Umm-Al-Qura calendar

Upon the completion of the annual Hajj, Muslims around the world celebrate the festival of Eid ul-Adha.

Once Eid ul-Adha prayers have concluded, Qurbani – the act of sacrificing a livestock animal – is carried out. By sacrificing an animal and distributing its meat in three equal parts (one for yourself, one for your loved ones, and the last for those in need) you will be following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) great sacrifice.

Through the act of sacrificing an animal, Qurbani teaches us obedience, devotion, and gratitude. Not only are we commemorating the ultimate sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make in accordance with the wishes of Allah (SWT), but we are also reaching out to strengthen our own relationship with Him.

By splitting the meat into three equal parts, we learn the importance of helping our brothers and sisters in need, no matter where they may be in the world.

Nowadays, many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani to be performed on their behalf around the world in order to benefit those most in need. This enables the meat to be distributed to some of the most disadvantaged people in the world.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “

There are no days greater and more beloved to Allah (SWT) than these ten days of Dhul Hijjah, so increase in them your declaration of the oneness of Allah (SWT) (tahlil), your exaltation of him (takbir), and your praise of him (tahmid).”

(Musnad Ahmad 5423)

What is Qurbani in Islam?

The Qurbani festival celebrates the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to make as a sign of his devotion to Allah (SWT). In the story of Qurbani, Ibrahim (AS) was prepared to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), but was blindfolded so as not to see him suffer as he carried out the slaughter. Upon removing the blindfold, Ibrahim (AS) discovered that his son’s life was spared in an act of mercy by Allah (SWT), with a goat taking Ismail’s (AS) place.

This is why the act of Qurbani lives on, with Muslims sacrificing a qualifying animal that can be shared three ways between themselves, loved ones and, those most in need. The animal is sacrificed between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah.

UK Islamic Mission accepts kind Qurbani donations where we will carry out the sacrifice in accordance with Halal and Qurbani rules, ensuring that all shares are distributed to those most in need.

What is Qurbani Meat?

Qurbani meat refers to an animal that has been sacrificed and distributed during the days of Qurbani. This tradition stems from the Qurbani Eid story, whereby Ismail (AS) was replaced by a slaughtered goat. 

Qurbani Rules

There are certain rules associated with Qurbani which include:

  • The animal sacrifice must be done on the 10th, 11th, or 12th day of Dhul Hijjah
  • Qurbani must be distributed in three equal parts
  • Livestock animals eligible for Qurbani are goats, sheep, cows, bulls, buffalo, and camels

In order to be eligible to give Qurbani, you must be:

  • An adult Muslim
  • Sane and of sound mind
  • In possession of wealth that meets or exceeds the equivalent value of 52.5 tolas of silver

‘There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horn, hair and hooves. Allah accepts sacrifice before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore, sacrifice with an open and happy heart.’

(Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

When does Qurbani 2024 in the UK start?

Qurbani Eid begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, with celebrations lasting between three and four days depending on your location and the sighting of the moon. In 2024, Qurbani is expected to start on Sunday, 16 June, ending on Thursday, 20 June.

What is Qurbani Called in English?

For those wondering “What is Qurbani in English?”, it translates to sacrifice This is quite fitting when considering the events that took place in the Qurbani story.

What is Dhul Hijjah?

Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months. This is the time for Muslims from all over the world to complete Hajj - their once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca in order to visit the Kaaba. It is an important spiritual journey that all able Muslims must complete at least once during their lifetime.

Important Days in Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is a month with plenty of important dates and actions, including:

  • The Hajj pilgrimage
  • Fasting throughout the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah
  • Night prayers (Tahajjud) during the first 10 nights of Dhul Hijjah
  • The Day of Arafah
  • Takbirut Tashreeq (recitation) is observed from the 9th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah
  • The Festival of Sacrifice, Eid ul-Adha, begins on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and ends at sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah

The Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah also include the act of Qurbani and the Day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way, unlike any other day.

Fasting

It is Sunnah to fast on the day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. In fact, fasting on this day will expiate the sins of two whole years.

Takbeer

It is Sunnah to say Takbeer during these days:
Allah (SWT) is the greatest, Allah (SWT) is the greatest, there is no God but Allah (SWT), and Allah (SWT) is the greatest. Allah (SWT) is the greatest, and all praise is for Allah (SWT).

Men should read these phrases out loud, and women should read them quietly.

‘Allaho Akbar, Allaho Akbar, La-Ilaha ill-Allah, waAllaho Akbar, Allaho Akbar, waLillahil’

(Hamd)

UK Islamic Mission and Qurbani

When you donate to UK Islamic Mission's Qurbani appeal, you can rest assured that we will only sacrifice animals who meet the Qurbani rules and we will never supply frozen, tinned, or treated meat.

The Qurbani shares we distribute are always delivered fresh to families and those living in poverty, allowing those in need to enjoy their Eid ul-Adha celebrations with loved ones, alongside the global ummah. Please give Qurbani today and be the difference for someone in need.

Donate with UK Islamic Mission to provide your Qurbani to someone who is most deserving of the offering.

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