Fulfilling a Sacred Obligation and Extending Compassion to the Most Vulnerable

As the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah approaches in 2026, Muslims worldwide prepare to commemorate one of the most profound acts of faith and devotion in Islamic tradition. Eid Ul Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is expected to fall on around Wednesday, 27 May 2026, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon. The three days of Eid and Qurbani will likely extend through Friday, 29 May 2026, with the exact dates confirmed closer to the time through local moon sighting authorities in Pakistan.

The sacred occasion offers a powerful opportunity not only to renew connections with Allah SWT but also to embody the spirit of generosity by sharing the blessings of sacrifice with those in dire need. Islamic Relief Pakistan stands as a trusted and impactful partner in channeling your Qurbani to reach the most deserving communities across Pakistan and Beyond.

The Essence of Qurbani: A Timeless Act of Faith, Submission and Solidarity

Qurbani (also referred to as Udhiya) derives from the Arabic root “qurb” meaning nearness and closeness. It symbolises our desire to draw nearer to Allah SWT through obedience and sacrifice. The practice commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim AS, who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his Beloved son Ismail AS. At the moment of ultimate submission, Allah replaced Islmail with a ram, affirming that the true essence of sacrifice lies not in the blood or flesh but in piety, devotion, and willingness to surrender to the Divine will.

The Holy Quran beautifully encapsulates this:

“So turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice to him alone.”

(Surah Al Kawthar 108:2)

For those who are financially able, according to the Hanafi school, it is obligatory for the same adults possessing wealth above the Zakat nisab threshold (equivalent to 87.48g of gold or 612.35g of Silver), Qurbani serves as a highly recommended or obligatory act during the days of Eid ul Adha. The meat from the sacrificed animal (goat, sheep, cow, or camel) is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one distributed to the poor and needy.

Beyond ritual, Qurbani teaches profound lessons in empathy, humility, and social responsibility. It reminds us that wealth lies in sharing and that our prosperity is a trust from Allah to uplift others. In a world where millions face chronic hunger, Qurbani becomes a lifeline, providing rare nutritional support and restoring dignity to vulnerable families who may otherwise go months or even years without tasting meat.

The Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, is reported to have said,

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved than these 10 days of (of Dhul Hijjah)”

Sahih Al Bukhari

Why Perform Qurbani? Spiritual Rewards and Humanitarian Impact

Performing Qurbani is more than fulfilling a religious duty; it is an expression of gratitude, purification of the soul, and solidarity with the ummah. It purifies our wealth, strengthens community bonds, and earns immense rewards during the most blessed days of the year. For many impoverished families in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas, conflict – affected regions like AJ&K (Line of Control), and marginalised communities, Eid ul Adha represents the only occasion they receive fresh, nutritious meat.

By entrusting your Qurbani to a reputable organisation, you ensure that your sacrifice reaches those who need it most, multiplying its blessings through efficient, transparent, and Shariah-compliant distribution.

Islamic Relief Pakistan: Your Trusted Partner for Meaningful Qurbani

Since its establishment, Islamic Relief Pakistan has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, transforming lives through faith-inspired action. With decades of experience in disaster response, sustainable development, and seasonal programmes like Qurbani and Ramadan, the organisation operates with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and Shariah compliance.

Islamic Relief Pakistan’s Qurbani Program is designed for maximum Impact and dignity:

• Animal Selection and Slaughter:

Healthy, Shariah-compliant animals are sourced locally where possible, ensuring they meet age, weight, and health criteria.

• Processing and Distribution:

Meat is professionally slaughtered, skinned, cut, packed into hygienic 5Kg portions ( in food-grade bags), chilled or blast frozen, and transported via cold chain to preserve quality.

• Targeted Selection of Rightholders:

A rigorous scoring system prioritises the most vulnerable, families living below the poverty line, female-headed households, those with disabled or elderly members, households with young children, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and communities with limited market access.

• Geographic Reach:

Distribution focuses on underserved regions across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KP, AJAK, and extends support to global crises such as Palestine, where families often rely solely on Eid meat for Protein.

Impact 

Islamic Relief Pakistan has been doing Qurbani and distribution since 1994. In 2025, Islamic Relief Pakistan completed 3,710 Qurbani shares by sacrificing 530 animals, resulting in 12,720 meat packs (each 5kg) distributed to thousands of vulnerable families. These efforts brought joy and nutrition to displaced communities in AJK, supported orphans, and extended aid to crisis-hit areas.

Your Qurbani has previously reached over 89,040 people with fresh meat, benefiting approximately 12,720  across Pakistan. Many recipients in rural and remote areas expressed that this was their only opportunity in the year to enjoy nutritious meat, turning sacrifice into smiles and hope.

These figures underscore the scale and efficiency of the programme. Every donation covers the full cycle, animal purchase, slaughter, processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution, ensuring no portion of your contribution is wasted.