What is Qurbani in Islam- A Complete Guide for Qurbani Performer

The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is marked as one of the sacred festivals in Islam. On this day, Muslims from across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha and perform Qurbani purely for the cause of Allah. The Qurbani ritual is performed to commemorate the patience and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son to seek Allah’s pleasure.

Hazrat Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) offered themselves to Allah, and Allah took pity on them and saved Hazrat Ismail’s (AS) life, and a lamb was slaughtered in place of Hazrat Ismail (AS). So, in order to fulfill Hazrat Ibrahim’s sunnah and to seek Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure, Muslims perform Qurbani on every Eid al-Adha.

This article is a detailed account of what Eid al-Adha Qurbani is. Learn who is eligible to perform Qurbani, how to select an animal for Qurbani, how to distribute Qurbani meat, and other aspects to perform Qurbani with all its charms without any mistakes.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani’s meaning is to sacrifice, and Muslims from across the world sacrifice animals and distribute them among the needy to seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Usually, goats, sheep, cows, and camels are used for slaughtering on Eid ul-Adha. The Eid celebration or Qurbani practice runs for three days, from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It is recommended to start performing Qurbani after offering Eid prayer and before sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

When is Qurbani 2026 in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, Qurbani Eid is celebrated based on the moon sighting. It is anticipated that Eid ul-Adha 2026 (Qurbani Eid) will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th May, 2026. However, the final date will be announced once the Dhul Hijjah moon is sighted in Pakistan.

Qurbani Rules and Requirements

Islam does not burden its followers with its festivals and rituals. Performing Qurbani is indeed obligatory, but only for those who can afford it. Here we come with the Qurbani rules and requirements; every Muslim must know whether they are going to perform Qurbani or not.

How to Choose Animals?

As Eid ul-Adha is the name of Qurbani or slaughtering, it is crucial to know about how to choose animals for Qurbani. Qurbani can be performed on goats, sheep, cows, and camels. However, knowing the animals’ age is necessary as underage or overage animals are not eligible for slaughtering.

(a) Sheep or Goats: For sheep or goats, it is recommended to slaughter them only if they are aged between 6 months and 1 year.

(b) Cows: To slaughter cows on Eid ul-Adha, ensure that they are at least 2 years old.

(c) Camels: For camels, the maximum age limit to perform Qurbani is 5 years.

Who is Eligible to Perform Qurbani?

Not every single Muslim is required to perform Qurbani, but those who meet certain conditions:

(a) Sane and Adult Muslims: To offer Qurbani, the person must be an adult Muslim who is mentally stable.

(b) Non-Travellers: If you want to perform Qurbani on Eid, ensure that you are not engaged in travelling activities.

(c) Who Meets the Nisab: Muslims who are financially stable and meet the Nisab are required to perform Qurbani. The Nisab for Qurbani is the same as the Nisab for Zakat, which is 87.48 grams (7.5 Tola) of gold or 612.36 grams (52.5 Tola) of silver.

Who is not Eligible for Qurbani?

People under the following conditions are not required to perform Qurbani:

(a) Underage children, who are under 5 years of age

(b) Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are exempted

(c) Families who have little to no access to the markets are also exempted from Qurbani

What are the Rules to Distribute Qurbani Meat?

Where Islam recommends wealthy Muslims to perform Qurbani, at the same time, the religion also teaches us to take care of the poor. According to Islam, the Qurbani meat must be equally divided into three parts and distributed under certain conditions:

(a) Your own Family: Keep one part or share of the Qurbani meat for your family members.

(b) Relatives and Friends: Distribute the second share of the Qurbani meat among your relatives and friends.

(c) The Poor: The third share of Qurbani meat must be distributed among the poor.

How to Perform Qurbani?

Performing Qurbani is a sacred yet easy way. If you are eligible or financially stable, buy an animal based on your affordability, and follow the given simple steps to perform Qurbani:

(a) Make sure the animal meets the set criteria (age and health)

(b) You need to keep the Qurbani knife sharp enough that it does not maximize the pain and suffering

(c) Do not sharp knife in front of other animals that are going to be slaughtered

(d) Do not slaughter an animal in front of other animals

(e) Never forget to recite the Qurbani takbeer and Qurbani ki Dua.

What is the Qurbani Prayer?

Muslims who are going to perform Qurbani must read this Dua before offering Qurbani:

'Inni Wajjaht Wajhi Lilladhi Fatar Alssamaawat Wal'ard Millata 'Iibrahim Hanifaan Wama 'ana Min Almushrikin. 'Inna Salati Wanusuki Wamahyaya Wamamati Lillah Rabb Alealamin La Sharik Lah Wabidhalik 'Umirtu Wa'ana 'Awwal Almuslimin, Alllahumm Minka Walaka.

“I have turned my face to that Being who has created the skies and the Earth in the state of the Straight Deen of Ibrahim - and I am not amongst the Mushrikeen. Definitely, my Salaat, my Ibadat, and my living and dying are all for Allah, who is the Lord of the worlds, and who has no partner. I have been ordered (all that passed), I am amongst the Muslimeen (the obedient). O Allah, this sacrifice is due to You granting us the ability to do so, and it is for You.”

Give Your Donations to RCF on This Qurbani Eid!

Muslims who are going to offer Qurbani on this Eid ul-Adha, may Allah accept their Qurbani and shower His blessings on them. However, those who are not eligible, may Allah make them able to do so. Those who are not offering Qurbani are advised to do other good things during this Eid. For example, they can give Sadaqah or charity to those who are looking for financial or health support on this Eid. Give your donations to the Renal Care Foundation this Eid and help kidney patients manage their dialysis sessions, medications, and other treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of Qurbani?

The meaning of Qurbani is to sacrifice in the name of Allah to get his forgiveness and pleasure. Muslims perform Qurbani to memorialize the sacrifice and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) towards Allah.

What is the date of Qurbani Eid 2026 in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, it is estimated that the Qurbani Eid will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th of May, 2026. However, the final Eid schedule will be decided once the Dhul Hijjah moon is sighted.

How to Choose Qurbani Animals?

Muslims can choose goats, sheep, cows, and camels for slaughtering. However, they must choose the animals of the right age. For example, goats and sheep must be older than 6 months to 1 year, cows must be 2 years old, and for camels, the maximum age limit is 5 years. Besides this, it is also recommended to choose a healthy animal with no injuries on its body.

Who is obligated for Qurbani?

All adult Muslims who are sane, not engaged in traveling on Eid day, and meet the Nisab are obligated to perform Qurbani.

What is the best time to perform Qurbani?

Muslims can perform Qurbani any time from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (after Eid prayer) to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, before sunset.