Qurbani (Sacrifice) is the sacred act of animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, honoring Prophet Ibrahim's devotion to Allah. It reflects faith, gratitude, and charity, with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need. Donating Qurbani helps fight hunger and spreads compassion across communities.

It serves as a reminder that a true believer must be willing to fully submit to the will of Allah, just as Prophet Ibrahim did—recognizing Allah’s mercy and blessings, especially the gifts of life and sustenance, and showing that material possessions, even life itself, are secondary to the love and obedience of God.  It is observed during Eid al-Adha, on the 10th to 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. In Islam goes far beyond the act of slaughtering an animal—it symbolizes deep submission, gratitude, and devotion to Allah.

What is Qurbani in Islam

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) – The Foundation of Qurbani

The practice originates from the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In a divine dream, Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il (Ishmael). Upon obedience and readiness to carry out this command, Allah intervened, sparing Isma'il and sending down a ram to be sacrificed instead. This event is commemorated annually through Qurbani, emphasizing obedience, submission, and trust in Allah.  

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Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly performed Qurbani during his lifetime. He encouraged Muslims to follow this tradition as a way to remember the legacy of Ibrahim (AS) and to show gratitude to Allah.

 “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Whoever can afford it but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our place of prayer.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Purpose and Spiritual Significance of Sacrifice

Taqwa (God-consciousness): It's not the meat or blood that reaches Allah, but the sincerity and piety behind the act. Charity & Community: A portion of the meat is distributed to the poor and needy, promoting social welfare and compassion. Remembrance: Reaffirms the values of submission to Allah’s will.

 “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him…” Qur’an (Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)

Who Should Perform Qurbani?

Every adult Muslim who is financially able (possessing wealth above the Nisab threshold) is encouraged to perform it.

According to Hanafi School (obligatory): Qurbani is wājib (obligatory) for every: Adult Muslim (has reached puberty), Sane (mentally sound), Non-traveling person (muqīm, not a traveler),who possesses the minimum amount of wealth (equal to or more than the Nisab threshold — currently similar to what makes zakat obligatory, i.e., around 87.5g of gold or equivalent wealth, without it needing to be held for a year).

Other Schools (Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali) says: Qurbani is Sunnah Mu’akkadah (a confirmed Sunnah), meaning highly recommended for those who can afford it. It is not considered obligatory, but neglecting it without a valid reason is discouraged.

When Is It Done?

Begins on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The sacrifice can be done over the following three days, ending at sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah during Eid al-Adha. The sacrifice must take place after the Eid prayer.

When is Qurbani 2025

​Eid ul-Adha (Qurbani Eid) in Pakistan in 2025 is expected to be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The holiday is anticipated to last from June 7 to June 9, 2025. However, the exact date will be confirmed by Pakistan's official moon sighting committee, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, which observes the lunar calendar to determine the start of Dhul-Hijjah.

Eid ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah's command. The festival involves the act of Qurbani (animal sacrifice), where Muslims slaughter animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels, and distribute the meat among family, friends, and those in need.  

Why Muslims Give Qurbani?

This act spreads love, charity, and community spirit. Spiritual Purification Like other forms of charity and sacrifice in Islam, Qurbani is believed to bring spiritual rewards and cleanse sins.

Spiritual Benefits of Qurbani

1).Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's Sacrifice
Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), in obedience to Allah’s command. Allah intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram. Qurbani honors this act of devotion and submission.

2).Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly offered Qurbani and encouraged Muslims to do the same if they could afford it. It’s a confirmed Sunnah (Sunnah Mu’akkadah).

3).Expressing Gratitude to Allah
Giving Qurbani is a way to thank Allah for His blessings, especially during Eid al-Adha, which is all about gratitude and sharing.

4).Helping Those in Need
The meat is typically divided into three parts:

• One-third for the family
• One-third for friends and neighbors
• One-third for the poor and needy

Like zakat, Qurbani is a form of charity that helps purify one’s wealth by sharing it with the needy. Sharing the meat among family, friends, and the poor fosters a sense of community and compassion, especially for those who cannot afford meat otherwise. Qurbani teaches selflessness and a willingness to give up what we love for Allah. It's a training ground for the soul to detach from materialism.

Performing Qurbani makes Eid more meaningful by connecting it to worship and remembrance of Allah, rather than just festivity.

According to hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said

“For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah.” (Ibn Majah)

This shows the immense barakah (blessing) and reward linked to this act.

