prohibited defects, but minor imperfections (a missing horn, a slightly torn ear) do not disqualify an animal, though they make it less ideal. Castrated males are valid; some scholars actually consider them preferable since the meat is better.

The Prophet ﷺ himself sacrificed two large, white, black-spotted rams and slaughtered them himself (Sahih al-Bukhari 5565). Choosing a healthy, well-fed, beautiful animal is itself an act of devotion.

Who can share a cow or camel?

A cow, buffalo, or camel can be shared by up to seven people. This is established by the hadith of Jabir ibn 'Abdillah, who narrated: "We sacrificed with the Prophet ﷺ at Hudaibiyah, a camel for seven and a cow for seven." (Sahih Muslim 1318). The principle is clear: large animals divide the sacrifice across multiple people, each receiving their share of the reward.

Several practical questions arise from this. Can the seven shares belong to different households? Yes, there is no requirement that they be from the same family. Can a single person occupy more than one share in a cow? The majority say yes, and some scholars say this counts as multiple sacrifices on their behalf. Can someone sacrifice one sheep on behalf of their entire household rather than individually? Yes, the Prophet ﷺ was asked about this and replied: "A sheep is sufficient for a man and his household." (Sunan Abu Dawud 2810). This means one sheep carries the Udhiyah for the whole family unit, not just the one who paid.

The scholars do note that all seven shareholders in a cow or camel must intend the sacrifice for worship, if even one of them intends only to obtain meat commercially, the entire sacrifice is affected in some opinions. In practice, when joining a group sacrifice through a mosque or charity, all participants share the same worship intention.

Timing of the sacrifice

The sacrifice is valid beginning immediately after the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijjah and ending at sunset on 13 Dhul Hijjah, the last of the three days of Tashreeq that follow Eid. This gives four days in total: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

The opening condition, after the Eid prayer, is firm. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever slaughters before the prayer, he has slaughtered for himself. Whoever slaughters after the prayer, he has completed his ritual and followed the sunnah of the Muslims." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5545). An animal slaughtered before the Eid prayer does not count as Udhiyah, even if slaughtered on the morning of 10 Dhul Hijjah. If someone sacrifices early by mistake, they must sacrifice again after the prayer.

The best time is as soon as possible after the Eid prayer on the 10th. Delaying to the 11th, 12th, or 13th is permissible but not preferred. Eid al-Adha 2026 corresponds to approximately June 6, 2026, the exact date will be confirmed upon the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah. Using FivePrayer to track the precise Eid prayer time in your location means you know exactly when the sacrifice window opens so you can proceed without delay.

Intention and avoiding hair and nails

From the first of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice, the person intending to perform Udhiyah should refrain from cutting their hair, trimming their nails, or removing skin. This is based on the authentic hadith of Umm Salamah, who narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: "When you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from cutting his hair and his nails." (Sahih Muslim 1977).

A few important clarifications about this ruling. First, it applies only to the person performing the sacrifice, not to their spouse, children, or other family members. A common misconception is that the whole household must refrain from grooming during this period; that is not the case. Second, it is a confirmed sunnah, not an obligation, leaving it does not invalidate the sacrifice. Third, it begins with the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah moon (the 1st of Dhul Hijjah) and ends once the sacrifice is performed. If you sacrifice on the 10th, you can resume normal grooming from that point.

The wisdom behind this ruling is a kind of symbolic solidarity with the pilgrims performing Hajj, who are in a state of ihram, also refraining from cutting hair and nails, during the same period. Those who cannot make Hajj participate in its spirit through this small act of restraint and through the sacrifice itself.

Saying Bismillah and the slaughtering

The moment of slaughter carries its own etiquette. The Prophet ﷺ slaughtered two rams on Eid, naming each one: "In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5565). The formula is: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ, Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. Some add: Allahumma hadha minka wa laka, allahumma taqabbal minni, "O Allah, this is from You and for You; O Allah, accept it from me." The Prophet ﷺ was reported to have said something similar (Abu Dawud, Musnad Ahmad).

The animal should face the qibla. The knife must be sharp, the Prophet ﷺ commanded: "When you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each of you sharpen his blade and let him spare his animal the agony." (Sahih Muslim 1955). The cut is a single, swift, deep incision across the throat, severing the windpipe, oesophagus, and the two jugular veins. The animal should be calm before slaughter; causing unnecessary distress is prohibited.

Can you delegate the slaughtering to someone else? Yes, the Prophet ﷺ himself slaughtered some of his animals during Hajj and delegated the rest to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (Sahih Muslim 1218). You may appoint a Muslim to slaughter on your behalf at a licensed abattoir, through a charity operating overseas, or by any other valid arrangement, as long as the conditions are met.

