1. Before Slaughtering (Niyyah – Intention)

Before starting the sacrifice, one should make the intention in their heart and can verbally say:

إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمٰوَاتِ وَالأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Inni wajjahtu wajhiya lilladhi fataras-samawati wal-arda hanifan wama ana minal-mushrikeen.”

Translation:

“I have turned my face towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, sincerely, and I am not among the polytheists.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:79)

Place the animal in the direction of the Qibla and recite:

اللَّهُمَّ هَذِهِ مِنْكَ وَلَكَ

“Allahumma hadhihi minka wa laka.”

Translation:

“O Allah, this is from You and for You.”

When slaughtering the animal, recite:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.”

Translation:

“In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.”

For personal sacrifice (on behalf of yourself):

اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي كَمَا تَقَبَّلْتَ مِنْ خَلِيلِكَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَحَبِيبِكَ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

“Allahumma taqabbal minni kama taqabbalta min khalilika Ibrahim wa habibika Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.”

Translation:

“O Allah, accept this from me as You accepted from Your friend Ibrahim and Your beloved Muhammad (peace be upon him).”

For performing Qurbani on behalf of someone else (e.g., family or deceased):

اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنْ [mention name]

“Allahumma taqabbal min [mention name].”

Translation:

“O Allah, accept this from [mention name].”

After the sacrifice, one may recite:

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْهَا مَغْفِرَةً لِي وَلِأَهْلِي

“Allahumma aj‘alha maghfiratan li wa li ahli.”

Translation:

“O Allah, make this a means of forgiveness for me and my family.”

These are the essential duas to be recited before, during, and after Qurbani. May Allah accept your sacrifice!