How to Avoid The Most Common Qurbani Mistakes

As we approach the blessed time of Eid al-Adha once again, we also prepare to remember the bravery of Ibrahim (A.S) and fulfil the sacred act of Qurbani—an act so beloved to Allahﷻ that the rewards begin before the animal is even sacrificed, SubhanAllah. But while our intention behind Qurbani is sincere, it’s very easy to overlook the key aspects determining whether our sacrifice is truly accepted.

If you're wondering whether your Qurbani meets the criteria set by Islamic teachings, you're not alone. But the truth is, not enough of us actually take the time to think if Allahﷻ accepts our Qurbani. Take five minutes to read the below, ensuring you perform Qurbani the way Allahﷻ sees fit. Let's break down the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, ensuring your Qurbani is performed with sincerity and correctness, bringing you blessings beyond your wildest imaginations.

The Significance of Qurbani

We must first truly understand the importance of this sacred act. The Prophetﷺ said: "There is no deed more beloved to Allah on the Day of Sacrifice than shedding blood (Qurbani). It will come on the Day of Resurrection with its horns, hair, and hooves, and its blood is accepted by Allah before it even falls to the ground." (Tirmidhi).

Qurbani isn't just about slaughtering an animal—it’s a reflection of sacrifice, humility, and submission to Allahﷻ. There will come a time when this animal will stand in our corner on Yawmal Qiyamah, attesting to our love and devotion for Allahﷻ. Qurbani also reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering obedience and the ultimate test of his faith–choosing Allahﷻ over his own son, Ismail (A.S). This sacred act fosters empathy, as the meat is distributed among those in need, strengthening the bonds of the Ummah and ensuring that no one is left hungry on Eid.

But here’s the key: for it to be accepted, Qurbani must be performed with the right intentions and in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

Common Mistakes That Invalidate Your Qurbani

🔴 Not Meeting the Eligibility Criteria – Qurbani is Wajib (mandatory) for those who meet the nisab threshold (having wealth equal to or exceeding the value of 87.48 grams of gold). Generally, if you are eligible to pay Zakat, you should offer Qurbani. Many assume they’re exempt when, in reality, they meet the financial criteria and should perform Qurbani.

🔴 Incorrect Animal Selection – Not every animal qualifies for Qurbani, yet many overlook the specific requirements, leading to an invalid sacrifice. Choosing an unfit animal—whether due to age, health, or type—can compromise the essence of this sacred act. Ignoring these guidelines not only affects the validity of your Qurbani but also goes against the ethical and Islamic principles that ensure the sacrifice is meaningful and accepted. It is essential to check with your local charity about their Qurbani selection process.

🔴 Improper Handling & Slaughter – Many Qurbani sacrifices fail due to improper execution. Using dull knives causes unnecessary pain to the animal. Not reciting ‘Bismillah’ and ‘Takbeer’ at the time of slaughter. Rushing the process without ensuring the animal is treated with dignity and care. All of those things cannot happen for your Qurbani to be accepted with purity.

🔴 Neglecting Distribution Rules – The meat should be divided into three equal parts: For yourself and family, for relatives and friends, and for the needy and poor. Some people keep it all for themselves or fail to prioritise those in need, which defeats the purpose of Qurbani.

🔴 Insincere Niyyah – Many Muslims treat Qurbani as a cultural tradition rather than an act of Ibadah. They may focus on buying the best animal, arranging logistics, or sharing meat with family—but forget the most critical element: sincere intention (niyyah) for Allah’sﷻ sake alone.

🔴 Missing the Deadline – We tend to delay, and delay, and delay… until it’s too late, and then we’re rushing around at the very last minute to fulfil our Qurbani. This is not a sincere intention, and this type of laziness is not beloved in the eyes of Allahﷻ. We should ensure our Qurbani is performed promptly and on time. Remember, your unpreparedness makes the fulfilment of your Qurbani harder on those fulfilling it on your behalf, and you delay the blessings with those who are less fortunate. 

🔴 Neglecting Distribution Rules – The meat should be divided into three equal parts: For yourself and family, for relatives and friends, and for the needy and poor. Some people keep it all for themselves or fail to prioritise those in need, which defeats the purpose of Qurbani.

How to Ensure Your Qurbani is Accepted

✅ Purify Your Intentions – Your Qurbani should be done solely for the pleasure of Allahﷻ—not out of habit or social obligation. Not to impress family and friends, or appear pious in the eyes of others. Reflect on the meaning of Qurbani before performing it.

✅ Choose Your Animal Wisely – Select a healthy animal from a reliable source. Whoever you trust to carry out your Qurbani, is your decision. Take the time to research and ensure that their process meets the age and health requirements outlined in Islamic teachings. 

✔️ The animal must be one of the permitted livestock (sheep, goat, cow, or camel). 

✔️ It should be healthy, free from disabilities, and of the correct age (one year for sheep and goats, two years for cows, and five years for camels).

✅ Perform the Slaughter Correctly – If you're conducting the sacrifice yourself, sharpen the knife beforehand and handle the animal with care. If you’re donating your Qurbani, choose a trusted organisation that adheres to Islamic guidelines when it comes to the treatment, care and slaughter of the animal.

✅ Distribute the Meat Justly – Don't forget the needy. Eid is meant to bring joy to all, and sharing your Qurbani meat with those less fortunate is an essential part of the process. Withholding their portion from them, something Allahﷻ has made their right, is a direct violation of Allah’sﷻtrust. 

Final Reflection

Qurbani is more than a tradition—it tests faith, compassion, and obedience. We aren’t asked to sacrifice our children, but our worldly desires. By avoiding these common mistakes and following the correct guidelines, you will ensure your sacrifice is not only accepted but truly meaningful.

This Eid, uphold the essence of Qurbani with sincerity and care, fulfilling your duty in the best possible way.

Have you planned your Qurbani yet? Make sure to double-check these key points before Eid arrives! Click here to fulfil your Qurbani with a 100% donation policy.