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Qurbani FAQ’s

Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.

(Qu’ran 6:612)

Qurbani FAQs

Qurbani is the religious sacrifice of sheep, goats & cattle between the 10th, 11th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred act to honour the tradition of the blessed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) and their story of sacrifice and devotion to Allah (SWT).

Qurbani will take place during Eid al-Adha, beginning on approximately 27 May 2026 (subject to moon sighting) and ending on 29 May 2026 in the UK.

According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is an annual obligation (Wajib) for every sane, adult Muslim who meets the Nisab threshold. Other scholars consider it a strongly emphasised Sunnah. Either way, it is highly encouraged for every able Muslim each year.

Muslims perform Qurbani to honour the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was commanded by Allah (SWT) to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) as a test of devotion. At the last moment, Allah replaced Ismail with an animal, and Qurbani commemorates this act of submission.

Donating your Qurbani can provide meat to people living in some of the most disadvantaged and remote regions of the world, where many people are suffering from poverty and starvation. The aim is to provide these people and their communities with enough food so that they, too, can enjoy Eid al-Adha along with millions of their Muslim brothers and sisters.

Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who is: of sound mind, past the age of puberty, not travelling, and owns wealth above the Nisab threshold (87.48g of gold or 612.35g of silver) beyond their basic needs. One Qurbani share per qualifying adult fulfils the obligation.

No, this is not necessary as long as you have made the intention that you are giving this Qurbani on behalf of a certain person.

After fulfilling his obligation, the Prophet (saw) gave an additional Qurbani in the name of the Muslims who could not afford to do so. We encourage all of our donors to revive this forgotten Sunnah and help more needy people.
‘The Prophet (saw) sacrificed for the one who could not sacrifice from his Ummah, one who bore witness to the Oneness of Allah and [his] Prophethood’ [Tabarani and Ahmad].

According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is not obligatory for children, only for sane adults past puberty who meet the Nisab threshold. You may perform Qurbani voluntarily on your children's behalf, but it is not compulsory. Consult your local Imam for guidance based on your madhab.

You can choose a preferred country when donating, but Al Mustafa Welfare Trust focuses on the most needed communities globally. Our teams on the ground ensure your Qurbani reaches the most vulnerable families, particularly those with little or no access to food markets.

Yes. If you intend to offer a Qurbani, it is recommended to refrain from cutting your hair, nails, or skin from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after the sacrifice has been performed. This is based on an authentic hadith of the Prophet (PBUH).

All animals for Qurbani must be in good health and free from any problems with their eyes, bones, and limbs. All our Qurbani animals are well cared for and thoroughly checked to ensure they are suitable.

One Qurbani will provide approximately 60 meals. A Qurbani is 1/7 of a large cattle or camel, or a whole sheep or goat. A big cattle cow weighs is around 250-300 kg.

Animals that are eligible for Qurbani are:

  • Goats (at least one-year-old)
  • Sheep (at least one-year-old)
  • Bulls, cows or buffalo (two years old minimum)
  • Camels (five years old minimum)
  • Animals must have no injuries, disabilities, or broken bones, including horns. The sacrifice must be halal.

The Nisab for Qurbani is 87.48 grams of gold or 612.35 grams of silver for 2026. If the value of your savings exceeds this threshold, over and above your basic needs, then Qurbani is obligatory for you.

There is flexibility when it comes to Qurbani. Qurbani animals have shares, and an individual needs only one share to fulfil their ritual obligation.
A goat or sheep counts as one share. Larger animals have seven shares.

Choose the country where you want to donate

  • Our team on the ground will use your donation to buy an animal locally and prepare the meat for distribution.
  • We work with people who know their communities to ensure the Qurbani reaches families in need.
  • The Qurbani meat is delivered to deserving families.

Qurbani sacrifices happen every year between the morning of the 10th and the sunset of the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah.
On the day itself, special prayers (Eid Salah) are spoken before the sacrifice.

Beneficiaries are selected based on need, prioritising:

  • Families/individuals living below the poverty line
  • Single-parent households
  • Households with disabled and/or elderly persons
  • Households with little or no access to food markets
  • Households with children
  • Households with pregnant and/or nursing women

Yes — you may do Qurbani on behalf of the Prophet (saw) or a deceased family member. These are in addition to your own Qurbani.

AMWT ensures Qurbani meat is distributed during the days of Eid al-Adha.

No. Qurbani is a separate obligation.

Not specifically, due to the scale of the operation. However, orphans are a high priority in the programme.

Yes — animal cost, slaughter, butchering, transportation, storage, beneficiary selection and distribution are all included.

No. Availability and local conditions determine which animals are used.

Al Mustafa Welfare Trust delivers Qurbani 2026 on your behalf in 21 countries. We purchase animals locally, oversee halal slaughter, and distribute meat to the most vulnerable families, covering all costs within a single donation.

In 2026, a single Qurbani share starts from £25 through Al Mustafa Welfare Trust. One share, a whole sheep or goat, or 1/7 of a cow, fulfils your Qurbani obligation. All costs including the animal, slaughter, and distribution are included in the price.

Yes. You can donate online through a trusted organisation such as Al Mustafa Welfare Trust.

Qurbani is most needed in countries experiencing poverty and conflict, including Yemen, Syria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Gaza. Al Mustafa Welfare Trust prioritises distribution to the most vulnerable communities in these regions.

When choosing a charity for Qurbani, look for transparency, a 100% Zakat policy, and experience in distribution. Al Mustafa Welfare Trust has delivered Qurbani in 21 countries for over 40 years, with all costs included in the Qurbani price.

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