How to Perform Qurbani Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide
Qurbani is a beautiful act of worship that holds deep meaning for Muslims around the world. It reminds us of the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah. This sacred act is central to Eid al-Adha, a time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal for Muslims across the UK and beyond.
If it is your first time doing Qurbani or you just want to make sure you are doing it right, understanding the proper steps can help you fulfil this Sunnah with sincerity and peace of mind.
Not sure where to start? Whether you are planning to offer the sacrifice yourself or donate your sacrifice through a charity, this simple guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Understand the Meaning Behind Qurbani
Qurbani is all about remembering the deep faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It marks his willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, simply out of obedience to Allah. It shows us the true meaning of trust, sacrifice and devotion.
But Qurbani is not just about the act itself. What matters most is the intention. It should come from the heart, for Allah alone, not because it is expected or part of tradition.
Whether you perform the sacrifice yourself or choose to give through charity, Qurbani is a chance to share your blessings and support those who are going through difficult times. It reflects devotion, compassion, and the spirit of giving during the blessed days of Eid.
Step 2: Know When to Perform Qurbani
Qurbani should be performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and can be carried out until sunset on the 12th day. Any sacrifice made before the Eid prayer or after this period is not valid.
This sacred timeframe honours the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim and his unwavering obedience. Offering your Qurbani during these days ensures it is accepted and allows you to join Muslims around the world in observing this meaningful tradition.
If you are donating your Qurbani through us at United Muslims, try to give before Eid so there is enough time to arrange everything properly.
Step 3: Check If Qurbani Is Obligatory for You
In the UK, Qurbani is obligatory for any Muslim who is an adult and owns wealth above the Nisab threshold, similar to the rules for Zakat.
If you are eligible to give Zakat, you will likely need to offer Qurbani too.
Not sure if you qualify? Use the Zakat calculator from United Muslims to check your eligibility with ease.
Fulfilling your Qurbani is a meaningful act of worship and a way to support those facing hardship. Make sure you don’t miss this important duty during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah.
Step 4: Choose the Right Animal
Islam allows certain animals for Qurbani, including sheep, goats, cows, and camels. To ensure your sacrifice is valid and accepted, the animal must be healthy, free from any defects, and meet the required age:
- Sheep or Goat: Minimum 1 year old (counts as one share)
- Cow or Buffalo: Minimum 2 years old (can be divided into seven shares)
- Camel: Minimum 5 years old (can be divided into seven shares)
Choosing a strong and healthy animal shows respect for the Sunnah and reflects the spirit of sacrifice. When you give through our trusted charity, United Muslims, you can be confident that all animals are treated with care and everything is done properly according to the Islamic guidelines.
Step 5: Intention (Niyyah)
Before you begin the sacrifice, make a sincere intention in your heart to perform Qurbani to please Allah. You don’t need to say this intention out loud, but it should be clear and mindful. This intention sets Qurbani apart from a regular slaughter and turns it into a meaningful act of worship.
When you begin, it is recommended to say aloud:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. This is from me (or the person you are sacrificing on behalf of).”
If you are donating online for someone else, such as for a Palestine appeal, be sure to clearly state the name of the person the Qurbani is intended for. This ensures your act of worship is properly assigned and accepted.
Donate your zakat
Fulfil your obligation today – give Zakat and be a source of hope for those in need!
Step 6: Proper Handling and Treatment of the Animal
Animals must be treated with care and compassion at every stage. Islam encourages us to be gentle and kind, especially when it comes to Qurbani. Before the sacrifice, the animal should be kept calm, well-fed, given water, and allowed to rest.
To make the process as humane as possible, a sharp knife should be used, and the animal should be gently turned to face the Qibla. At the moment of sacrifice, we say “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah) and “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) to honour the act.
At United Muslims, our global teams follow ethical and Islamic practices and ensure every Qurbani is carried out with dignity and care.
Step 7: The Slaughtering Process
If you are planning to carry out Qurbani yourself, it is important to follow the right method. The sacrifice should be done by swiftly cutting the throat, windpipe, and blood vessels in the neck to ensure the animal doesn’t suffer. It should not be slaughtered in front of other animals, as this may cause them distress.
The person performing the sacrifice should be a sane Muslim who understands the process. You can either perform it yourself or appoint a trusted butcher or someone experienced to do it on your behalf.
If you are handling the Qurbani yourself, remember to:
- Use a sharp knife
- Make the cut quickly and with care
- Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” at the time of sacrifice
- Make sure the animal is facing the Qiblah
In the UK, it is not always easy to arrange Qurbani personally. That’s why so many turn to trusted charity partners who carry out the sacrifice on their behalf, properly and respectfully.
Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.
Step 8: Dividing the Meat
Once the Qurbani sacrifice is complete, the meat is traditionally divided into three equal parts:
- One-third is kept for you and your family,
- One-third is shared with friends and neighbours,
- And one-third is given to those who are struggling.
This beautiful act of sharing keeps the spirit of Qurbani alive by bringing people together and supporting those less fortunate. When you give your Qurbani, you are not just offering meat. You are sharing comfort, dignity, and a moment of joy with families who rarely get the chance to enjoy a proper meal.
In places like Palestine, where daily life is shaped by conflict and hardship, your sacrifice means the world.
Step 9: Additional Acts of Worship During Qurbani Days
The days of Qurbani are a special opportunity to grow closer to Allah. It is a great time to pray a little more, read the Quran, and give charity. You can also take a moment to make dua for yourself, your family, and the whole Ummah. Many Muslims combine these acts with their sacrifice to fully embrace the spiritual benefits.
During the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, try to increase your:
- Dhikr, remembering Allah in your heart and mind
- Salah, offering extra prayers
- Sadaqah, whether by giving Zakat, supporting water projects, or helping other charity causes
These simple acts help strengthen your connection with Allah and bring you greater rewards. Whether your kindness supports local causes or reaches communities far away, like those in Palestine, your generosity truly makes a difference.
Step 10: Alternatives if You Cannot Perform Qurbani Yourself
Not everyone is able to perform Qurbani personally due to health, location, or financial reasons, and that is completely okay.
If you cannot perform the sacrifice yourself, you have a couple of options. You can appoint someone to carry out the sacrifice on your behalf or donate to a trusted charity that arranges Qurbani according to Islamic guidelines.
Many charities even let you choose where your Qurbani goes, so you can support communities in places like Palestine or other areas facing hardship.
By choosing a reputable organisation, you can be confident your Qurbani reaches those who need it most, while also fulfilling your religious duty. At United Muslims, we are dedicated to making sure your Qurbani becomes a meaningful source of comfort and support for those struggling through poverty, displacement, or crisis.
Make Your Qurbani Count: A Meaningful Way to Give This Eid
Performing Qurbani properly is more than just a ritual; it is a sacred duty carried out with care, kindness, and true intention. When you follow the right steps, you are not only following the Sunnah but also unlocking the real blessings that come with it. May your Qurbani be accepted and bring peace and goodness to you and the whole Muslim community.
Qurbani is a beautiful reminder of faith and giving from the heart. Whether you take part directly or choose to donate through charity, it is a way to get closer to Allah and make a real difference for families and children who really need it.
With Eid just around the corner, think about how your Qurbani could help put food on someone’s table, bring a smile to a child’s face, or give hope to a family struggling. Choosing to donate your Qurbani with United Muslims ensures your sacrifice reaches beyond borders and touches lives around the world.
Turn your sacrifice into a source of happiness. Donate your Qurbani and help feed families.
.