Requirements for a Valid Qurban Animal

In a few days, Muslims around the world will perform one of the most meaningful acts of worship: qurban. This practice is not merely about slaughtering an animal, it’s a way to draw closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

It is important for Muslims to clearly understand the requirements for qurban animals so that the worship is valid according to Islamic law and brings blessings. Dr. Ir. Muchlison Anis, S.T., M.T., an activist at the Center for Halal Studies of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), explained the complete guidelines on the requirements for qurban animals according to the guidance of Council for Religious Opinion and Tajdid of Muhammadiyah Central Board.

“Qurban 2025 is just days away. So let’s learn together, from the types and eligibility of animals, ownership status, to tips on selecting qurban animals,” said Muchlis in an online session, Wednesday (28/5/2025).

Below are the valid conditions for qurban animals, as explained by Muchlis, to ensure our sacrificial worship is accepted. These requirements cover the animal's type, eligibility, and ownership status.

1. Type and Eligibility of Animals

Only livestock such as goats, sheep, cows, and camels are permissible for qurban. Just like other acts of worship that are solely for Allah, the animal must be in good physical condition. This includes:

Physically Eligible Animals:

• Al-Aqran: Has complete horns
• Samin: Fat and flesh
• Al-Amlah: Dominantly white in color (more white than black)

Physically Ineligible Animals:

• Al-‘Auraa: Blind in one eye
• Al-Mardhoh: Clearly ill
• Al-‘Arja: Lame
• Al-Kasir: Extremely skinny, bony, and unclean

Age and Sharing Provisions

• Goat or Sheep: At least 1 year old, for 1 person
• Cow: At least 2 years old, for up to 7 people
• Camel: At least 5 years old, for up to 7–10 people

It is not only the type and condition of the animal that matters. One must also ensure the animal meets the minimum age and proper sharing arrangements as stated in the hadith.

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ نَحَرْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَامَ الْحُدَيْبِيَةِ الْبَدَنَةَ عَنْ سَبْعَةٍ وَالْبَقَرَةَ عَنْ سَبْعَةٍ

Meaning: Narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah: “We performed qurban with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) during the year of Hudaibiyah by sacrificing one camel for seven people and one cow for seven people.” (Hadith narrated by Muslim No. 2322, Abu Dawud No. 2426, and al-Tirmidhi No. 1422).

2. Ownership

• Lawful Ownership by the Qurban Giver

The next condition for a valid qurban is that the animal must be lawfully owned by the person offering the sacrifice (shohibul qurban). It must not be obtained through theft, coercion, or any other means that violate another’s rights.

“In other words, performing qurban with someone else's animal without their permission is not valid according to Islamic law,” explained Muchlis.

• Purchased with Halal Wealth

The sacrifice must be made using halal (lawful) wealth. If the animal is bought using illicit funds, such as money from corruption, usury, or theft, the qurban is not valid. This is in line with a general principle in Islam, as mentioned in the hadith below:

إِنَّ اللهَ طَيِّبٌ لَا يَقْبَلُ إلَّا طَيِّبًا

Meaning: “Indeed, Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good.” (Hadith narrated by Muslim No. 1015)

• Collective Qurban and Representation

Islam allows collective qurban, especially for larger animals like cows or camels, which can be shared among seven individuals. “Likewise, wakalah (delegation) in purchasing and slaughtering qurban animal is also permitted,” he added.

A person may delegate a qurban committee or someone else to buy, slaughter, and distribute the meat, as long as clear authorization is given by the qurban giver. The process remains valid.

• Qurban on Behalf of Others

Offering qurban with an animal that has been gifted (hibah) is also permissible, as long as the animal has become the rightful property of the qurban giver.

“For instance, if parents give a goat to their child for qurban, the qurban is valid because the animal has become the child’s property through hibah,” he explained.

To avoid making the wrong choice, Muchlis shared several tips for selecting a qurban animal. First, make sure the animal is from a livestock type that is valid for qurban. Second, it's important to check the animal’s physical condition, to make sure it's healthy and not defective.

Third, ask for a health certificate from the local livestock office, especially if you live in an area prone to livestock diseases like FMD (foot and mouth disease) or anthrax. Fourth, consider the place of purchase. “Choose a farmer or seller who is trustworthy, transparent about the animal’s age and condition, and has official permits,” said the UMS Industrial Engineering lecturer.

Fifth, avoid buying too close to Eid al-Adha. Prices will rise, animal quality might drop due to travel stress, and you may have trouble verifying the animal’s health.

“Ideally, the animal should be bought 1–2 weeks before Eid al-Adha and cared for by the seller or the qurban committee,” Muchlis advised.

Last and most importantly, don’t forget the intention! Qurban isn’t just about choosing the best animal, but about sincerity and obedience.

Doing qurban while paying attention to all the conditions and procedures not only reflects obedience to the sharia but also shows respect for the essence of the worship itself. Hopefully, the 2025 qurban can be the right moment to strengthen our faith and bring blessings to others.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva