Qurbani Rules: Age, Health & Animal Types You Should Know

Performing Qurbani during Eid ul-Adha is a sacred act of worship and a deeply meaningful tradition for Muslims worldwide. To ensure your sacrifice is valid in the eyes of Allah, it’s important to follow the correct Islamic rulings.

This blog covers the essential Qurbani rules for 2025—including the required age of animals, permissible livestock types, and the health standards your offering must meet.

Whether you plan to carry out Qurbani yourself in Australia or donate through a reliable organisation like ARO, these guidelines ensure your sacrifice is Shariah-compliant and spiritually rewarding.

1. What Types of Animals Can Be Used for Qurbani?

Only certain livestock are allowed for Qurbani under Islamic law. These are:

• Sheep

• Goats

• Cows/Bulls

• Camels

Each type of animal must be healthy and meet the minimum age requirement (see below).

Shares in Larger Animals:

• One sheep or goat = one Qurbani

• One cow or camel = seven Qurbanis (can be shared by seven individuals)

This means families or groups of friends can jointly purchase a cow or camel, as long as each person intends the share for Qurbani.

2. Minimum Age Requirements for Qurbani Animals

Islam requires that animals reach a certain minimum age to ensure maturity and adequate meat yield:

Animal Type	Minimum Age
Sheep	6 months (if healthy and mature)
Goat	1 year
Cow/Bull	2 years
Camel	5 years

Animals that are younger than these ages do not meet Qurbani requirements, even if they appear large or well-fed.

3. Health Conditions: What Makes an Animal Valid for Qurbani?

The animal must be in good health and free from any defects.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised offering the best possible animal, not one that is weak or flawed.

Invalid animals include those that are:

• Blind or have lost most eyesight

• Missing a third or more of an ear or tail

• Limping badly or unable to walk properly

• Extremely underweight or weak

• Sick or visibly diseased

• Injured or missing limbs

Animals should be strong, alert, and able to walk themselves to the place of slaughter.

4. When Must Qurbani Be Performed?

The sacrifice must be done after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, and can continue until sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Performing Qurbani before the Eid prayer invalidates it. If done too early, it must be repeated.

In Australia, Eid ul-Adha 2025 is expected to begin on Saturday, 7 June, depending on moon sighting. Always confirm local Eid times with your mosque.

5. Who Should Offer Qurbani?

Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) for every Muslim who:

• Is adult and sane

• Is not travelling (according to some scholars)

• Owns wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold (like the requirement for Zakat)

Each qualifying individual must offer their own Qurbani. It is not enough for one person to offer on behalf of an entire family unless everyone is included with clear intention.

6. How ARO Ensures All Rules Are Followed

At ARO (Australian Relief Organisation), we guarantee your Qurbani is handled correctly from start to finish:

• Animals are carefully selected based on age, health, and Shariah compliance.

• Local teams and partners follow strict veterinary and halal standards.

• The entire process—from inspection to sacrifice to meat distribution—is carried out with transparency and religious integrity.

We work with regulated abattoirs and community-based slaughter teams under supervision from scholars, vets, and local authorities to maintain the highest possible quality.

Final Thoughts

Following the correct Qurbani rules is essential to ensuring your sacrifice is accepted and meaningful. From the type and age of animal to its health and the timing of slaughter, every detail matters in fulfilling this spiritual obligation.

With ARO, you can trust that your Qurbani meets all Islamic and ethical standards—and reaches those in need with dignity.

Fulfil your Qurbani correctly this year. Donate now through ARO’s Qurban International Hunger Relief Program and share the joy of Eid with families around the world.

Related Project: Qurban