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 10 best days) are the most sacred days of the year, loved by Allah (SWT). Therefore, by giving to Islamic Relief, you can reap the rewards of this blessed month, as Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an

“So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice.” (108:2)

Qurbani /Donations

Donating your Qurbani (Udhiya) has profound spiritual, ethical, and humanitarian significance. It brings joy and sustenance to families who may otherwise not celebrate Eid with a proper meal. Many people live in cities or countries where performing Qurbani locally is difficult or expensive. Donating through reputable charities ensures the sacrifice is done properly, hygienically, and ethically. Throughout our lives, each and every one of us makes sacrifices to help our friends, family and neighbours. Therefore by sacrificing what we have to help those in need, we offer crucial solidarity and hope. Right now, a staggering 1 in 9 people worldwide are battling chronic hunger. However, there is hope: by giving Qurbani, you can feed a family in need this Eid.

How to choose Reputable Organization

You can make a Qurbani donation through well-known international and local charities. Some trusted organizations include:

• Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan
• Islamic Relief
• Muslim Aid
• Penny Appeal
• Human Appeal
• Edhi Foundation
• Helping Hands

They give you the option of region where the donation will be distributed, animal type i.e. cow or goat etc. and the prices per share if the cow is selected or full animal. Prices vary according to animal type i.e. a goat in Pakistan costs 55’000 PKR, full cow 168’000 and share from cow 24’000 PKR. While donate qurbani in Gaza 2025 210’000 PKR for refugees refugees in Jordan, Amman, Lebanon, Cairo and, residing in West bank, Al Quds.

Why to Give Qurbani to Alkhidmat

Giving Qurbani (Udhiyah) to Alkhidmat Foundation can be a meaningful choice for several reasons, especially if you're looking to fulfill your religious obligation while also maximizing social impact. Alkhidmat Foundation is one of the most reputable and transparent non-profit organizations in Pakistan. They distribute Qurbani meat to remote, disaster-hit, and poverty-stricken areas—places where people may not get meat even once a year. This ensures your Qurbani helps those who need it most.

Alkhidmat has been conducting large-scale Qurbani operations for years, often benefiting hundreds of thousands of people across Pakistan and beyond. Their logistics and systems are well-established.

Impact of Alkhidmat Qurbani 2024

Alkhidmat Foundation's Qurbani campaign in 2024 had a profound impact, both within Pakistan and internationally, embodying the spirit of compassion and community service. It distributed Qurbani meat to over 296,000 underprivileged families across Pakistan during Eid-ul-Adha 2024. 2,835 goats, 5,808 cows, 310,245 packs, total 1.9 million beneficiaries.  

Nutritious Qurbani

“Nutritious Qurbani” refers to the concept of making the Islamic act of Qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid al-Adha more health-conscious and beneficial, both for the recipients and the donors. This involves ensuring that the meat sacrificed is of high quality, handled hygienically, and distributed in a way that supports nutrition and food security—especially for undernourished communities.

Hygienic Process

They ensure the qurbani is done in clean, sanitary environments. Meat is processed and stored using food-safe methods to avoid contamination. Opt for animals that are well-fed, disease-free, and not over- or under-weight.

Distribution of Qurbani meat to most Deserving

They target the distribution toward malnourished communities or regions experiencing food insecurity. Provide meat in portion-controlled packs with clear storage and cooking instructions. Consider partnering with local farmers to source animals ethically. Minimize waste by using all parts of the animal appropriately (bones for broth, organs, etc.). They also educate beneficiaries on balanced diets, especially when meat is a rare part of their meals.

International Outreach

Alkhidmat extended its Qurbani efforts beyond Pakistan's borders, providing sacrificial meat to displaced Palestinian families in Gaza, Egypt, and Lebanon. In Gaza, the foundation sacrificed 100 cows and 100 goats, while in Cairo, 100 cows were sacrificed to support Gaza refugees. The meat was distributed promptly, and in Pakistan, it was processed and packed into tin containers for safe transportation to Gaza.

How much is Qurbani? How are your prices defined?

High Quality – Since Qurbani is an act of worship that is the most beloved to Allah (SWT) during the days of Tashreek, it is important that one offers the best possible offering. Therefore Alkhidmat Foundation adopts high quality standards when it comes to selecting the sacrificial animals. Standards cover health, weight (meat yielded) and age.

We would also like our brothers and sisters around the world to receive the best quality meat because the believer is asked to love for his brother/sister that which he/she loves for him/herself. These high standards therefore come at a higher cost which in turn further supports economic development of our Qurbani farmers.

