Qurbani Rules & Conditions: A Complete 2026 Guide
Qurbani is a beloved Sunnah and a Wajib obligation in the Hanafi school. To make it count, the sacrifice must meet specific Shariah conditions — from the financial threshold of the giver to the age and health of the animal. Here is everything you need to know.
Who Must Perform Qurbani?
Qurbani is required (in the Hanafi school) for every Muslim who is:
- Adult — has reached puberty (baligh).
- Of sound mind — aaqil.
- Above Nisab — possesses wealth or assets exceeding the Nisab threshold (roughly the value of 612.36g of silver).
- Resident — not a Shariah-defined traveler during the days of Eid.
Animal Requirements
The animal must meet both age and health conditions:
Minimum Age
- Sheep — 6 months (if it looks one year old)
- Goat — 1 year
- Cow / Buffalo — 2 years
- Camel — 5 years
Health & Physical Conditions
The animal must be:
- Free of major defects (no blindness in one or both eyes, no severe lameness)
- Not extremely emaciated
- Have a majority of its teeth, ears, horns (if natural to species), and tail intact
- Healthy and well-nourished
Timing
Qurbani can only be performed during the days of Eid al-Adha:
- 10th of Dhul Hijjah — after the Eid prayer
- 11th of Dhul Hijjah
- 12th of Dhul Hijjah
- 13th of Dhul Hijjah — before sunset
A sacrifice performed before the Eid prayer or after sunset on the 13th does not count as Qurbani — it becomes ordinary Sadaqah (charity).
Sharing in a Cattle
Up to 7 people may share in a cow or camel — each person taking one share. Every share-holder must have the correct intention. Mixing intentions (e.g., one for Qurbani and one for Aqiqah) is permitted in most opinions.
The Niyyah (Intention)
Qurbani is an act of worship, and intention is its foundation. When you reserve your Qurbani with us, you are making the formal niyyah — and we record the dedication for you (including names of deceased loved ones if requested).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qurbani Wajib or Sunnah?
In the Hanafi school it is Wajib (obligatory) for those who possess wealth above the Nisab. The Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools consider it a strongly emphasized Sunnah (Sunnah Mu'akkadah).
What is the minimum age for Qurbani animals?
Sheep: at least 6 months (if it appears one year old). Goats: at least 1 year. Cattle (cow/buffalo): at least 2 years. Camel: at least 5 years.
Can a sick or injured animal be sacrificed?
No. The animal must be free from major defects: not blind, not severely lame, not extremely thin, with most of its teeth, ears, and tail intact.
Do I need to make a niyyah (intention)?
Yes. Qurbani requires a clear intention to perform the sacrifice as an act of worship. When ordering through a service like ours, your reservation and payment serve as the formal niyyah.
Fulfill Your Qurbani This Eid
Reserve your sacrifice and feed a displaced family in Myanmar.