10 key questions about Eid al-Adha Sacrifice explained
Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar, will begin on Friday, June 6. In anticipation, the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs has answered ten commonly asked questions about the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani):
When does the sacrifice period start and end?
The sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer in areas where it is performed, or after dawn in areas without it. Sacrifices can be made during the day or night, up until sunset on the third day of Eid.
Who is obligated to perform the sacrifice?
Any Muslim who is of sound mind, has reached puberty, is not traveling, and possesses wealth beyond their basic needs and debts—equal to or exceeding 80.18 grams of gold—is religiously obligated.
What are the requirements for sacrificial animals?
Animals must be healthy and free from serious defects. Those that are lame, blind, extremely weak, or have broken horns or missing limbs are not acceptable.
Is it permissible to stun the animal before slaughter?
Yes, methods like electric stunning or anesthesia are allowed to minimize suffering. However, the animal must be alive at the time of slaughter. If it dies before the cut, it is not valid as a sacrifice.
Can giving charity replace sacrificing an animal?
No. The act of sacrificing the animal itself is essential. Donating its monetary equivalent does not fulfill the religious obligation.
Can others join after an animal is bought?
For large livestock (cattle, camels), up to seven people can share in one sacrifice. New partners may join post-purchase, but each must own at least one-seventh.
Can the meat, hide, or parts of the animal be sold?
No. Selling any part of the sacrificial animal is not permitted. If sold, the proceeds must be donated. Prophet Muhammad said: “Whoever sells the hide of the sacrifice has not performed the sacrifice.”
Can organizations selling meat conduct sacrifices by proxy?
No. Organizations entrusted with sacrifices must not sell the meat. It should be distributed to those in need. If distribution is not possible, the meat may be sold only to prevent waste—with proceeds used charitably, per the donor’s intent.
Is buying a sacrificial animal with a credit card allowed?
Yes, as long as the cardholder avoids interest charges by paying on time. Installment plans are also permissible if no interest is involved.
Is it allowed to use a bank loan to buy a sacrificial animal?
Not if the loan involves interest. Using interest-bearing loans for sacrifice contradicts Islamic principles. Those unable to afford a sacrifice should not take on such financial burdens.
Source: Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı – High Council of Religious Affairs
Reporter: AA News Agency
