How to do animal sacrifice in hajj is a question many pilgrims have when they are preparing for such a life-changing event.
Qurbani, or animal sacrificing, isn’t just a symbolic act, it’s a powerful display of submission before Allah during the holy time of Hajj. In this article, you’ll learn all about when, how, and whom should perform this necessary act of devotion, step by step.
What Is Qurbani During Hajj?
Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, is one of the religiously significant things for all Muslims to perform during Hajj. This is rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who was going to sacrifice his son in absolute obedience to the will of Allah.
To celebrate this act of obedience, pilgrims perform Qurbani as part of Hajj ritual. To properly understand how to do animal sacrifice in hajj, its purpose, religious origin, and significance in the holy pilgrimage must be understood.
Unlike the general Qurbani performed during Eid al-Adha by Muslims all around the world, Qurbani in Hajj holds a unique place in the journey of a pilgrimage. It is particularly compulsory for those who are performing Hajj al-Tamattu’ and Hajj al-Qiran.
Who Is Required to Perform Qurbani in Hajj?
The pilgrims doing Hajj al-Tamattu’ or Hajj al-Qiran must offer a sacrifice. It is a significant part of their Hajj ceremonies and cannot be left out. Before understanding how to do animal sacrifice in hajj, let’s discover the types of Hajj.
Tamattu’ involves performing Umrah first, exiting the state of Ihram, then entering Ihram for Hajj again.
Qiran incorporates combining both Umrah and Hajj into a single Ihram.
In either case, Qurbani becomes wājib (obligatory). To the contrary, the individuals performing Hajj al-Ifrad, i.e., Hajj and not Umrah, do not have to offer a Qurbani as they have no such obligation.
However, if a pilgrim is unable to perform the Qurbani due to financial reasons, they have to fast for three days during Hajj and seven days upon return home.
When Is the Qurbani Performed During Hajj?
Qurbani is performed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is also the day of Eid al-Adha and known as Yawm an-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice). The time of sacrifice can be conducted up to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Pilgrims must first conduct a major ritual—Rami al-Jamarat, the throwing stones at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah), before proceeding with the Qurbani. This is part of the Sunnah and constitutes an integral element of the way one ought to perform animal sacrifice during Hajj.
Even though the sacrifice can be done at any time during the days of Tashreeq (10th–13th), the best and most advantageous time is after the stoning of the 10th. This is how it was done by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and should be considered by all pilgrims when planning how to do animal sacrifice in hajj while still in Mina.
Losing the correct time period or doing the sacrifice in the incorrect order can make your Hajj invalid. This is why learning the timing is not such a small issue, it’s part of the key in learning how to do animal sacrifice in hajj with full consciousness and dedication.
How to Do Animal Sacrifice in Hajj
For every one who is ready to perform Hajj in the proper manner, it is crucial to understand how to do animal sacrifice in hajj.
Qurbani does not involve only the slaughter of the animal; it is a highly spiritual act of compliance, performed as per Islamic guidelines. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you perform this sacred duty the right way.
1. Choose the Right Animal
When learning how to do animal sacrifice in hajj, it begins with selecting an eligible animal. The options are as follows:
Sheep or goat (1 animal for 1 person)
Cow or camel (can be shared by 7 persons)
The animal should be healthy, without any defects, and at least a certain minimum age:
Sheep/goat: a minimum of 1 year
Cow: a minimum of 2 years
Camel: a minimum of 5 years
2. How to Ho Animal Sacrifice in Hajj: Make the Intention (Niyyah)
The niyyah is an essential component of any Islamic act of worship. Prior to the sacrifice, express a genuine niyyah in your heart that the action is performed for the sake of Allah and as part of your Hajj rituals. Saying it aloud is not necessary, it’s to reinforce your awareness in performing animal sacrifice in Hajj.
3. Carry Out the Sacrifice or Assign It
Pilgrims may either:
Slaughter the animal themselves, as per Islamic practice, or
Get someone to do it by purchasing a Qurbani coupon from a licensed service provider in Makkah.
If you are doing it yourself, you must then here is how to do animal sacrifice in hajj:
Say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” at slaughter
Put the animal softly on its left side facing the Qibla
Cut with a sharp knife for a quick and painless cut to the throat, severing the windpipe and blood vessels
Even when you outsource the service, understanding how to do animal sacrifice in hajj will give you assurance that the process is following Islamic standards.
4. Ensure the Completion
To complete your Hajj, make sure that the sacrifice is actually done. If you applied the couponing system, you will be notified once it is completed. You may only proceed with the remaining rituals after the Qurbani, which are shaving or cutting your hair and Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Learning how to do animal sacrifice in hajj and the correct method of animal sacrifice in Hajj ensures that your hajj is valid and brings you closer to the spirit of Hajj, obedience, humility, and love for Allah.
Continue Your Journey of Understanding
Ready to deepen your knowledge beyond the Hajj rituals day by day? Explore these helpful guides tailored for every step of your pilgrimage:
Discover the rules of ihram for men and women and enter Hajj in a state of purity.
Learn how to perform Tawaf with confidence and focus.
Understand the sacred Sa’i between Safa and Marwah in a clear, step-by-step way.
Unsure what to do in Mina during Hajj? We’ve got you covered.
Reflect on what is the Day of Arafat and why it’s the heart of Hajj.
Prepare for the important Muzdalifah night rituals every pilgrim must know.
Follow our stoning the Jamarat guide to complete this symbolic act correctly.
Learn how to do animal sacrifice in Hajj with our complete how-to.
Get Tawaf al-Ifadah explained so you don’t miss this key ritual.
Don’t forget a thing—our Hajj packing list essentials will keep you organized.
Stay safe with expert advice on staying healthy during Hajj.
Wondering what to do after Hajj? Start your next chapter spiritually strong.
If you’re new to Islam, read our Hajj guide for new Muslims—made just for you.
Set meaningful spiritual goals for Hajj to get the most out of your journey.
Find clear answers to the most common Hajj questions answered by experts.
Dive deeper into each topic and walk your Hajj journey with clarity and peace of mind.
