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"It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)."
The Prophet (PBUH) - (Hadith - Trimidhi)
"It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)."
(Tirmidhi)
“The greatest of days before Allah is the Day of Sacrifice.”
[Abu Dawud]
Eid ul-Adha, also known as Qurbani Eid, falls on the most blessed days in the month of Dhul Hijjah. It is one of the most important occasions for Muslims worldwide, also referred to as the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice. It is a time of devotion, gratitude, and generosity, when Muslims remember the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and strengthen their connection with Allah through worship and charity.
Eid ul-Adha follows the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, when Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca. It takes place after the completion of Hajj on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and is a key celebration in Islam. The pilgrims themselves focus on and participate in Hajj rituals throughout this day rather than Eid celebrations. However, for the Muslims who haven’t gone on this holy pilgrimage, it’s a time of celebration as well as ritual. This event is marked with the sacrifice of Qurbani to Allah, keeping worship at the heart of the celebrations.
Many Muslims often ask when is Eid ul-Adha or when is Eid ul-Adha 2026 so they can prepare for this blessed time. Eid ul-Adha 2026 in the UK is expected to fall on the 27th May, but this depends on the sighting of the moon. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the Eid ul-Adha date 2026 may vary slightly depending on moon sightings. For Muslims observing Eid ul-Adha in the UK, preparations usually include arranging Qurbani, planning family gatherings, and attending congregational Eid prayers.
The key dates in the Islamic calendar change by around 10 days each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, and so the lunar calendar tends to be 10-11 days shorter than the solar calendar. As a result, Eid ul-Adha, Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, and other major events have different dates every year. This means Eid ul-Adha this year will occur earlier than the previous year, allowing Muslims to experience the blessed days in different seasons throughout their lives.
Eid ul-Adha commemorates the noble events from the life of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The day is filled with blessings by Allah, where believers have been granted a joyous occasion to seek His pleasure by participating in Qurbani and other acts of Sunnah. It has been narrated that The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said regarding any other previous festivals of Madina:
“Allah has given you two days better than these, the day of al-Fitr and the day of al-Adha.”
[Abu Dawud]
In submission to Allah, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) offered the sacrifice of his beloved son, Ismail. The believers offer the Qurbani of an animal every year in Dhul Hijjah to honour his sacrifice and to please Allah. Allah tells us in the Quran:
“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus, have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and give good tidings to the doers of good.”
[Quran 22:37]
Allah also reminds the believers of the origin of sacrifice in the Quran, telling us:
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”
[Quran 37:107]
These verses highlight that the purpose of Qurbani for Eid ul-Adha is sincerity, obedience, and piety rather than carrying out the act alone.
During the festival of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims across the world come together to celebrate the blessed occasion. Keeping with the Sunnah tradition, the believers dress in their best clothes to perform Eid prayer in congregation. Eid prayer is followed by greetings, Qurbani, and a hearty meal shared with family and friends. The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) has said:
“The Day of Arafah, the Day of Nahr, and the Days of Tashreeq are Eid for us. The people of Islam, they are days of eating and drinking.”
[Tirmidhi]
This shows that while Eid is a time of joy, it is also a time of gratitude to Allah, and sharing happiness with others, especially those in need.
Qurbani is the act of sacrificing a Halal animal, which represents the ram that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) sacrificed in the name of Allah (SWT) on Mount Arafah. Performing Qurbani for Eid ul-Adha allows Muslims to follow the Sunnah and support vulnerable communities by sharing the meat of the sacrificed animal with those who may otherwise go without nutritious food.
Sheep (at least one-year-old) – one share
Goats (at least one-year-old) – one share
Cows (at least two-years-old) – seven shares
Camels (at least five-years-old) – seven shares
Everyone who gives Qurbani in the UK must provide at least one share. All Qurbani animals have a set number of shares. A single sheep or goat equals one person’s share, whereas larger animals (cows, camels, etc.) have seven shares. This means that up to seven Muslims can contribute towards the cost of a large animal in order to fulfil their Qurbani obligations.
You can find out more in our Qurbani FAQs, which cover the most common questions on this important part of the Eid ul-Adha 2026 celebrations.
In accordance with the Qurbani rules, the meat from the animal is divided into three parts. One portion is kept for personal use, another is gifted to family and friends, and the third portion is given in charity. On the blessed occasion of Eid ul-Adha, your Qurbani donations can make a difference. Support UKIM in alleviating global hunger by feeding the most vulnerable and needy across the world this Eid ul-Adha.
In the UK, many Muslims choose to donate their Qurbani to a charitable organisation. UK Islamic Mission is a global charity that accepts Qurbani donations and offers sacrifice where it is needed most. Your contribution will give the less fortunate Muslims a chance to celebrate Eid ul-Adha with the rest of the Ummah. At UKIM, our teams make sure that your donation reaches the most vulnerable and your Qurbani is offered according to prescribed rules. Donate to UKIM’s Qurbani appeal and give hope to distressed families this Eid-ul-Adha.
Giving charity during the Eid ul-Adha Festival of Sacrifice is highly rewarded, as it spreads joy beyond our own homes and strengthens unity within the Ummah. Through acts of kindness, worship, and sacrifice, Muslims can gain closeness to Allah and share blessings with those most in need during this sacred time.
Donate your Qurbani to UKIM today.
Support Individuals In Need Around The World
"It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT)."
The Prophet (PBUH) - (Hadith - Trimidhi)
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