Every Muslim knows that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and every year, blessed Muslims travel to perform this holy journey. The month of Hajj is also the month of Qurbani in 2026. On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world offer sacrifice in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). This special day reminds us of complete obedience to Allah(S.W.A) and the spirit of sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) was ready to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (A.S), for the sake of Allah’s command. But at that moment, Allah(S.W.A) replaced him with a ram, which was sacrificed instead. The month of Dhul Hijjah brings an important duty for Muslims in the UK and across the world. Muslims continue to honour this beautiful Sunnah with love, faith, and devotion, and In sha Allah this tradition will remain alive until the Day of Judgment.
In this article, we will learn about the rules and importance of Qurbani in Islam, and understand for whom this important act is obligatory.
Importance and Benefits of Qurbani in Islam
Qurbani is a great act of worship that carries many benefits, such as:
- Showing obedience and devotion to Allah(S.W.A)
- Increasing Taqwa (God-consciousness)
- Helping the poor and needy
- Promoting compassion and kindness in society
Allah(S.W.A) says in the Holy Quran:
“لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
Translation:
“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah(S.W.A), but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
Basic Rules of Qurbani in Islam
There are some Islamic rules of Qurbani that every Muslim should follow carefully.
1. Who Is Qurbani Obligatory Upon?
The Qurbani is obligatory on every Muslim who owns wealth to the Nisab amount and has no heavy debts. The Qurbani is not required for children and weak people.
2. Time of Qurbani
The Qurbani is performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer. It can be done during the three days of Eid, which are the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The Qurbani performed before the Eid prayer is not accepted.
3. Conditions of the Qurbani Animal
There are also some conditions for the Qurbani animal that every Muslim should follow carefully.
- The Qurbani animal must be healthy. The Qurbani animal should not be blind, weak, or lame. The animal should be completely fit and healthy for sacrifice.
- A goat or sheep should be at least one year old for the Qurbani. However, if a sheep is six months old but looks healthy like a one-year-old sheep, it can also be used for the Qurbani.
- A cow or buffalo should be at least two years old for the Qurbani, while a camel must be at least five years old for the Qurbani.
Muslims should keep all these points in mind while buying an animal for the Qurbani and should never compromise on the conditions of the Qurbani.
4. Method of Qurbani in 2026
The Qurbani animal should not be slaughtered in front of another animal for the Qurbani. A sharp knife should always be used to reduce pain and suffering during the Qurbani.
Before slaughtering for the Qurbani, the Takbeer should be recited:
“بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ”
(Bismillah Allahu Akbar)
The Qurbani animal should be given water before the Qurbani, and the intention should remain sincere and pure because Allah looks at the sincerity of the heart and intention for the Qurbani.
5. Distribution of Qurbani Meat
In Islam, it is recommended to divide the Qurbani meat into three parts.
- One part should be kept for yourself and your family
- One part should be shared with relatives and friends
- The part should be given to poor and needy people for the Qurbani
According to UK laws, the Qurbani at home is not permitted in areas where the Qurbani. Because of this many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani through trusted organisations so the meat can safely reach needy families, for the Qurbani.
Sunnahs of Qurbani During Dhul Hijjah
When the moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted, Muslims should try to follow important Sunnahs during these blessed ten days. Performing these acts increases rewards and brings a person closer to Allah(S.W.A).
Some important Sunnahs include:
- Avoid cutting hair or nails after the moon of Dhul Hijjah is sighted until the Qurbani is completed
- Keep your intention sincere and avoid showing off (Riya)
- Continue reciting the Takbir during these blessed days
- Increase Zikr, Dua, and recitation of the Holy Quran
- Keep the fast of Yawm-ul-Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
- Seek forgiveness from Allah(S.W.A) for your sins and repent sincerely
These blessed days are among the most important in Islam, and every good deed is rewarded greatly during this time.
Giving Qurbani on Behalf of Others
Many people often ask whether Qurbani can be given on behalf of someone else. The answer is yes, Muslims are allowed to give Qurbani on behalf of others, especially for deceased family members and loved ones. This is considered a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity) and carries great reward.
The Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said that the person offering Qurbani receives reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal. Qurbani also helps purify a person’s wealth and removes greed from the heart. Allah(S.W.A) places blessings in the life of those who give sincerely. It brings happiness to poor families and reminds Muslims to care for those in need. Allah(S.W.A) loves those who give generously for His sake.
Final Thoughts on Qurbani
Qurbani is a beautiful act of worship that brings Muslims closer to Allah(S.W.A) and teaches us sacrifice, kindness, and sincerity. When it is done with the right intention and according to Islamic rules, it becomes a source of blessings in both this life and the Hereafter.
For Muslims living in the UK, giving Qurbani through trusted organisations can make the process easier and more reliable while ensuring the sacrifice reaches needy families properly. May Allah(S.W.A) accept our Qurbani and bless us with true Taqwa. Ameen.
Note: If you are performing Hajj in 2026, make sure to read this important Blog before Dhul Hijjah moon sighting