Alkhidmat Foundation always tries to reach the most vulnerable people in the most remote areas where the communities are hard to reach. However, transporting meat to hard-to-reach rural areas incurs higher transportation costs which in turn affects the Qurbani price. Conflict or disasters can make distribution more difficult and can add to the cost.

Until when can one make his/her qurbani payments?

The time for sacrifice ends when the sun sets on the fourth day. Therefore, one can make payments right up until the end of the third day after Eid (13th of Dhul-Hijjah) before Maghreb salah. Alkhidmat foundation has already purchased the animals to be slaughtered. All the various expenses such as the cost of the animal, slaughter, butchering, transportation, storage, selection of the beneficiaries, and distribution are included in the price.      

FAQs

When Is Qurbani Performed?

During Eid al-Adha, which starts on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th Islamic month). The sacrifice can be done over three days: 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah (some scholars allow the 13th too).

Which Animals Can Be Sacrificed?

Sheep/Goat (one animal = one person’s Qurbani). Cow/Bull or Camel (one animal = shared by up to seven people)

Who is eligible for qurbani?/ Who should perform Qurbani?

Every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth beyond a certain threshold (nisab) should perform Qurbani.

What should be the age of animal?

The animal must be of a certain minimum age (e.g., goats at least 1 year, cows 2 years, camels 5 years). Condition of animal; weight and healty. The animal must be healthy, without any defects.

What is Islamic method of slaughter a sacrificial animal?

The animal is slaughtered in the name of Allah with proper intention and method (as per Islamic guidelines). 

How Islam guides on distribution of meat?

1/3 for the family, 1/3 for relatives/friends, 1/3 for the poor and needy

Do I have to record the name of someone else if I am giving Qurbani on their behalf?

Many people do record names. However, it is not necessary to give the name of the person, even if you are making a Qurbani on their behalf, as long as you have made the intention that you are giving the Qurbani on their behalf.

Can a woman give Qurbani?

Yes, absolutely. Qurbani is obligatory on both male and females, as long as they are of sound mind and financially stable.

What should I do if I’ve missed Qurbani?

If you have missed Qurbani in a previous year, you can make it up this year by sacrificing an extra animal. Simply calculate how many years you’ve missed and you will know how many animals you need to sacrifice.

Can I cut my nails or hair if I’m giving a Qurbani?

It is strongly encouraged that the one who intends to give the Qurbani does not cut their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. The Prophet (saw) said, ‘When the ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails’. (Muslim)

Does Alkhidmat foundation distribute tinned or frozen meat?

No, we do not. Alkhidmat foundation only distributes freshly slaughtered meat on the days of Eid.

When should we give money for qurbani?

It is best to pay for qurbani as early as possible. The time for offering the sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer on Eid-al-Adha and ends when the sun sets on the thirteenth of Dhu’l Hijjah. So there are four days of sacrifice: the day of Eid-al-Adha and the three days after it.

On whom is Qurbani necessary?   

It is wajib (necessary) to slaughter a qurbani animal during the days of qurbani for every Muslim who during the days of sacrifice (qurbani) is: Sane, Baligh (having reached the age of puberty), Possessor of enough wealth i.e. owning nisab or the equivalent in cash surplus to basic necessities – (The difference between qurbani and zakah is that it is not a requirement for an entire year to pass over one`s wealth for the qurbani to be compulsory upon someone. Qurbani is wajib upon the person upon whom sadaqat al-fitr is wajib.), And a non-traveller (resident; muqim). It is not wajib for an insane person, a minor, a poor person or a musafir to perform qurbani. However, in doing so, there will be reward. It is preferable for the person intending to perform qurbani not to remove hair and nails from the first of Dhul Hijjah till the qurbani animal has been slaughtered.

Can I make my qurbani donation towards the orphan I'm sponsoring?

We are not able to carry out qurbani for specific orphans; the scale of the operation makes this exceptionally difficult. However, orphans are a high priority in our programs; therefore they not only benefit from donors’ sponsorship, but also benefit from receiving other support in Ramadan and qurbani.

Can I visit the place where the qurbani takes place as I will be in the country at that time?

It would be better if people did not visit, as on the day our teams on the ground are extremely busy with slaughtering the animals, dividing them, packing the meat, transporting it to villages and distributing the qurbani packages. Therefore, our teams will not have the capacity or time to host individuals.