Every year during Eid al-Adha, millions of Muslims around the world carry out the act of Qurbani – the sacrifice of an animal in obedience to Allah and in remembrance of the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Isma'il (AS).

For many families in vulnerable communities, the Qurbani donation they receive is the only time all year they will eat fresh meat. It is an act of worship with direct, tangible impact.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the meaning of Qurbani, its origins in the Quran and Sunnah, who should give, how the meat is distributed, and how to donate your Qurbani to reach families in need.

The Meaning of Qurbani

The word Qurbani comes from the Arabic root q-r-b, which means to draw near. In Islamic practice, Qurbani refers to the act of sacrificing a specific animal during the days of Eid al-Adha as a form of worship and devotion to Allah.

In Arabic, the sacrifice is also called Udhiyah, which specifically refers to the animal slaughtered during the days of Eid al-Adha. The two terms are used interchangeably, though Qurbani is more common among South Asian Muslim communities and Udhiyah in Arab communities.

Qurbani is not simply about the physical act of slaughtering an animal. At its core, it is about submission to Allah and willingness to give up something of value for His sake. The Quran makes this clear:

"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him."
– Surah al-Hajj, 22:37

The Story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

The practice of Qurbani traces back to one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Allah tested the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by commanding him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il (AS).

Ibrahim (AS) shared the vision with his son, and both father and son submitted fully to Allah's command:

"He said: 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said: 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.'"
– Surah as-Saffat, 37:102

When Ibrahim (AS) placed his son down and was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and replaced Isma'il with a ram:

"And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice."
– Surah as-Saffat, 37:107

This act of complete obedience became the foundation of the annual Qurbani. Muslims perform the sacrifice each year during Eid al-Adha to honor Ibrahim's submission to Allah and to remember that true devotion means placing trust in Allah above all else.

Who Should Give Qurbani?

There is a well-known difference of opinion among Islamic scholars on whether Qurbani is obligatory or a confirmed Sunnah.

• Hanafi view: Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) on every sane, adult Muslim who possesses wealth at or above the nisab threshold – the same threshold used for Zakat.
• Majority view (Shafi'i, Hanbali, Maliki): Qurbani is a strongly recommended act (sunnah mu'akkadah) that a Muslim should not neglect if they have the means.

Regardless of which position you follow, the guidance of scholars is clear: if you can afford it, you should give Qurbani. The Prophet (ﷺ) himself never missed it.

"Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer."
– Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Majah

For a full breakdown of eligibility, timing, and animal requirements, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How.

When Is Qurbani Performed?

Qurbani takes place during the days of Eid al-Adha, which falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The time for sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer and extends through the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Some scholars also include the 13th.

Any animal slaughtered before the Eid prayer is not considered a valid Qurbani.

In 2026, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), subject to moon sighting. If you are donating through a charity, it is best to arrange your donation well in advance so the sacrifice can be prepared on time.

For exact dates, the significance of Dhul Hijjah, and what happens on the day, see: When Is Eid al-Adha? Date, Meaning, and How to Prepare.

Which Animals Qualify for Qurbani?

Qurbani animals must come from the an'am (livestock) category. The Prophet (ﷺ) and Islamic scholars have established clear guidelines on which animals qualify and their minimum ages:

• Sheep – at least 6 months old (jadh'ah). Counts as one share (one person's Qurbani).
• Goat – at least 1 year old. Counts as one share.
• Cow or buffalo – at least 2 years old. Can be shared among up to 7 people.
• Camel – at least 5 years old. Can also be shared among up to 7 people.

The animal must be healthy, free from obvious defects such as blindness, severe lameness, or visible illness, and must not be emaciated.

For the full table of eligible animals, disqualifying defects, and source references, see: Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How.

How Is Qurbani Meat Distributed?

The Sunnah is to divide Qurbani meat into three parts:

• One third for the donor and their household
• One third for relatives, friends, and neighbors
• One third for those in need

This practice is rooted in the Quran:

"So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor."
– Surah al-Hajj, 22:28

The distribution of Qurbani meat reflects the communal nature of the act – it is meant to bring people together and ensure that those who are less fortunate can also share in the blessing of Eid al-Adha.

When you donate your Qurbani through a charity, the meat is distributed in its entirety to families in need. This fulfills the portion for the poor, and you may perform a separate local sacrifice if you wish to share with family and neighbors.

