Is qurbani valid if done before the Eid prayer?
No, a qurbani slaughtered before the Eid prayer does not count as qurbani. The Prophet ﷺ said the meat of an animal slaughtered before the prayer is just ordinary meat for the family, and the person should sacrifice another one. The time starts after the Eid prayer and lasts for the days of Eid.
What the Prophet ﷺ taught
On the day of Eid al-Adha, the Prophet ﷺ told the people that the first thing to do that day is to pray, then go back and slaughter. Whoever does this has followed the sunnah, and whoever slaughtered before the prayer has only given his family some meat; it is not a sacrifice (Sahih al-Bukhari 5545). In another narration he said that whoever slaughtered before the prayer should slaughter another animal in its place (Sahih Muslim 1960).
The order is even reflected in the Quran, where prayer comes first and sacrifice second:
When exactly does the time start?
Scholars agree on the principle but word the start time a little differently:
- Hanafi: in a town where the Eid prayer is held, after the prayer has been prayed there. In a village with no Eid prayer, from dawn on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
- Maliki: after the imam has prayed and slaughtered his own animal.
- Shafi'i and Hanbali: once enough time has passed after sunrise for the Eid prayer and two short sermons, whether or not you yourself prayed.
In practice, waiting until the local Eid prayer is over keeps you safe under every view. If you missed the prayer, you can still sacrifice once its time has passed. See What if I miss the Eid prayer?
When does the time end?
The majority (Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali) say the sacrifice can be done on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The Shafi'i school, and some other scholars, add the 13th. Day one is the best, but there is no need to rush and get the timing wrong.
Qurbani abroad and time zones
Many converts in Europe and the USA pay a charity to do their qurbani in another country. What counts is the time where the animal is slaughtered, so the charity should slaughter after the Eid prayer in that country. Reliable organisations already do this, but it's fine to ask. See Can I pay for qurbani abroad instead of locally?
If you're new to the whole idea, start with What is qurbani and do I have to do it?
- An animal slaughtered before the Eid prayer is ordinary meat, not qurbani.
- The Prophet ﷺ told those who slaughtered early to sacrifice again.
- The time runs until the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (13th in the Shafi'i school).
- For qurbani abroad, the local Eid prayer time where the animal is slaughtered counts.
People also ask
What is the month of Rajab?
Rajab is the seventh Islamic month and one of the four sacred months. Learn about Isra and Mi'raj, fasting in Rajab and getting ready for Ramadan.
Read the full answer →How do I ask my child's school to recognize Eid?
To ask your child's school to recognize Eid, email the teacher early with expected dates, request an authorized absence and offer a class activity.
Read the full answer →Is the month of Safar unlucky?
No, the month of Safar is not unlucky. The Prophet said "no Safar", rejecting the old omen, so weddings, travel and new plans are all fine in Safar.
Read the full answer →Can kids watch the qurbani slaughter?
Yes, kids can watch the qurbani slaughter; Islam doesn't forbid it. How to decide by age, prepare them, and options in Europe and the USA.
Read the full answer →What animals can be used for qurbani?
Qurbani animals are sheep, goats, cows (incl. buffalo) and camels. Minimum ages, defects that disqualify an animal, and sharing a cow by seven.
Read the full answer →