Noor Thalassemia Foundation

Among the most sacred festivals in Islam, Eid al-Adha is the one. The festival not only comes with festivity but also with spiritual lessons of patience, sacrifice, and obedience to Allah. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah every year, and Muslims around the world perform Qurbani on this Eid to seek Allah’s forgiveness and pleasure. In this article, we will learn the basics of Qurbani Eid (Eid al-Adha). Let’s learn about eligibility, how to choose animals, and how to distribute Qurbani meat.

What is Qurbani in Islam?

In Islam, the Qurbani is performed as the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Once, He was instructed by Allah in a dream to sacrifice His most beloved thing, His son Hazrat Ismail (AS). To fulfill Allah’s order, both father and son went to Mount Arafat, where Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) tried to slaughter Hazrat Ismail (AS).

However, Allah became happy with their act of obedience and took pity on them. Consequently, Allah saved Hazrat Ismail (AS), and a lamb was slaughtered in place of Hazrat Ismail (AS). So, to commemorate this act of worship, obedience, sacrifice, and patience by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), Muslims perform Qurbani every year.

When is Eid ul-Adha Qurbani in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, Islamic festivals are celebrated based on the lunar calendar. So, according to the ongoing lunar calendar updates, it is estimated that the Qurbani Eid or Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on the 26th or 27th May, 2026. Although the exact schedule will be based on the moon sighting in Pakistan. Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is a dedicated organization that works to find the crescent every month, especially in specific months, such as Ramadan and Eids. The meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will be held on the 6th or 7th of May to find the Dhul Hijjah moon.

Eid ul-Adha Qurbani - Rules and Requirements

For every Muslim, whether they are going to perform Qurbani or not, learning the Qurbani rules and regulations is obligatory. Here we come with the possible aspects related to Qurbani, enabling you to learn the basics of Qurbani Eid or Eid ul-Adha:

Who is Eligible to perform Qurbani?

The very basic concept is to know about the eligibility criteria for Qurbani. Islam is the most beautiful religion as it does not burden its followers while celebrating its festivals and rituals. Islam does not ask every Muslim to perform Qurbani, but only those who are financially stable. Check out who is required to perform Qurbani:

(a): Adult and Sane Muslims: To be eligible for Qurbani, Muslims must be adults and have sound mental health.

(b): Muslims who are not travelling: If you want to perform Qurbani on Eid, ensure that you are not engaged in travelling activities.

(c): Muslims Who Meet the Nisab: If your wealth is equal to or above the Nisab, you are required to perform Qurbani. Remember that the Qurbani Nisab is the same as the Nisab for Zakat - 87.48 grams (7.5 Tola) of gold or 612.36 grams (52.5 Tola) of silver.

Who is Exempted from Qurbani

People under the following conditions are exempted from Qurbani:

(a): Underage Muslims: Underage Muslims are not required to perform Qurbani.

(b): Women under Certain Conditions: Pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers are exempt from Qurbani.

(c): Families in Backward Areas: Families who have little to no access to the markets are also exempt from Qurbai.

What is the Rule to Distribute Qurbani Meat?

Islam not only advised wealthy Muslims to perform Qurbani, but it also guided us to take care of the poor in our circle. Islam teaches us to divide the Qurbani meat into three equal parts or shares and then distribute it among three categories:

(a): To Your Family Members: The first share is for the family of Qurbani performers. They must keep one share for themselves.

(b): To Relatives and Friends: The second share of Qurbani must be distributed among your relatives and friends.

(c): To the Poor: The third share of Qurbani must be distributed among the poor in your surroundings.

How to Choose Qurbani Animals?

Choosing the right animals is one of the most important aspects of Qurbani. Usually, the goats, sheep, cows, and camels are considered the eligible animals for Qurbani. However, you must ensure that the chosen animal is in good health (has no injury) and within the set age limit:

(a): Goats and Sheep: For Goats and sheep, the age limit is between 6 months and 1 year.

(b): Cows: To slaughter a cow for Qurbani, ensure that it is at least 2 years old.

(c): Camels: The age limit for camels is at least 5 years.

What is the slaughtering prayer or Qurbani ki Dua?

Before going to slaughter an animal in the name of Allah, the performer must recite the Qurbani prayer, which is mentioned below:

'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 NTF on This Qurbani Eid!

If you are performing Qurbani, may Allah accept your Qurbani. However, those who are not doing Qurbani, may Allah make them able to do so. However, on this Qurbani Eid, we recommend you do other good deeds to seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. You can send your donations to Noor Thalassemia Foundation and support poor patients suffering from Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and other blood disorders. Your donations are used to provide poor patients with regular blood supply, medications, and other support they can not afford by themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Qurbani in Islam?

The purpose of performing Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha is to commemorate the obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) towards Allah (SWT). Muslims offer Qurbani not only to fulfill the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) but also to seek Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness.

Who needs to give Qurbani on Eid ul-Adha?

Adult Muslims who are financially stable or meet the Nisab, which is the same as the Zakat Nisab, are required to perform Qurbani on Eid al-Adha.

For how many days is the Qurbani allowed on Eid ul-Adha?

It is allowed to perform Qurbani for three days - from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims can start the Qurbani practice just after offering the Eid prayer. However, it is advisable to perform Qurbani before the sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, as it is not permissible to do Qurbani after the Maghrib Prayer on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

What are the eligible animals for Qurbani?

For Qurbani, Muslims can choose or buy goats, sheep, cows, and camels. However, they must be aware of the animal’s age. For example, goats and sheep from 6 months to 1 year old are eligible for Qurbani. Cows must be at least 2 years old, and camels are required to be 5 years old to be eligible for Qurbani.

When is Eid ul-Adha 2026 in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, Islamic festivals are celebrated based on the lunar calendar. Eid ul-Adha will be celebrated from the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, and it is anticipated that it will be on the 26th or 27th of May, 2026. However, the exact schedule will be announced once the Dhul Hijjah moon is sighted in Pakistan.