Essential Qurbani Rules for Eid ul-Adh

To ensure your sacrifice is valid and accepted as Qurbani, it must strictly adhere to traditional Islamic guidelines. From the distribution of meat to the health of the animal, here are the essential rules every Muslim must follow.

The Three-Part Rule: Meat Distribution

Traditionally, the meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal portions to promote community and charity:

  • One-third is kept by the individual performing the sacrifice.
  • One-third is gifted to family, friends, and neighbors.
  • One-third must be donated to those in need.

Minimum Age Requirements
An animal cannot be sacrificed if it is too young. The specific age limits depend on the type of livestock:

  • Goats and Sheep: Must be at least 1 year old.
  • Cows and Buffalos: Must be at least 2 years old.
  • Camels: Must be at least 5 years old.

Strict Health and Physical Criteria
Qurbani animals must be in excellent health and free from major physical defects. An animal is not fit for sacrifice if it fails any of the following conditions:

  • Mobility: It must be capable of walking properly without a limp.
  • Vision: It must not have lost more than one-third of its sight.
  • Tail: It must not have lost more than one-third of its tail or ears.
  • Teeth: It must not have lost more than 50% of its teeth.
  • Strength: It must not be excessively lean, weak, or emaciated.