What is Qurbani? Understanding the Sacred Sacrifice

Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah or the Eid sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic practices performed during Eid al-Adha. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an:

This sacred act of worship is performed annually during the first three to four days of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to those in need, making it a powerful way to support vulnerable families while honoring Allah’s commands.

The Significance of Qurbani in Islam

Qurbani holds special spiritual significance during the 10 best days of Dhul Hijjah, which are the most sacred days of the Islamic year. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of righteous deeds during this period:

By giving qurbani this Eid, you are not only fulfilling a religious obligation but also contributing to humanitarian relief on a global scale. The impact extends far beyond the spiritual realm—it provides critical nutrition and sustenance to millions of vulnerable people. Learn more about Eid al-Adha 2026 and its significance.

Fighting Global Hunger Through Qurbani

When you choose to donate qurbani online with Al Firdous UK, you’re not just performing a religious duty—you’re becoming part of a global movement to combat poverty and hunger. Learn more about our qurbani project and read stories from families we’ve helped. Last year alone, our qurbani initiative delivered quality meat to vulnerable families in critical regions including:

• Bangladesh
• Afghanistan
• Syria
• And 26 other countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

Each qurbani sacrifice provides a critical source of protein to families who have no other means of accessing such nutritional sustenance. Learn how your sacrifice can feed Rohingya and Gaza families this Eid al-Adha.

Who Receives Qurbani Meat? Our Selection Process

At Al Firdous UK, we employ a transparent and fair qurbani recipient selection system to ensure that the most vulnerable families benefit from your donation. Our scoring system is based on objective criteria that eliminate bias and subjectivity.

Qurbani Eligibility Criteria

A thorough needs assessment is conducted by our local teams to objectively evaluate the weighting and priority of each criterion. This ensures we reach the most vulnerable populations without any bias, making every qurbani donation count toward real, measurable impact.

Is Qurbani Mandatory? Who Must Give Qurbani?

Understanding the Islamic Ruling on Qurbani

The question of whether qurbani is obligatory varies according to Islamic schools of thought. Here’s a breakdown:

Islamic School	Status of Qurbani	Who is Obligated
Hanafi Madhab	Obligatory (Wajib)	Sane adult Muslims with wealth exceeding their needs (similar to Zakat eligibility)
Other Schools	Highly Recommended (Sunnah)	All Muslims, with emphasis on those with means

According to most Islamic scholars, qurbani is highly recommended, especially for those who can afford it. If you follow the Hanafi madhab, the obligation applies to every sane adult Muslim who possesses wealth in excess of basic needs—essentially the same criteria as Zakat eligibility.

Why Give Qurbani If You’re Not Obligated?

Even if qurbani is not obligatory for you, choosing to give qurbani demonstrates:

• Obedience to Allah’s command in the Qur’an
• Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
• Compassion for vulnerable families
• Commitment to humanitarian relief
• Maximizing rewards during the blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

When is Qurbani 2026? Important Dates for Dhul Hijjah

When Can Qurbani be Performed?

At Al Firdous UK, qurbani slaughter begins immediately after the Eid al-Adha prayer and continues until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. This gives a window of up to three to four days for performing the sacrifice, depending on local Islamic jurisprudence.

Our organization respects scholarly differences of opinion regarding the duration of the qurbani period. We typically perform slaughter over three days but may extend to a fourth day in locations where this is religiously accepted by local Muslim communities and when operationally necessary.

How Much is Qurbani? Understanding Our Pricing

Why Do Qurbani Prices Vary?

Many people ask: “Why is qurbani price different across regions?” The answer lies in several interconnected factors that ensure quality and accessibility:

1. Local Animal Costs

Prices for livestock vary significantly depending on the local cost of animals in the regions where sacrifices will be performed. Economic conditions, local demand, and availability all influence animal pricing. Al Firdous UK calculates prices based on real market data from our local partners in each country.

2. High Quality Standards

Since qurbani is an act of worship most beloved to Allah during the days of Tashreek, we insist on the best possible offerings. Our quality standards cover:

• Health: Only healthy animals free from disease or defects
• Weight: Animals that yield maximum meat for vulnerable families
• Age: Animals meeting the minimum Islamic requirements

3. Recipient Quality Standards

The believer is taught to love for their brother and sister that which they love for themselves. This principle guides our commitment to delivering only the highest quality meat to vulnerable families. These standards come at a higher cost but represent our dedication to dignity and compassion.

4. Transportation to Remote Areas

Al Firdous UK reaches the most vulnerable people in the most remote and hard-to-reach areas. However, qurbani transportation costs in rural regions are significantly higher than in urban centers. Conflict zones and disaster-affected areas may incur additional distribution expenses that impact final pricing.

