Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most sacred events in the Islamic calendar. A central part of this religious observance is the Qurbani—the act of sacrificing a halal animal in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience to Allah.
But performing Qurbani correctly starts with an important step: purchasing the right animal.
If you’re wondering how to purchase an Eid al-Adha animal, what to look for, where to buy it, and what Islamic rules you must follow, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Table of Contents:
Understanding the Purpose of Qurbani
Types of Animals Allowed for Qurbani
Islamic Guidelines for Qurbani Animals
Where to Buy Qurbani Animals
What to Look for When Choosing Your Animal
Online Qurbani Platforms: Safe or Not?
Average Costs by Animal and Region
When to Purchase: Timing Matters
Transport and Shelter Tips
Conclusion + FAQs
Understanding the Purpose of Qurbani
Qurbani, meaning “sacrifice,” is performed to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Instead, Allah replaced the son with a ram, marking the significance of submission and devotion.
Qurbani is wajib (mandatory) for eligible Muslims and must be done with proper intention and with animals that meet the Islamic criteria.
Types of Animals Allowed for Qurbani
According to Islamic teachings, the following animals can be sacrificed:
- Goat (1 share)
- Sheep/Ram (1 share)
- Cow/Bull (7 shares)
- Camel (7 shares)
Each animal must be of a minimum age and physical health, as prescribed in Hadith and Islamic jurisprudence. Animals that are not allowed for Qurbani include species that are not traditionally permissible in Islam, such as pigs, dogs, cats, donkeys, mules, and birds like chickens or pigeons. Qurbani is only valid with specific livestock animals such as goats, sheep, cows, bulls, and camels, as prescribed in Islamic teachings. Using other animal species for sacrifice is not accepted.
Islamic Guidelines for Qurbani Animals
Islamic guidelines for Qurbani animals require them to be healthy, free from defects, and of the minimum age: 1 year for goats and sheep, 2 years for cows, and 5 years for camels. The animal must not be blind, sick, injured, or physically deformed to ensure the sacrifice is valid and accepted.
Age Requirements:
Animal Minimum Age
Goat/Sheep 1 year (or 6 months if healthy and mature)
Cow/Bull 2 years
Camel 5 years
Physical Requirements:
- No blindness in either eye
- No visible illness or weakness
- No broken horns or missing teeth
- No limp or physical deformity
- Must be well-fed and clean
Only animals that are physically healthy and free from defects are acceptable for Qurbani.
Where to Buy Qurbani Animals
Qurbani animals can be purchased from local livestock markets (bakra mandis), trusted farmers, or verified online platforms. Local markets offer a wide range of animals, but require careful inspection. Buying directly from farmers ensures better animal care and health history. Online Qurbani services are ideal for convenience and global participation, especially when handled by Shariah-compliant, reputable providers.
You can purchase your Qurbani animal from:
Local Livestock Markets (Bakra Mandis):
- Most popular in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Egypt
- Prices may vary depending on breed, weight, and demand
Directly from Farmers or Breeders:
- Safer in terms of animal health and history
- Ideal for those seeking specific breeds or ensuring ethical treatment
Online Qurbani Services:
- Growing in popularity, especially in urban areas and during pandemics
- Services include buying, sacrificing, and meat distribution
- Ideal for diaspora Muslims or those unable to perform physical sacrifice
What to Look for When Choosing Your Animal
When choosing your Qurbani animal, ensure it is healthy, active, and free from any physical defects such as blindness, limping, or broken horns. The animal must meet the minimum age requirement: 1 year for goats and sheep, 2 years for cows, and 5 years for camels. Check for clear eyes, strong limbs, and a good body weight, as these indicate overall health. A valid Qurbani depends on selecting an animal that fulfills both Islamic and physical standards.
Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re buying a valid and healthy Qurbani animal:
Checklist Why It Matters
Clear Eyes Sign of good health
Strong Legs Essential for mobility
No Cuts or Injuries Defects invalidate Qurbani
Proper Age As per Islamic requirement
Good Weight More meat for sharing
Active Behavior Liveliness indicates health
Balanced Horns Broken horns may disqualify the animal
Note: Always inspect the animal in person or ask for verified videos if purchasing online.
Online Qurbani Platforms: Safe or Not?
Online Qurbani platforms offer a convenient and accessible way to perform Qurbani, especially for those unable to attend local markets. When choosing an online service, ensure it is Shariah-compliant, transparent, and reputable with verified reviews. While generally safe, it’s important to verify the provider’s authenticity to ensure your sacrifice is valid and properly managed.
Pros:
- Time-saving and convenient
- Verified and healthy animals
- Meat is delivered to your doorstep or donated on your behalf
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- You may not get to see the animal beforehand
- Relies heavily on trust in the provider
- Limited flexibility in choosing specific animals
Trusted Online Qurbani Platforms:
- India: HMA Foundation, Muslim Hands India
- Pakistan: Meat One, Qurbani App, Saylani Welfare
- Global: LaunchGood Qurbani, Islamic Relief, Penny Appeal
Always look for certifications, customer reviews, and Islamic compliance when using these services.
Average Costs by Animal and Region
Country Goat Price Cow Share (1/7)
India ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Pakistan PKR 30,000 – 90,000 PKR 12,000 – 35,000
Bangladesh BDT 15,000 – 50,000 BDT 7,000 – 15,000
UK £150 – £300 £70 – £120
USA $250 – $500 $150 – $300
Prices depend on animal breed, size, market trends, and proximity to Eid.
When to Purchase: Timing Matters
The best time to buy your Qurbani animal is 7–10 days before Eid al-Adha. Buying too early may increase feeding costs and animal care responsibilities, while buying too late may reduce your options or inflate prices.
Plan early, especially if you need:
- A specific breed or size
- Delivery or slaughtering arrangements
- Time to care for and feed the animal yourself
Transport and Shelter Tips
If you’re handling the animal personally, you’ll need:
Transport Tips:
- Ensure proper ventilation and space
- Avoid overcrowding or rough driving
- Provide water before and after travel
Shelter Tips:
- Clean, shaded, and dry area
- Fresh water and food daily
- Keep away from loud noise and stress
- Monitor health daily (check for limping, fever, injuries)
A calm and well-fed animal is crucial for a valid and ethical Qurbani.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Sacrifice Right
Purchasing the right Qurbani animal for Eid al-Adha is not just about the price or size; it’s a spiritual duty that demands intention, care, and adherence to Islamic guidelines. Whether you’re buying from a local mandi, a trusted farmer, or a verified online platform, ensure that your Qurbani is:
- Halal
- Healthy
- Respectfully treated
- Properly sacrificed
If you still have confusion or problems, you can contact our team of Islamic experts and get the right guidance to make well-informed decisions.
May your Eid al-Adha 2025 be full of blessings, sacrifice, and sharing with those in need. 🌙
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I perform Qurbani online?
Yes, online Qurbani is permissible if the provider follows Islamic procedures and you intend the act sincerely.
Is it okay to buy a Qurbani animal in installments?
Yes, as long as the full payment is completed before the animal is sacrificed and there’s no interest involved.
Can one goat suffice for multiple people?
No, one goat is valid for only one person’s Qurbani. For multiple shares, consider a cow or camel.
What if my Qurbani animal gets sick after purchase?
You must replace it with a valid animal before the Qurbani act. An unfit animal invalidates the sacrifice.
