As the blessed days of Eid al-Adha approach, Muslims around the world prepare to fulfill the beautiful Sunnah of Qurbani (sacrifice). For those planning to sacrifice a cow, here’s a complete guide to ensure your Qurbani is valid, rewarding, and impactful.
Why Sacrifice a Cow?
Cows are one of the animals permitted for Qurbani in Islam. A single cow can suffice for up to seven people if the intention is shared and each share is for Qurbani (not Aqeeqah or sadaqah).
Sunnah Guidelines for Choosing a Cow
According to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
1. Eligible Animals for Qurbani:
Camels (5+ years)
Cows/Buffaloes (2+ years)
Goats/Sheep (1+ year for goats, 6+ months for healthy sheep)
2. Health Conditions (Sahih Bukhari, Muslim): The animal must not:
Be blind or have lost most eyesight
Be sick or obviously ill
Be lame or unable to walk normally
Be emaciated or weak without fat
3. Intention & Ownership:
The intention for Qurbani must be made before sacrifice.
The animal must be owned or co-owned by the person doing Qurbani.
How to Choose the Right Cow: Key Considerations
1. Age Check (2 years minimum):
Ask for teeth check: At 2 years, permanent central incisors should appear.
2. Physical Health:
Bright eyes, active behavior
Good muscle mass and no visible injuries
Smooth coat and good appetite
3. Breed and Meat Yield:
Some breeds (like Boran, Sahiwal, Zebu) yield more meat and fat.
Choose a breed based on your budget and meat requirement.
How to Estimate Animal Weight & Meat Yield
While most people go by visual estimate, here’s a more accurate method:
Heart Girth Formula:
You’ll need a measuring tape.
1. Measure the heart girth (just behind front legs, in inches).
2. Use this formula:
Estimated Weight (kg) = (Heart Girth in inches)^2 × Length × 300 / 9,000
Example:
Heart Girth = 70 inches
Length (shoulder to hip) = 60 inches
Weight ≈ 70² × 60 × 300 / 9000 = approx. 980 kg
Meat Yield Estimate:
On average, 40–50% of live weight becomes usable meat.
A 500 kg cow yields about 200–250 kg of meat.
Tips for Buying the Right Cow:
Buy early to avoid price hikes and poor-quality animals.
Visit reputable farms or sellers who follow Islamic guidelines.
Ensure the animal is not pregnant or injured.
Avoid sedated or drugged animals—always observe the behavior.
Final Sunnah Acts to Observe:
Make the intention of Qurbani before the Eid prayer.
The animal should be sacrificed after Eid prayer on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Recite "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" at the time of sacrifice.
Distribute the meat in three parts (for self, family/friends, and the poor).
May Allah accept our Qurbani and make it a means of purification, reward, and joy.
