What is Qurbani - Understanding the Qurbani Rules
On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Eid ul-Adha), Muslims perform Qurbani from across the world. In Islam, it is obligatory for all Muslims who are financially stable. However, there are certain rules regarding Qurbani in Islam.
Every Muslim who is eligible and going to perform Qurbani must be aware of all the Qurbani rules recommended by Islam. This awareness will not only help you perform Qurbani with great zeal and happiness, but also the reason to get your Qurbani accepted by Allah. This article is a detailed account of what Qurbani is, its dates, importance, and its rules. So, let’s begin understanding Qurbani here:
What is Qurbani?
The meaning of Qurbani is sacrifice. Qurbani on Eid al-Adha is a practice of sacrificing animals in the name of Allah and distributing the Qurbani meat among the poor. Muslims offer Qurbani on a goat, sheep, cow, and Camel, based on their affordability and the family members who are eligible to do Qurbani.
The celebration of Qurbani starts from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and Muslims start performing Qurbani once they have offered the Eid prayer. However, the practice can be followed until the sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Remember that it is permitted to perform Qurbani after sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. However, you can do Qurbani other than Eid days for the purpose of charity or Sadaqah.
When is Qurbani Eid (Eid ul Adha) 2026 in Pakistan?
It is estimated that the Qurbani Eid 2026 in Pakistan will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th of Dhul Hijjah. However, the final date will be announced based on the moon sighting in Pakistan. In Pakistan, the moon sighting duty is performed by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. It is estimated that the Committee will arrange a meeting on the 16th or 17th of May 2026, to find the moon of Dhul Hijjah. Once the moon is sighted, the government of Pakistan will announce the Eid al-Adha holidays to celebrate this Holy event with great devotion and happiness.
How to Select Animals for Qurbani?
Before going to buy an animal for Qurbani, you must take care of a few things that are necessary to fulfill the requirements:
1) Animal Type: For Qurbani, the eligible animals include the goat, sheep, cow, and camel.
2) Animal Age: While buying animals, ensure that goats and sheep are at least 6 months to 1 year old, cows are at least 2 years old, and the maximum age limit for camels is 5 years.
3) Animal Health: The animal you buy for Qurbani must be in good health. Ensure it is free from any sickness, thinness, and defects (such as blindness, torn horns, teeth, or limbs).
What are Qurbani Rules?
To perform Qurbani, there are certain rituals or conditions recommended by Islam. Everyone must be aware of all conditions to perform Qurbani without any ambiguity and mistakes:
Who is Eligible for Qurbani?
(a) Adult and Sane Muslims: Muslims who are adults and have stable mental health are eligible to perform Qurbani.
(b) Financially Stable Muslims: Muslims who own wealth above the Nisab, which is 87.48 grams (7.5 Tola) of gold or 612.36 grams (52.5 Tola) of silver.
(c) Non-Travelers: Applicants who want to perform Eid al-Adha Qurbani, ensure that they are not involved in traveling activities during Eid days.
Who is not Eligible for Qurbani?
Qurbani is not liable to perform under the following conditions:
(a) Children under 5 years are not required to perform Qurbani
(b) Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are exempt from Qurbani
(c) Families with little or no access to the market are also exempt from Qurbani
How to Distribute Qurbani Meat?
As the phenomenon of Qurbani comes with certain conditions, similarly, Islam also teaches us how to distribute Qurbani meat. It is advised to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts and distribute each part into three specific categories:
(a) Qurbani Performer: The first part of Qurbani is to keep for your family.
(b) Relatives: The second part of the Qurbani meat must be distributed among your relatives.
(C) The Poor: The third part of the Qurbani meat must be distributed among the poor.
Qurbani Rituals or Process
Ensure that the Qurbani process is humane and follow the given instructions:
(a) Ensure the animal meets the eligibility criteria.
(b) Ensure the Qurbani knife is sharp enough to minimize pain and suffering
(c) It is advised to avoid knife sharpening in front of the animal
(d) You must also avoid slaughtering one animal in front of others
(e) Recite the Qurbani prayer or “Qurbani ki dua” before slaughtering.
Qurbani Prayer or Qurbani ki Dua
'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 Sundas Foundation on This Qurbani Eid!
All Muslims who are going to perform Qurbani on this Eid ul Adha, may Allah accept their Qurbani. Those who cannot offer Qurbani are requested to do good deeds on the Eid days. We recommend you give your donations to Sundas Foundation this Eid. At Sundas Foundation, we use your donations to manage blood supply, medications, and other medical equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Qurbani?
The meaning of Qurbani is to sacrifice in the name of Allah. Muslims perform Qurbani to commemorate the patience, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS).
When is Qurbani Eid 2026 in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, the Qurbani Eid (Eid ul-Adha) will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th, of May, 2026. However, the final date will be decided based on the moon sighting in Pakistan.
Who is eligible to perform Qurbani?
All adult Muslims who are sane and have a stable financial condition to meet the Nisab are eligible to perform Qurbani. The Qurbani nisab is the same as the Zakat nisab, which is 87.48 grams (7.5 Tola) of gold or 612.36 grams (52.5 Tola) of silver.
How to distribute Qurbani Meat?
It is advised to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts and distribute it to your family members, relatives, and the poor.
What animals are eligible for Qurbani?
Animals, such as goats, sheep, cows, and camels are eligible for Qurbani. While buying animals, ensure that the goat or sheep is at least 6 months to 1 year old. The cow is at least 2 years old, and the camel is at least 5 years old.
Why do Muslims perform Qurbani of Eid ul-Adha?
Performing Qurbani is a sacred act in Islam, which is celebrated to commemorate the patience, devotion, and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to Allah’s order of sacrificing his son.