What Are the Conditions for Qurbani Animals?

Qurbani is an important act of worship in Islam performed during Eid al-Adha. Choosing the right animal for Qurbani is crucial as there are specific conditions that must be met. This guide explains all the requirements for Qurbani animals in simple terms.

Types of Animals Allowed for Qurbani

Islam allows only certain animals to be sacrificed for Qurbani. The main animals are goats, sheep, cows, and camels. These are the only animals whose sacrifice is valid for Qurbani. Other animals like chickens, ducks, or wild animals cannot be used even if they are healthy and valuable.

Goats and sheep must be at least one year old to be eligible for Qurbani. For cows, the minimum age is two years. Camels must be at least five years old. These age requirements ensure the animal has reached proper maturity. Younger animals cannot be sacrificed even if they appear large or healthy.

Health Requirements for Qurbani Animals

The animal chosen for Qurbani must be in perfect health. It should be free from any visible defects, illnesses, or weaknesses that would make it unsuitable for sacrifice. The animal must have all its body parts intact and functioning properly.

An animal with a missing ear, broken horn, limping leg, or blindness in one or both eyes cannot be used for Qurbani. Similarly, animals that are too thin, weak, or sick are not acceptable. The animal should be strong enough to walk properly and appear healthy to the average person.

If an animal was healthy when selected but became sick or injured before sacrifice, it should be replaced with a healthy one. The meat from Qurbani is meant to be distributed to the poor and needy, so it must come from animals that are wholesome and fit for consumption.

Physical Defects That Make Animals Unfit

Certain physical defects automatically disqualify an animal from being used for Qurbani. An animal born without ears or with most of its ear cut off is not acceptable. Animals that have lost more than one third of their horn, tail, or any other body part cannot be sacrificed.

Animals with obvious lameness that prevents them from walking normally are excluded. Those with complete blindness or that have lost one eye are also not suitable. Any animal that cannot eat properly due to teeth problems or mouth injuries should not be selected for Qurbani.

Minor defects that don’t affect the health or meat quality may be overlooked. For example, an animal with a small cut that is healing well or a slightly chipped horn might still be acceptable. When in doubt, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable Islamic scholar or choose another animal to avoid any uncertainty.

Time Period for Qurbani Sacrifice

The sacrifice must be performed at the correct time for it to count as Qurbani. The time begins after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and ends at sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. These are the three days known as the days of Tashreeq.

Sacrificing an animal before the Eid prayer is not valid as Qurbani. It would count as regular charity meat instead. Similarly, waiting too long after the prescribed days makes the sacrifice invalid for Qurbani purposes. Planning ahead ensures the sacrifice happens at the proper time.

Ownership and Treatment of Qurbani Animals

The animal must be the lawful property of the person offering the Qurbani. It cannot be stolen, taken without permission, or of uncertain ownership. The person sacrificing should have full rights to the animal at the time of sacrifice.

Before sacrifice, the animal should be treated with kindness and care. It should be well-fed, given water, and not subjected to unnecessary stress or harm. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized treating animals humanely, especially those destined for sacrifice.

The method of sacrifice must follow Islamic guidelines. A sharp knife should be used to minimize suffering, and the animal should not see the knife being sharpened or other animals being slaughtered. The name of Allah should be recited at the time of sacrifice.

Number of People per Animal

Different animals can be shared by different numbers of people for Qurbani. One goat or sheep counts as Qurbani for one person or one family. A single cow or camel can be shared by up to seven people, with each person’s intention counting as separate Qurbani.

When sharing an animal, all participants must have the intention of Qurbani. The shares cannot be mixed with regular meat purchase intentions. It’s best to make clear agreements beforehand about who is participating and how the meat will be divided after sacrifice.

Distribution of Qurbani Meat

After sacrifice, the meat should be divided into three parts ideally. One part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy. This distribution follows the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The person offering Qurbani can choose to keep more or less than one third if needed, but giving some to the poor is strongly recommended. All parts of the animal should be used beneficially – the meat, skin, and bones. The skin can be donated or used personally but should not be sold.

Common Questions About Qurbani Animals

Many people wonder if pregnant animals can be sacrificed. The answer is yes, pregnant animals can be used for Qurbani as long as they meet all other conditions. The unborn young do not need to be sacrificed separately if the mother is slaughtered.

Another common question concerns castrated animals. Castrated male animals are perfectly acceptable for Qurbani and are often preferred because they tend to be fatter and more docile. The important factor is that the animal was healthy at the time of castration and healed properly.

People also ask about buying animals well in advance. It’s permissible to purchase the animal before Eid, but the intention for Qurbani should be made at the time of purchase or at least before the sacrifice. The animal should be cared for properly during the waiting period.

Conclusion

Understanding the conditions for Qurbani animals is essential for every Muslim who can afford this important act of worship. The animal must be of the correct type, age, and health status. It must be sacrificed at the proper time with the right intentions.

By following these guidelines carefully, Muslims ensure their Qurbani is accepted by Allah. The sacrifice commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and provides meat to those in need. May Allah accept the Qurbani of all believers and reward them abundantly.