Qurbani 2026 – Complete Guide to Eid al-Adha Sacrifice

Qurbani is one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam, performed annually during Eid al-Adha to honour the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In 2026, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall on 27th May, and millions of Muslims worldwide will offer their Qurbani to please Allah and feed those in need.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know — from Qurbani rules and eligibility to how you can give your sacrifice through HBSMWA and make a real difference in Gaza and Pakistan.

What Is Qurbani?

Qurbani (also called Udhiya in Arabic) is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha — the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah's command. When Allah saw Ibrahim's devotion, He replaced Ismail with a ram.

Today, Muslims continue this tradition by sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to family, friends, and — most importantly — those who cannot afford it themselves.

Who Must Give Qurbani?

Qurbani is Wajib (obligatory) according to the Hanafi school of thought upon every sane, adult Muslim who possesses the Nisab threshold of wealth (the same threshold used for Zakat). This applies to both men and women individually.

You are eligible if:

• You are a sane adult Muslim
• You possess wealth equal to or above the Nisab value (approximately 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver, or equivalent cash/assets)
• You are not a traveller (according to some scholars)

If you meet these criteria on the days of Qurbani, it is obligatory upon you to sacrifice.

Qurbani 2026 Dates

Based on lunar calendar projections:

• 1st Day of Qurbani (10th Dhul Hijjah): Tuesday, 27th May 2026
• 2nd Day of Qurbani (11th Dhul Hijjah): Wednesday, 28th May 2026
• 3rd Day of Qurbani (12th Dhul Hijjah): Thursday, 29th May 2026

Exact dates depend on moon sighting in your region.

Which Animals Are Accepted for Qurbani?

Islamic guidelines specify the following animals and minimum ages:

Animal	Minimum Age
Goat / Sheep	1 year
Cow / Buffalo	2 years
Camel	5 years

A goat or sheep counts as one Qurbani share (for one person). A cow, buffalo, or camel can be divided into seven shares, meaning up to seven people can share the cost.

The animal must be healthy, free from obvious defects (blindness, lameness, sickness, or being extremely thin), and must be slaughtered with a sharp knife in the name of Allah.

Qurbani Rules You Should Know

1. Intention (Niyyah) — Make your intention for Qurbani before or at the time of sacrifice.
2. Timing — Qurbani must be performed after the Eid prayer on 10th Dhul Hijjah and before sunset on 12th Dhul Hijjah.
3. Distribution — It is Sunnah to divide the meat into three parts: one-third for yourself, one-third for family and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.
4. Not trimming hair/nails — It is recommended (Mustahabb) that the person giving Qurbani does not cut their hair or nails from 1st Dhul Hijjah until the sacrifice is done.
5. One per person — Each eligible individual should give at least one Qurbani. Parents often give on behalf of young children as well.

How HBSMWA Performs Your Qurbani

When you donate your Qurbani through HBSMWA:

• Healthy animals are sourced locally in Pakistan or Gaza, supporting local farmers and ensuring freshness.
• Trained Muslim butchers perform the slaughter according to Islamic rites, reciting Bismillah and the Takbeer.
• Fresh meat is distributed on the same day to orphans, widows, disabled individuals, and families living below the poverty line.
• Photo proof is sent to every donor so you know your obligation has been fulfilled.

Why Give Your Qurbani to Those Overseas?

While performing Qurbani locally is perfectly valid, giving it to communities facing extreme poverty or conflict multiplies the impact. For many families in Gaza under siege or in rural Pakistan, Qurbani meat is the only source of protein they receive all year.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently prioritised the poor and hungry. By donating your Qurbani overseas through a trusted charity like HBSMWA, you follow that Prophetic example.

Give Your Qurbani 2026 With Confidence

HBSMWA has been serving communities across Pakistan and Palestine with a transparent, donor-first approach. With our 100% donation policy, Shariah-compliant process, and on-ground teams, you can trust that your Qurbani will be performed correctly and reach those who need it most.

Book your Qurbani today — and turn your obligation into someone else's celebration.