Important: Scholars agree that Qurbani meat cannot be sold, and the butcher should not be compensated from the meat. These are separate obligations.

For detailed scholarly opinions, what to do with the skin, and common questions about distribution, see: How Should Qurbani Meat Be Shared?

The Spiritual Significance of Qurbani

Beyond the physical act, Qurbani carries deep spiritual meaning. It is a reminder that everything we have belongs to Allah, and that true worship means being willing to give up what we love most for His sake.

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."
– Sahih al-Bukhari

Performing Qurbani on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah places this act of worship at the peak of the most blessed days of the year. Combined with fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah), making dhikr, and giving in charity, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah offer Muslims an extraordinary opportunity for spiritual growth.

The lesson of Ibrahim (AS) is one of complete trust. He did not know the outcome when he laid his son down. He simply obeyed. Qurbani is a yearly invitation to renew that same trust – to give freely, to rely on Allah, and to share what we have been given.

Qurbani vs Aqiqah: What Is the Difference?

Qurbani and Aqiqah are both forms of animal sacrifice in Islam, but they serve different purposes and follow different rules.

• Qurbani is performed annually during the days of Eid al-Adha (10th–12th of Dhul Hijjah) in remembrance of Ibrahim's sacrifice. It is either obligatory (Hanafi) or strongly recommended (majority) for eligible Muslims each year.
• Aqiqah is performed after the birth of a child, traditionally on the seventh day. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Every child is held in pledge for his Aqiqah, which is sacrificed for him on the seventh day." It is a one-time act of gratitude for the blessing of a newborn.

The two acts are independent. Giving Aqiqah does not replace one's annual Qurbani, and vice versa.

How to Give Your Qurbani Through Human Appeal

If you are unable to perform the sacrifice yourself, or if you want your Qurbani to reach families who need it most, you can donate through Human Appeal. The process is simple:

1. Choose the type of animal: goat, sheep, or a share in a cow.
2. Select the country where your Qurbani will be carried out (Human Appeal operates in 15 countries).
3. Complete your donation online before Eid al-Adha.
4. Human Appeal carries out the sacrifice after the Eid prayer, during the correct timeframe, in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
5. Fresh meat is distributed directly to families in need.

For many of these families, the Qurbani meat they receive during Eid al-Adha is the only time of year they will have fresh meat. Your donation turns an act of worship into a moment of joy for a family in need.

Learn More About Qurbani

This page is part of our Qurbani knowledge hub. Explore the articles below for deeper guidance on specific topics:

• Qurbani Rules: Who Has to Give, When, and How – A detailed guide covering eligibility, timing, eligible animals, disqualifying defects, family rules, and how to delegate your sacrifice.
• How Should Qurbani Meat Be Shared? – The Sunnah method of dividing Qurbani meat, the four schools of thought on distribution, and common questions about sharing with non-Muslims, freezing, and selling.
• Your Qurbani Questions Answered – Quick answers to the most common Qurbani questions – from timing and animals to missed years and hair-and-nail rules.
• When Is Eid al-Adha? Date, Meaning, and How to Prepare – Expected date for 2026, the significance of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, and a preparation checklist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Qurbani mean?

Qurbani comes from the Arabic root meaning "to draw near." It refers to the sacrifice of a specific animal during Eid al-Adha as an act of worship, following the tradition of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It is also known as Udhiyah in Arabic.

Is Qurbani the same as Udhiyah?

Yes. Both terms refer to the same act of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha. Qurbani is the more commonly used term among South Asian and Turkish Muslim communities, while Udhiyah is used in Arabic-speaking communities.

How much does Qurbani cost?

The cost varies depending on the type of animal and the country where the sacrifice is carried out. Through Human Appeal, you can donate a goat, sheep, or cow share at different price points. Visit the Qurbani donation page for current pricing.

Can I give Qurbani on behalf of someone who passed away?

Yes. Many scholars permit offering Qurbani on behalf of deceased relatives. The Prophet (ﷺ) sacrificed on behalf of his entire Ummah, which includes those who had passed away.

When is the deadline to give Qurbani?

The sacrifice must take place after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and can be performed through the 12th (some scholars allow the 13th). If donating through a charity, donate well before Eid to ensure your sacrifice is arranged on time.