What is Qurbani, and why does it hold such importance in the religion of Islam? Whether you’re looking to carry out your first Qurbani or refresh your memory on the topic, this guide by Muslim Aid aims to answer all your questions regarding this act of worship, leaving you with much more knowledge and understanding of what Qurbani is and its purpose.
Qurbani is the sacred act of sacrificing an animal during the days of Eid al-Adha. The sacrifice is made in honour of the devotion of the Prophet (AS) and his obedience to Allah. Qurbani is more than just the physical act of sacrifice. It’s the expression of faith and gratitude, and the willingness to give something valuable for the sake of Allah.
Qurbani is performed after the morning Eid prayer and can be carried out over three days. The meat is then required to be shared amongst family, friends and those in need, making sure that everyone can enjoy the blessings of the joyous occasion of Eid.
So, when is Qurbani Eid 2026? Firstly, it’s important to understand when Qurbani is carried out within the Islamic calendar. Qurbani is performed during the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. These days are considered highly blessed, and performing Qurbani within this time ensures that the act is valid and accepted.
Eid al-Adha in 2026 is expected to fall around the 27th of May, but this will also depend on the sighting of the moon.
The story of Ibrahim (AS) is at the heart of Qurbani. The Ibrahim (AS) Qurbani story is the story of a powerful test of faith. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had a dream in which he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). Though this was a difficult task to carry out, both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) showed trust in the will of Allah and listened to the command of Allah.
As Ibrahim (AS) began to prepare for the sacrifice of his Son, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram, sparing the life of Ismail (AS). This moment teaches us that true faith lies in obedience and sincerity. The story of Ibrahim (AS) also teaches Muslims about sacrifice, trust and devotion, all of which are practised during the time of Qurbani every year in remembrance of this event.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Say, "Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” [Quran 6:162]
So, is Qurbani mandatory in Islam? Qurbani is considered a highly important act of worship. According to the Hanafi School of Thought, it is an obligatory act that every Muslim adult who meets a certain financial condition must perform. Other Schools of Thought consider it as a highly recommended Sunnah that should not be missed.
Whilst the opinions around this vary, the majority agree that if a Muslim has the means to carry out the sacrifice, they should perform Qurbani as it is a simple way to show gratitude, along with fulfilling a religious duty.
People often ask who needs to give Qurbani. This act of sacrifice should be carried out by Muslims of sound mind, who have reached maturity and possess wealth after meeting their necessary needs. This would mean that not every believer is required to give Qurbani, but only those who can afford it are encouraged to do so.
Understanding who needs to give Qurbani can help ensure that the responsibility of sacrifice is fulfilled correctly. It is a personal duty in which each eligible individual should offer their own Qurbani.
A common concern for families is do you have to give Qurbani for a child? The simple answer to this question is no. Qurbani is not obligatory upon a child who has not yet reached maturity. However, parents or guardians can choose to offer a Qurbani on behalf of their child if they wish to do so.
This can also be a great and impactful way to include children in the spirit of giving and to help them understand the importance of Qurbani from a young age.
It is key to know and understand which animals are allowed for Qurbani in the first place. Only certain animals are eligible to be sacrificed. These include sheep, goats, cows, buffalo and camels. These animals must meet specific conditions related to age and health. They should be free from any illness and must be treated with care and respect.
To know which animals are allowed for Qurbani can help ensure that the sacrifice is valid according to Islamic teachings.
So why is Qurbani important? The act of Qurbani is more than just the sacrifice in itself, but about what it represents and the intention behind it. It is a reminder to the believers to be obedient to Allah, and to show compassion for others through sharing your blessings with those in need.
When we reflect on why Qurbani is important, we see that it strengthens our faith and shapes a sense of community within the Muslim Ummah. It permits Muslims to support families going through hardship by sharing the Qurbani meat and providing a nutritious meal, all of which those in need often go without throughout the year.
The performance of Qurbani also teaches generosity, encouraging believers to give without expecting anything in return and to ultimately remember those who are less fortunate.
Understanding and acknowledging what Qurbani is and its deeper meaning can help a believer approach this act of worship with sincerity. From reflecting on the story of Ibrahim and where it all began, to the practical aspect of giving and helping those in need, every part of Qurbani holds its own value. It is a time to remember Allah, and to give for His sake.
You can choose to give your Qurbani through Muslim Aid to ensure you’re able to provide a nutritious meal to a family facing poverty in time for Eid. Fulfil this act of faith and worship through sincerity. Donate your Qurbani today.
Qurbani should be performed after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Any sacrifice made before this time is deemed as invalid.
Yes, Muslim Aid allow you to donate your Qurbani online. We arrange the sacrifice of the animal that you choose and distribute the meat to those in need on your behalf.
The cost of Qurbani will depend on the animal you choose and the country in which the sacrifice is being carried out. Muslim Aid offer different options to suit your budget best.
Yes, larger animals such as cows, buffalo or camels can be shared between up to seven people. Small animals, such as a sheep or goats, cannot be shared and must be sacrificed on behalf of a single individual.
The Qurbani meat is divided into portions and is distributed to family, friends and those in need, ensuring that the blessings can reach as many people as possible.
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