How to do qurbani 2026: UK, Europe
Learn what qurbani is, how it works, and where to give your qurbani in the UK or Europe, including charitable options
What is qurbani?
Qurbani is the practice of sacrificing an animal, usually a goat or lamb, to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience with God’s will. According to the Qur’an, God asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith and intervened before the boy lost his life. Eid al-Adha, a three-day celebration, which this year will begin on 26 May, depending on the moon sighting, commemorates this event and marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
After the animal is sacrificed, a portion of the meat is given to the needy while the rest is shared with family and neighbours.
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How does qurbani work?
According to most Muslims, giving qurbani is highly recommended, if not compulsory. Normally, those who are eligible to pay zakat are obliged to give qurbani.
Muslims can sacrifice an animal, including lamb, goat, cow or camel, and share a portion with the needy or they can donate money via a trusted charity.
Many charities handle the process on behalf of donors, making it easier to give locally or overseas.
Where to do qurbani?
Muslims in the UK and Europe have several options for how to perform qurbani. There are many charities that will help you to distribute your qurbani locally to food banks, families in need or vulnerable communities abroad.
To give qurbani locally, you can ask your local mosque or you can make a monetary donation through a charity that will make qurbani on your behalf, such as Islamic Aid or Human Appeal, which work with food banks across the UK to distribute qurbani to the needy. Additionally, some halal meat distributors give you the option to donate a third of your meat to charity when you purchase their lamb, for example Spice Village.
International charities enable Muslims to make a qurbani to other countries. Orphans in Need, for example, will make qurbani in your name in the region where they see the largest need. Others, including Islamic Relief, Muslim Aid and Human Concern UK allow you to choose from a number of regions.
Things to consider
Many charities who facilitate qurbani focus on high welfare standards, halal slaughter and transparent distribution.
Islamic Relief runs a Quality Assured Qurbani programme, which upholds core humanitarian standard and sharia compliance throughout the entire process to ensure that the meat received by the beneficiaries is halal and tayib. This includes rigorous inspection of livestock to ensure that it meets health and shariah standards and cooperation with regulated slaughterhouses.
Can you donate meat to the poor?
Yes, and this is one of the main purposes of qurbani. Meat is often given directly to families, charities or food banks.
You can find a list of food banks accepting qurbani donations here.
Islamic Relief has produced a quick guide regarding who is eligible to receive qurbani:
- Families who live on less than the minimum income for that particular country.
- Female-headed households.
- Families with disabled and/or elderly persons.
- Children under five years old.
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding mothers.
- Families with little or no access to the market.
Where to donate
In the UK:
Internationally:
Quality-assured animal welfare standard:
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How to avoid scams
While the internet has enhanced our ability to support charities across the globe, it has also made it easier for criminals to take advantage of others’ generosity.
To avoid being scammed while making qurbani check the registration number of the charity you want to use. You can also check if they are registered with the Charity Commission. The Muslim Charities Forum provides a set of guidelines on how to donate safely.
When donating online you should only make a payment directly via the charity’s website. Make sure that the website address starts with “https” (not “http”) and keep your receipts.