Distributing the meat

Once the animal is slaughtered, the meat belongs to the person who sacrificed, but it is not meant to be kept entirely for oneself. Allah says: "Eat thereof and feed the poor and the needy." (Quran 22:36). The Prophet ﷺ gave practical guidance on distribution.

The traditional division of thirds has a basis in scholarly practice: one third for yourself and your household, one third for relatives and friends, and one third for the poor. This three-way division is recorded in several athar (reports from companions and early scholars) and is the recommended practice of the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools. The Maliki and Hanafi schools hold that the distribution to the poor is obligatory (at least part of the animal must be given away) and the rest is flexible. In all schools, giving generously to the poor and needy is considered more virtuous than keeping more for oneself.

Can you keep all the meat for yourself? In the Hanafi view, no, some must be given away. In the Shafi'i view, giving away some is sunnah but not strictly obligatory. The spirit of the act points clearly toward generosity.

On the question of storage, the Prophet ﷺ initially prohibited keeping Udhiyah meat beyond three days, this was a ruling tied to specific circumstances of need among the poor of Madinah, and he later lifted it. He said: "I had forbidden you from the meat of sacrificial animals beyond three days, but now keep what you need and give the rest in charity." (Sahih Muslim 1975). You may freeze, store, and use the meat as you wish.

What if I miss it?

The days of Udhiyah are the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Once the sun sets on the 13th, the window closes. There is no makeup sacrifice after 13 Dhul Hijjah, unlike a missed fast, Udhiyah cannot be performed late.

What happens if someone was able to sacrifice but failed to do so without valid excuse? The schools differ. According to the Hanafi school, since Udhiyah is wajib, the one who missed it without excuse owes the monetary value of the animal as sadaqah, this is given in charity to make up for the missed obligation. According to the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools, since Udhiyah is sunnah, there is nothing to make up, the time has passed, the opportunity is gone, and the appropriate response is regret and increased good deeds. There is no post-season sacrifice that fulfils the Udhiyah.

If someone intended to sacrifice but was prevented by a genuine hardship, illness, financial loss, a logistical failure, then they bear no sin. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Actions are by intentions." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1). Whoever intended the Udhiyah sincerely and was genuinely unable to perform it will find that Allah knows what was in their heart.

FAQ

Can I sacrifice online or send money to a charity that sacrifices on my behalf?

Yes, and this is the common practice for Muslims in non-Muslim countries and those wishing to direct the meat to impoverished communities. You appoint the charity as your wakeel (agent) to carry out the sacrifice on your behalf. The key conditions are that the slaughter takes place within the valid days (10–13 Dhul Hijjah), is performed by a Muslim, uses a valid animal, and is accompanied by the correct intention for the person on whose behalf it is being performed. Reputable organisations issue confirmation of slaughter, do check that the charity specifies valid days and valid animals.

Can a woman perform Udhiyah?

Yes, there is no prohibition. Women are equally subject to the ruling (obligatory per Hanafi, strongly recommended per other schools) if they meet the financial threshold. A woman may also perform the slaughter herself; the practice is valid. In many families the husband sacrifices on behalf of the household, but there is nothing preventing a woman from sacrificing independently.

What is the difference between Udhiyah and Aqiqah?

Udhiyah is the sacrifice performed on Eid al-Adha (10–13 Dhul Hijjah) as worship of Allah by every capable adult Muslim. Aqiqah is a separate act of worship performed for a newborn child, ideally on the seventh day after birth, two sheep for a boy and one sheep for a girl. They have different occasions, different rulings, different conditions, and different intentions. The two cannot substitute for each other: if someone performs Aqiqah on Eid al-Adha, it counts as Aqiqah; if the intention was Udhiyah, it counts as Udhiyah, but one animal cannot serve as both simultaneously per the majority of scholars.

Does the entire household need to pay if they share a sheep?

No. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed that one sheep is sufficient for a man and his household (Sunan Abu Dawud 2810). One person paying for a sheep covers the entire family unit, the reward flows to all of them. The seven-share rule applies only to cows, buffalo, and camels, those large animals can be shared by up to seven people (or households) each paying their own share.

I cannot afford a full animal: what should I do?

You are not obligated if you genuinely cannot afford it. The ruling applies only to those whose wealth exceeds the nisab threshold after covering basic needs on the days of Eid. If that threshold is not met, there is no obligation and no sin in not sacrificing. Give whatever sadaqah you can on the days of Eid al-Adha, engage in dhikr and takbir, pray the Eid prayer, and know that Allah judges by taqwa and sincerity, not by the size of the animal. The verse is its own comfort: "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." (Quran 22:37).