The holy month of Dhul Hijjah is fast approaching. For many of us, this is the most spiritual time of the year. It is a season of reflection, prayer, and giving back. One question I hear every year from donors is: how to do qurbani in islam correctly? It is a fair question. You want to make sure your sacrifice is accepted. You want to follow the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exactly as intended. Qurbani is not just a ritual. It is a test of our devotion. It is about putting Allah first and helping those who have less than us. In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know for 2026. Whether you are doing it yourself or through a charity like Giving Hands, we will make sure you are ready.

Why We Perform Qurbani

Qurbani, or Udhiya, is the act of sacrificing a livestock animal. We do this to remember the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Allah asked him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS). Ibrahim (AS) loved his son dearly. Yet, his love for Allah was greater. At the very last moment, Allah replaced Ismail (AS) with a ram.

This story teaches us about total submission. Today, we don’t sacrifice what we love most in a literal sense. Instead, we sacrifice our wealth to help others. It is a way to kill our ego and greed. When you give, you are telling Allah that nothing you own is more important than Him. It is a powerful spiritual reset.

Who Needs to Give Qurbani?

Is Qurbani mandatory for you? The answer depends on your bank account. In Islam, we use the “Nisab” threshold. If you have wealth above this level, you must perform Qurbani.

If you are a sane, adult Muslim with enough money, it is a duty. In the Hanafi school of thought, this is “Wajib” (required). In other schools, it is a “Sunnah Mu’akkadah.” This means it is a very strong recommendation that you shouldn’t skip. If you have enough to pay Zakat, you definitely have enough to do Qurbani. It is a small sacrifice that brings a huge reward.

Important Dates for 2026

You have to get the timing right. You cannot perform Qurbani whenever you feel like it. It only counts during the days of Eid al-Adha.

In 2026, Eid al-Adha will likely start on Tuesday, May 26th. The window for sacrifice is short. It starts right after the Eid prayer on the first day. It ends at sunset on the third day of Eid (the 12th of Dhul Hijjah). If you do it even a few minutes before the Eid prayer, it is just regular meat. It won’t count as Qurbani. Planning is key. If you are using a charity, make sure your donation is in early so they can secure your animal.

Picking the Right Animal

You can’t just pick any animal. Allah deserves our best, not our leftovers. There are specific age and health rules you must follow.

Goats and Sheep: These must be at least one year old.
Cows and Buffaloes: These must be at least two years old.
Camels: These must be at least five years old.

The animal must be healthy. Look for a strong animal. It shouldn’t be blind, lame, or very thin. If it’s sick or injured, it’s not suitable. We want to give high-quality meat to the poor. Imagine the joy of a hungry child receiving a meal of the best meat. That is the goal.

What Are Qurbani Shares?

If you are a single person, a goat or sheep is perfect. That counts as one share. But what if you have a big family? This is where cows and camels come in.

A cow or a camel has seven shares. This means seven people can split the cost of one large animal. It is a great way for a family of seven to fulfill their duty together. You can also buy a whole cow for yourself if you want to feed more people. Each share must be intended for one person. You can’t split one goat between two people.

How to Do Qurbani in Islam: The Steps

The actual act of sacrifice must be done with mercy. We follow the “Dhabihah” rules. These are designed to be quick and humane.

Clean Intent: Start by making a sincere intention in your heart.
Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp blade. This ensures the animal doesn’t suffer.
Gentleness: Calm the animal down. Don’t let it see the knife or other animals being slaughtered.
The Prayer: Say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” as you perform the cut.
The Cut: The windpipe and the main arteries must be cut in one swift motion.

This method is the most humane way to take a life for food. It ensures the blood drains out, making the meat clean and healthy to eat.

Caring for the Animal

A lot of people forget this part. We must be kind to the animal before the sacrifice. Give it fresh water and a comfortable place to rest. Don’t stress it out. The Prophet (SAW) was very clear about this. He saw a man sharpening his knife while his foot was on the animal’s neck. He told the man not to “kill the animal twice.” This means we should protect them from fear. Our compassion should be visible until the very last second.

The beauty of Qurbani is in the sharing. Traditionally, we divide the meat into three equal parts.

The first part is for you and your family. The second part is for your friends and neighbors. The third part—the most important part—is for the poor. In our modern world, things are a bit different. Many of us don’t have hungry neighbors. That is why people send their Qurbani to places like Gaza, Yemeni refugees , or Africa. By giving your whole share to a charity, you ensure that people who truly need it are the ones eating.

The Sunnah of Not Cutting Hair or Nails

There is a beautiful habit you can adopt during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. If you are the person giving the Qurbani, try not to cut your hair or nails.

You should wait until the sacrifice is over. This is a Sunnah, not a requirement. It helps you feel connected to the people on Hajj. It’s a way to show that you are in a state of devotion. It makes the moment of Eid feel even more special when you finally clean up after the sacrifice is confirmed.

Giving on Behalf of Others

Can you give Qurbani for someone else? Absolutely. Many people give an extra share for a parent who has passed away. This is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah. It brings them rewards even in the grave.

You can also follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) by giving a “Prophetic Qurbani.” He used to sacrifice an extra animal for those in his Ummah who couldn’t afford it. This is a truly selfless act. It ensures that no Muslim is left out of the joy of Eid.

Rules for the Butcher and the Skin

There are a couple of “don’ts” you should know. First, you cannot pay the butcher with meat from the animal. You must pay his wages separately with cash. Second, you cannot sell the skin or any part of the animal.

If you have the skin, you can use it at home. Most people donate the skin to a charity. The charity sells it and uses the money to help orphans or build wells. This way, every single part of the animal is used to do good in the world.

Why Use a Charity Like Giving Hands?

Let’s be honest. Performing a sacrifice yourself is hard if you live in a city. There are laws, hygiene rules, and logistics to think about. That is why Giving Hands exists.

We take that burden off your shoulders. We find the healthiest animals in the poorest parts of the world. Our teams follow every Shariah rule strictly. We make sure the meat reaches widows, orphans, and the elderly. When you give through us, you aren’t just sending money. You are sending a message of love and solidarity to your brothers and sisters across the globe.

Final Thought: Focus on Your Heart

At the end of the day, Allah doesn’t need the meat. The Quran says it is our piety that reaches Him. How to do qurbani in islam is about more than just a knife and an animal. It is about your heart. It is about proving that you are a servant of the Most Merciful. May your sacrifice be accepted, and may it bring light to those in the darkest corners of the world this year.