One Ummah News - 21 Apr 2026
What is Qurbani? Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is the Islamic ritual sacrifice performed on Eid al-Adha to commemorate the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Learn who must give Qurbani, which animals are eligible, and how your sacrifice benefits the poorest Muslim families in 2026.
What is Qurbani? Qurbani — also known as Udhiyah — is the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal performed by Muslims during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha. It is an act of worship that commemorates the remarkable willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah (SWT). More than a tradition, Qurbani is a living expression of submission, gratitude, and solidarity with the most vulnerable members of the Ummah.
The story of Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS) is one of the greatest tests in human history. Allah (SWT) commanded Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son, and without hesitation, both father and son submitted completely to the will of Allah. At the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, accepting their devotion. This act of ultimate surrender is the spiritual foundation of Qurbani. Every year, Muslims across the world re-enact this noble sacrifice as a reminder that true faith means putting Allah above all else.
Not everyone is obligated to perform Qurbani, but for those who meet the Nisab threshold, it becomes a duty. Here are the key rules every Muslim should know before Eid al-Adha 2026.
According to the Hanafi school of thought, Qurbani is obligatory (wajib) upon every adult Muslim who is sane, not a traveller, and possesses wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold on the days of Eid. This is the same threshold used to calculate Zakat. For other schools, it is a highly recommended Sunnah Mu'akkadah. In the UK, Qurbani 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday, 27th May 2026, corresponding to the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Only specific animals may be used for Qurbani: goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, and camels. All animals must be healthy, free from obvious defects, and meet the minimum age requirement. A goat or sheep counts as one share of Qurbani, while a cow or camel can be divided into seven shares — meaning seven individuals or families can contribute to a single large animal.
Qurbani is more than a ritual — it is a lifeline for vulnerable families across the Muslim world. The meat from your sacrifice is traditionally divided into three equal parts: one for your family, one for friends and neighbours, and one for those in need. In some of the world’s most impoverished regions — including Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen — Qurbani meat may be the only time a family eats meat all year.
For millions of people living in dire poverty, your Qurbani donation represents hope, dignity, and the love of the global Ummah. When you give your Qurbani through One Ummah, it is delivered as fresh, high-quality meat to the families who need it most — ensuring they can celebrate Eid al-Adha with full hearts and full plates.
To learn more about how your sacrifice reaches those in crisis, read about our Qurbani 2026 appeal, where every share is carefully managed and delivered with trust and care. You can also explore the remarkable legacy of Ibrahim (AS) in our detailed piece on the Legacy of Ibrahim.
It is also strongly recommended to read about how to avoid common Qurbani mistakes before Eid al-Adha arrives. Many Muslims unknowingly make errors in their sacrifice that can invalidate it, so understanding the correct procedures is essential.
The distribution of Qurbani meat follows the principle of equality and sharing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised that those who can afford to give but do not should not approach the place of prayer — such is the gravity of this obligation for those who are able. However, even those who cannot afford Qurbani can still participate in the spirit of the season through Sadaqah and du'a.
May Allah (SWT) accept all our acts of worship and sacrifice during these blessed days, shower His mercy on our Ummah, and allow the meat of our Qurbani to nourish the bodies and uplift the spirits of our brothers and sisters in need around the world. Ameen.
