When Is Qurbani in 2026 and When Should It Be Performed?

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When Is Qurbani in 2026 and When Should It Be Performed?

Find out when Qurbani 2026 takes place, the correct time to perform it, and why timing is essential for a valid sacrifice.

Qurbani is a time-specific act of worship carried out during Eid al-Adha. Because its validity depends on precise timing, understanding when Qurbani Eid takes place is essential. Performing the sacrifice outside the correct window renders it no longer Qurbani, even if the intention is sincere.

Each year, the dates change according to the Islamic calendar, so Muslims must remain attentive to moon sightings and local announcements, especially in countries like the UK.

When Is Qurbani Performed in Islam?

Qurbani is performed on the 10th, 11th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. These are known as the days of Eid al-Adha, when Eid al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims across the world.

The sacrifice must be carried out after the Eid prayer on the first day. Any animal sacrificed before the Eid prayer does not count as Qurbani and is treated as ordinary charity. This timing is based on the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who performed his sacrifice only after completing the Eid prayer.

When Is Qurbani in 2026?

Based on current projections, Eid al-Adha 2026 in the UK is expected to fall around Wednesday 27 May to Friday 29 May 2026, covering the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. These dates are subject to confirmation through the sighting of the moon.

Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles, the exact dates may vary by a day depending on the sighting. Muslims are advised to follow announcements from trusted local scholars or national moon sighting committees.

Why the Timing of Qurbani Matters

Qurbani is deeply connected to the events of Hajj and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Just as pilgrims in Makkah perform sacrifices after standing on Arafah, Muslims elsewhere join in spiritually by sacrificing during the same days.

This unity reflects the moment when Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son, Ismail. His obedience and Allah’s mercy in sparing his son Ismail form the foundation of Eid al-Adha. Performing Qurbani outside the prescribed days breaks this spiritual alignment, which is why timing is strictly observed.

The Best Time to Perform Qurbani

The best time to perform Qurbani is as soon as possible after the Eid prayer on the first day of Eid. This follows the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who prioritised performing the sacrifice promptly.

However, Qurbani remains valid throughout all three days. If necessary, the sacrifice may be carried out on the second or third day without affecting its validity, provided it is completed before sunset on the final day.

Giving Qurbani Through Charity and in Advance

Many Muslims choose to fulfil their duty through Qurbani donations, especially when living in the UK. Paying in advance does not mean the sacrifice happens early; rather, it allows charities to prepare animals and logistics so that the sacrifice is completed on time.

When giving Qurbani on behalf of someone else through a charity, the organisation acts as your agent. They ensure the animal is sacrificed during the correct days and that fresh meat reaches families in need shortly after Eid.

Who Needs to Be Mindful of Timing?

Qurbani is especially relevant for those eligible to pay Zakat, as they are typically the same individuals upon whom Qurbani applies. Missing the correct days means the sacrifice cannot be repeated later.

Because Qurbani involves sacrificing an animal, whether a small animal like a goat or a large animal such as a cow share, careful planning is essential to ensure availability and proper scheduling within the allowed days.

What Happens If Qurbani Is Missed?

If the days of Eid pass and Qurbani is required but not performed, the opportunity for that year is lost. The sacrifice cannot be made later.

Scholars advise that in such cases, the individual should give the value of a Qurbani animal in charity as repentance. However, this does not replace the missed Qurbani itself, which can only be performed during Eid al-Adha.

Preparing for Qurbani in 2026

To avoid missing the correct window, Muslims are encouraged to:

Track expected Eid dates early
Confirm moon sighting announcements
Arrange Qurbani locally or through charity in advance
Be aware of charity cut-off times

Preparation ensures the sacrifice is performed correctly and aligns with the days when al-Adha is celebrated worldwide.

FAQs:

When is Qurbani performed?

Qurbani is performed on the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It must take place after the Eid prayer on the first day and before sunset on the final day. Any sacrifice outside this period does not count as a valid Qurbani in Islam.

When is Qurbani in 2026 in the UK?

Eid al-Adha 2026 in the UK is expected to fall around 27–29 May, subject to moon sighting confirmation. Qurbani will be performed during these days. Muslims should follow announcements from recognised Islamic authorities to confirm the final dates.

Can Qurbani be done before the Eid prayer?

No. If an animal is sacrificed before the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, it does not count as Qurbani. It is considered a normal charity sacrifice and must be repeated after the Eid prayer to fulfil the Qurbani obligation or Sunnah.

Is it better to perform Qurbani on the first day?

Yes. Performing Qurbani on the first day after the Eid prayer is considered best practice, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, performing it on the second or third day remains fully valid if required.

Can I arrange Qurbani through a charity before Eid?

Yes. You can arrange and pay for Qurbani before Eid, particularly through a charity. The key condition is that the actual sacrifice takes place during the correct days of Eid al-Adha, not earlier.

What if I miss the days of Qurbani?

If the days of Eid pass and Qurbani is obligatory on you, it cannot be performed later. Scholars advise giving the equivalent value in charity as repentance, but this does not replace the missed Qurbani itself.

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When Is Qurbani in 2026 and When Should It Be Performed?

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

When Is Qurbani Performed in Islam?