Question:
Is it better to buy a sacrificial animal (Qurbani) several days before Eid and fatten it up? Is this the Sunnah? Is it wrong to buy it just one day before?
Answer:
There is no authentic evidence or command from the Prophet ﷺstating that you must buy the animal in advance and fatten it. This is not a Sunnah. Some scholars have cited a narration from Sahih Bukhari without a chain (Mu’allaq) that says the companions used to fatten their sacrificial animals in Medina.
However, this narration is not authentic (it has no connected chain). Even if it were authentic, it would be an action of the companions, not a command from the Prophet. It might have been their custom or preference, not a religious obligation or Sunnah.
In modern cities, it is often impractical to keep an animal for many days before Eid. Islam is a religion of ease. The obligation is to offer the sacrifice on the prescribed days. The animal should be healthy and of the correct age.
Buying it a day or two before is perfectly fine. The idea that fattening it is better is a cultural practice, not a religious requirement. There is no evidence to say that buying in advance is more virtuous.
Do not make it difficult for people by adding requirements that are not from Allahﷻ or His Messenger. The simple act of sacrifice with the right intention is what matters.
Conclusion: Buying a Qurbani animal in advance and fattening it is not a Sunnah, not a requirement, and not a factor for increased reward. It is a cultural practice. Buy a healthy animal at any time before the sacrifice, even the same day, and fulfill your obligation with a sincere intention.