Before offering Qurban, there are important guidelines to keep in mind:

Eligibility: It is recommended for every Muslim who can afford it.

Animals: Must be healthy and meet age requirements (sheep/goat: 1 year, cow: 2 years, camel: 5 years).

Timing: Sacrifice is performed after Eid prayer, not before.

Sharing: The meat is divided – one-third for family, one-third for relatives, and one-third for the poor.

Intention: Sincerity is key; it is for Allah alone.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed:
"Sacrifice only a musinnah (grown animal), unless it is difficult for you, in which case sacrifice a jadha’ah (six-month-old sheep)."
(Muslim, 1963)

Also, it is Sunnah for the person offering Qurban to avoid cutting hair and nails from the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is done.

Offering Qurban properly brings great spiritual rewards and helps the needy celebrate Eid joyfully.