Eid ul Adha remembers Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice in obedience to Allah. For families who can afford it, qurbani (sacrifice) is the central act of the day. This guide covers the practical side of qurbani: choosing an animal, timing and sharing the meat, with a countdown on our Days Until Eid ul Adha page. For detailed rulings, follow guidance from scholars you trust.
Who performs qurbani?
Qurbani is an important act of worship for Muslims who meet the conditions set out by scholars, such as having wealth above a threshold during the days of Eid. Many families perform one qurbani per eligible adult.
Choosing an animal
| Animal | Shares |
|---|---|
| Goat or sheep | 1 person |
| Cow or buffalo | up to 7 people |
| Camel | up to 7 people |
Commonly cited minimum ages are about one year for goats and sheep (with some flexibility for well-grown sheep under some views), two years for cows and buffaloes, and five years for camels. Ask your local scholar for exact rules.
Signs of a healthy animal
- Bright eyes and alert behaviour
- No visible injuries, broken horns at the root or serious lameness
- Not blind in an eye, and ears and tail not largely cut
- Eating and drinking normally
Buy from trusted sellers, and keep the animal in a clean, shaded place with water.
Timing
Qurbani begins after the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijjah and may be done on 10, 11 and 12 Dhul Hijjah.
Sharing the meat
A common practice is to divide the meat into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor. Families can adjust according to need.
Budget
Animal prices rise near Eid. Many families save monthly from earlier in the year; plan with the Months Until Calculator tool. If several families share a cow, agree costs in writing.
Hygiene
Use proper places for slaughter, dispose of waste responsibly and follow municipal guidelines. Many cities arrange collection of offal and hides.
Collective qurbani
Many charities and mosques offer collective qurbani, where you pay for a share and the meat is distributed to those in need, sometimes in other regions.
For the Day of Arafah and the days before Eid, read the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. See today’s Islamic date with Islamic Date Today (Hijri Converter).
Frequently asked questions
When can qurbani be done?
After the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul Hijjah, through 12 Dhul Hijjah.
How many people can share a cow?
Up to seven.
How should the meat be divided?
A common practice is three parts: family, relatives and friends, and the poor.