Qurbani isn’t just about the act itself; it’s about everything leading up to it. The intention. The quiet prayers. The way the Prophet ﷺ taught us not only what to do but how to do it with heart.
In a world that moves so fast, Qurbani invites us to slow down, be present, and remember why it all matters in the first place.
Let’s look at some of the duas and sunnah acts tied to this beautiful tradition. Because Qurbani is more than just the sacrifice, it’s about the way we celebrate it.
Before anything else, there’s niyyah. The internal whisper that says, “I’m doing this for the sake of Allah.”
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
– Sahih al-Bukhari
You don’t have to say it out loud or announce it to anyone. It’s in your heart. Every reward you seek starts right there. So, making the sincere intention to fulfill this obligation is mandatory.
How do we perform Qurbani the way the Prophet ﷺ showed us? There’s a beautiful simplicity to it.
If you intend to offer Qurbani, it’s Sunnah (Mustahab) not to cut your hair or nails from sighting of the new moon of Dhul Hijjah until after your animal is sacrificed,
“When the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah) start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails.”
– Sahih Muslim
It’s a small gesture of commitment, a way to walk alongside the pilgrims, even from afar.
The Prophet ﷺ was meticulous. He recommended animals without defects, healthy, strong, and well-fed. It wasn’t about size or show but about the care and respect for the life being given. Animals should walk without defect, have clear eyes, no major injuries, and be of the appropriate age.
If possible, it’s Sunnah to perform the sacrifice with your own hands. It deepens the humility and gravity of the moment. If you can’t, which is common, it’s completely acceptable to delegate it to others.
And don’t worry, when you give through trusted organizations like Human Concern UK, your Qurbani is performed according to Sunnah, under the supervision of authentic scholars.
Donate Your Qurbani Through Human Concern UK, Fulfill the Sunnah with Ease
When you’re ready for the sacrifice, say this dua (known as Takbeer that muslims recalls every time they sacrifice animals):
بِسْمِ اللهِ وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللّهُمَّ هَذَا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ
“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. O Allah, this is from You and for You.”
You acknowledge where the blessing came from and where it’s returning.
If you’ve appointed someone else, you can add:
اللّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
“O Allah, accept this from me.”
It’s easy to think, “Does it really matter if I cut my nails or say a few words?”
But these acts, small as they seem, are about honoring the process. It’s about standing with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and saying, “I trust You, ya Allah.”
Following the Sunnah isn’t just a checklist. It’s a way of living intentionally, spiritually awake, collecting extra rewards for the here and hereafter.
At Human Concern UK, we believe the beauty of Qurbani isn’t just in the sacrifice, it’s in the sharing.
When you donate your Qurbani with us, we make sure:
You get the reward of the Sunnah. They get the joy of Eid.
Fulfill Your Qurbani With Human Concern UK, Bring Joy to Families This Eid
The sacrifice should take place after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and can be done until sunset on the 13th.
Yes, you can do it for yourself and your family, and even for deceased loved ones if you wish. Many scholars encourage this as an ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah).
Sheep, goats, cows, and camels, provided they meet the age and health requirements set under the authentic Islamic teachings.
While donating money is good, it’s not a substitute. The actual act of sacrifice is what fulfills the Sunnah. If you can’t do it yourself, you can arrange it through trusted organizations like Human Concern International.
Qurbani is more than an Eid or a tradition. It’s an echo of emaan (faith), a whisper of submission, a tangible expression of trust in Allah. It’s not just about the meat or the ritual, it’s about the love behind the act. So this Dhul Hijjah, whether you stand with a knife or click a button to donate, remember: it’s your heart that carries the reward. May Allah accept everyone’s Qurbani.
Human Concern UK is one of the leading Muslim relief organisations in the United Kingdom, committed to fighting poverty and providing aid to those in need.
Charity number: 1206222