Qurbani 2026

Qurbani 2026 — your questions answered

• What is Qurbani (Udhiyah)?

  Qurbani, or Udhiyah, is one of the most spiritual deeds performed during the days of Dhul Hijjah. The word Qurban or Udhiyah means sacrifice — it is the ultimate act of worship. Every year, during the month of Dhul Hijjah, millions of Muslims around the world commemorate these sacred days by fulfilling this important religious obligation through the sacrifice of animals including sheep, goats, cows, and camels. A minimum of one third of the meat must go to poor or vulnerable people. In the UK, many donors choose to perform their Qurbani (Udhiyah) in poorer countries, so the entirety of their donation goes to those most in need.

• Why do we give Qurbani?

  Each year, Muslims reflect the obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by making an animal sacrifice to the glory of God. In a dream, Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Ismail (AS). Although Ibrahim loved Ismail very much, he was willing to give him up in devotion to Allah. At the last minute, Allah spared the life of Ismail and sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. Qurbani is an act of worship and charity that was continued by the Messenger (PBUH) who said, "It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim. For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah." (Al-Tirmidhi). To this day, Qurbani is performed in honour of the Prophet Ibrahim's surrender to the will of Allah.

• What is a Prophetic Qurbani and who should perform one?

  When delivering his Qurbani, the Messenger (PBUH) used to sacrifice two animals — one on his behalf, and one on behalf of those in the Ummah who couldn't afford to perform their own Qurbani. Abu Talhah (RA) reported, "The Prophet (PBUH) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood." (Ahmad). Qurbani is incumbent upon all sane adults who have wealth in excess of their needs, according to the Hanafi madhab. This usually means that anyone who is eligible to pay Zakat must also perform Qurbani.

• When is the Qurbani 2026 deadline and when should I pay?

  For your Qurbani to be accepted, it must be performed between the first and third days of Eid al-Adha (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah). You can make your Qurbani payment anytime from the start of Dhul Hijjah — which will likely begin on 18 May 2026 (depending on the sighting of the moon) — until maghrib on the second day of Eid al-Adha. The sooner we receive your donation, the better our chances of ensuring the people we support will have their meat in time to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

• Which animals are eligible for Qurbani?

  The animals commonly used for Qurbani are sheep, cows, goats, and camels. They can be male or female but must be in good health and free from any injuries. Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, cattle two years, and camels five years old. All of our Qurbani meat is locally-sourced and fresh. We perform Qurbani on cows in all countries, with additional options including a sheep Qurbani in Iraq and Syria, a goat Qurbani in Yemen, and a Buffalo Qurbani in India.

• How does Human Appeal quality check Qurbani meat?

  We carefully select local farmers to work with and inspect each animal to make sure they have been cared for in accordance with Islamic principles and meet the requirements for Qurbani. One person must provide one Qurbani share. A small animal such as a sheep or goat counts as one share, while larger animals like camels and cattle count as seven shares each.

• Can I give more than one Qurbani donation, or give on behalf of someone who has passed?

  Yes. Only adults of means are required to give Qurbani, but you can give as many shares as you like — one for each family member, and even for loved ones who have passed on. You can also dedicate a Qurbani to those in the ummah who cannot afford to give, reviving the beautiful Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ.

• Are there any hidden costs in Human Appeal's Qurbani donation?

  No. We are upfront and transparent about all costs. The amount you give is the amount needed for your Qurbani donation to be completed. The prices we list provide healthy, good quality meat from well-cared-for animals. They ensure that farmers and skilled slaughterers are fairly paid, and that your Qurbani is transported and delivered on time, in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

• Where will my Qurbani donation be distributed in 2026?

  This year, we're distributing Qurbani across 22 countries and territories including India, Nepal, Malawi, Somalia, Niger, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, among others. You can also choose to donate to Where Most Needed and we'll ensure your Qurbani reaches those who need it most. In the rare event that a country quota is filled, we may divert your donation to another location. If no sheep or goats are available, a share of a cow will be used.

• How are Qurbani recipients selected and how is it performed?

  Our country staff survey and assess the needs of local families ahead of Qurbani to work out where help is most needed. We complete needs assessments, focusing on female-headed households and families living below the poverty line. Often, Qurbani is the only time in the year that some people will have the chance to eat meat. Our local country offices then select local farmers with healthy animals. We perform your Qurbani immediately after Eid prayer and deliver it as soon as possible to the most vulnerable people.

• What type of Qurbani meat does Human Appeal provide?

• How is Qurbani volume decided — what counts as one share?

  One person = one share, sheep/goat = 1 share, cattle/camel = 7 shares.

• What days will my Qurbani be performed — and what if my donation is late?

  From 10th Dhul Hijjah, striving for third day, late donations count as Sadaqah.

• What happens if my chosen country's Qurbani quota is filled?

  Diverted to where most needed, cow share used if no sheep/goat available.

• Who does my Qurbani donation help?

  821 million hungry, 22 countries, marginalised families, often the only meat they eat all year.

• What days will Qurbani be performed?

  We’re carrying out your Qurbani starting immediately after Eid prayer (whether that’s at home or in congregation in the local country) until the fourth day of Eid al-Adha. But, given the diversity of opinion on whether Qurbani on the fourth day of Eid is valid, we strive to complete all sacrifices by the third day.

  The earlier you make your donation, the more likely we are to be able to fulfil your Qurbani on time; we’ve purchased animals ahead of time to make sure we’re ready to perform your donation as swiftly as possible after receiving your donation.

  If your Qurbani donation is late and we aren’t able to carry out your sacrifice within the four days of Eid, your charity will still be performed, but it will count as Sadaqah.