Prayers and Sunnah Practices for Qurban for Others and Oneself
A day before Eid al-Adha, Muslims finalise preparations for the qurban ritual. A key point to know is the correct prayers for slaughtering the qurban animal, whether for oneself or others. How should the prayer be recited in accordance with Islamic teachings?
In practice, slaughtering the qurban animal is not merely a technical process but a spiritually significant act of worship. Specific prayers are recommended to be recited during the slaughter as an expression of intention and devotion to Allah SWT. Additionally, the wording of the prayer differs when the sacrifice is intended for oneself versus for others.
Beyond prayers, Islam prescribes several sunnah practices during the slaughter to ensure the ritual is complete and blessed. Below is a detailed explanation of the prayers for others and oneself, along with the sunnah practices.
Prayers for Sacrificing Qurban for Others and Oneself
Qurban prayers are not merely ceremonial recitations. They affirm the intention that the sacrifice is solely for Allah SWT, whether for oneself or others.
Referencing the book ‘Misteri Kedua Belah Tangan dalam Shalat, Zikir, dan Doa’ by Dr KH Badruddin Hasyim Subky, M HI, here is the complete prayer for slaughtering qurban for others and oneself.
- Read Surah Al-An’am Verses 162-163
Before reciting the prayer, it is recommended to recite verses 162 and 163 of Surah Al-An’am. Below is the text of these verses for reference.
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُۥ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا۠ أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Arab-Latin: Qul inna shalaatii wa nusukii wa maḥyaaya wa mamaatii lillaahi rabbil-’aalamin. Laa syariika lahuu, wa biżaalika umirtu wa anaa awwalul-muslimin.
Translation: ‘Say: “Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. He has no partner; and this is what I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.”’
- Recite the Qurban Slaughter Prayer
Afterwards, recite the qurban slaughter prayer, adjusting it according to whether it is for oneself or others. Below are the prayers based on the intended recipient.
Prayer for Others
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، هَذَا مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ. اللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ نِعْمَةٌ وَعَطِيَّةٌ مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنْهُ / مِنْهَا / مِنْهُمْ. اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ.
Arab-Latin: Bismillah, Allahu akbaru hadza mink awa ilaika. Allahumma hadzihi ni’matun wa ’athiyyatun mink awa ilaika fataqabbal minhu/minha/minhum/minni. Allahuakbar.
Translation: ‘In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. This is from You and to You. O Allah, this is a blessing and gift from You; accept it on behalf of [him/her/them]. Allah is the Greatest.’
Prayer for Oneself
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، هَذَا مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ. اللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ نِعْمَةٌ وَعَطِيَّةٌ مِنْكَ وَإِلَيْكَ فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي. اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ.
Arab-Latin: Bismillah, Allahu akbaru hadza mink awa ilaika. Allahumma hadzihi ni’matun wa ’athiyyatun mink awa ilaika fataqabbal minni. Allahuakbar.
Translation: ‘In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest. This is from You and to You. O Allah, this is a blessing and gift from You; accept it from me. Allah is the Greatest.’
Sunnah Practices for Slaughtering the Qurban Animal
Beyond prayers, the qurban ritual is encouraged to be performed with specific sunnah practices for completeness and blessings. Compiled from the book ‘Perbandingan Mazhab Fiqh: Penyesuaian Pendapat di Kalangan Imam Mazhab’ by H Syaikhu, MHI, Norwili, MHI, and ‘Intisari PAI Integratif Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Jilid 5’ by Mohammad Hanif, SThI, MPd, the following are recommended sunnah practices during slaughter:
The person performing the sacrifice is encouraged to slaughter the animal themselves.
Recite the basmalah (In the name of Allah).
Send blessings upon Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Face the qibla, both the slaughterer and the animal.
Recite takbir three times before and after the basmalah.
Place the left foot on the animal’s neck.
Recite the qurban slaughter prayer for acceptance by Allah SWT.
Guidelines for Distributing Qurban Meat
Based on the book ‘Fikih Sunnah Jilid 5’ by Sayyid Sabiq, guidelines for distributing qurban meat state that it should be divided into portions for the sacrificer, relatives, and the poor. This is based on a hadith from Muslim:
كُلُوا وَأَطْعِمُوا وَادَّخِرُوا
Translation: ‘Eat, give, and store.’
According to scholars, more detailed guidelines include:
The sacrificer should consume one-third.
One-third should be given in charity.
One-third should be stored.
Qurban meat may be distributed to other regions.
Qurban meat, including the skin, must not be sold.
Qurban meat must not be given to the slaughterer as payment.
Wisdom of the Qurban Ritual
Finally, the entire qurban ritual holds profound wisdom for a Muslim’s life. It is not merely an annual ritual but a means to enhance piety, sincerity, and social compassion. Cited from the book ‘Studi Fiqh: Pendekatan Tafsir’ by Dr H Sudirman Nahrawi, SAg, MAg, the wisdom of performing qurban includes:
- Strengthening faith and raising awareness of Allah’s greatness.