5. Administrative and Operational Costs

Our pricing includes comprehensive administrative charges that cover:

• Animal slaughtering performed according to Islamic guidelines
• Professional meat cutting and processing
• Hygienic packing and storage
• Distribution to remote villages
• Staff recruitment and training
• Organizational support infrastructure

Can I Give Multiple Qurbani Sacrifices?

Absolutely! It is permissible to give more than one qurbani. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself performed multiple sacrifices—one for himself and additional ones on behalf of the Ummah (global Muslim community).

Prophetic Qurbani: Following in the Footsteps of the Prophet

When we offer multiple qurbani sacrifices, we follow in the blessed footsteps of:

• Prophet Ibrahim (AS): Who demonstrated ultimate obedience to Allah
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Who performed multiple sacrifices for himself and his Ummah

If you wish to give prophetic qurbani on behalf of your family members, the deceased, or as an additional act of worship, Al Firdous UK will ensure all sacrifices are performed with the same high standards and with the intention you specify.

How is Qurbani Performed at Al Firdous UK?

Our Process for Quality Assurance

How is qurbani performed is a question we take seriously. Our approach ensures Islamic compliance, quality, and transparency:

Local Purchase and Slaughter

In most countries where we operate, Al Firdous UK country offices purchase animals directly from local suppliers. This approach:

• Supports local economies and farmers
• Ensures fresh qurbani meat for immediate distribution
• Maintains quality control from purchase to slaughter
• Provides employment for local slaughtering staff

International Supply When Necessary

In cases where livestock supply is limited due to natural disasters, conflict, or economic factors, we source animals from countries with better supply chains (often Europe). These animals are slaughtered abroad and shipped as chilled qurbani to affected countries, enabling cost-effective distribution from the third day of Eid onwards without compromising quality.

Islamic Compliance

All animals are sacrificed strictly according to Islamic guidelines and prophetic tradition. Our trained slaughterers follow Islamic jurisprudential requirements to ensure the sacrifice is valid and accepted by Allah.

Types of Qurbani Meat We Distribute

Type	Description	Where Used
Fresh Qurbani	Animals purchased and slaughtered locally, immediately distributed	Most countries where we operate
Chilled Qurbani	Animals slaughtered abroad, shipped as chilled/frozen meat, much more cost-effective	Countries where fresh animals are expensive; disaster/conflict zones

How Can We Verify That Qurbani Actually Takes Place?

It’s a valid concern: “How can we be sure that qurbani we pay for in some of the poorest countries is actually being performed?” At Al Firdous UK, we maintain rigorous verification systems:

Our Verification Process

• Local Team Oversight: Our country offices directly supervise all slaughter operations
• Photographic Evidence: Documentation of animals, slaughter, and distribution
• Community Witnesses: Local religious leaders and community members witness sacrifices
• Beneficiary Records: Detailed documentation of families receiving meat
• Third-Party Audits: Independent verification of our operations
• Transparent Reporting: Annual reports detailing qurbani numbers across all countries

When Should You Give Qurbani? Payment Deadlines & Timing

Timing is important when deciding when to give qurbani money. Here’s what you need to know:

Recommended Timing for Qurbani Donations

While you can give qurbani at any time throughout the Islamic year, we recommend making your qurbani payment at least one week before Eid al-Adha. This allows us to:

• Finalize animal purchases with local suppliers
• Complete beneficiary identification and verification
• Arrange transportation logistics in remote areas
• Coordinate with local slaughtering teams
• Ensure proper distribution infrastructure

Extended Payment Windows

We understand that circumstances vary. Donations can be processed up until the final days before Eid, though earlier donations help us provide better service. The absolutely final deadline for qurbani 2026 donations depends on the timing of moon sightings and will be clearly communicated on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Qurbani

Give Qurbani Online Today with Al Firdous UK

This Eid al-Adha 2026, make a real difference in vulnerable families’ lives. By giving qurbani online through Al Firdous UK, you:

• Fulfill an important Islamic obligation or Sunnah
• Support sustainable development in vulnerable communities
• Provide critical nutrition to 3+ million families globally
• Follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad
• Maximize rewards during the blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah
• Ensure transparent, verified distribution through our proven systems

Learn how UK Muslims are making a difference through our Palestine charity initiatives and extend your support to those in need worldwide.

Fulfil Your Qurbani This Eid and Reap the Rewards

As we remember the struggle and unwavering dedication of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)—who was willing to sacrifice his most beloved son for the sake of Allah—we are reminded of the power of obedience, faith, and compassion. This Eid al-Adha 2026, make your qurbani sacrifice with Al Firdous UK and demonstrate that same spirit of generosity to vulnerable families worldwide.

Your donation today will be remembered not just in the heavens, but in the hearts and bellies of families who receive nutrition and hope. Donate qurbani online now and be part of a global movement that honors tradition while transforming lives.