28 questions answered — Islamic rules, pricing, countries, halal compliance and more. Get clarity before you give your Qurbani.
Islamic Rules & Obligations
What is Qurbani in Islam?
Qurbani (also called Udhiyyah in Arabic) is the Islamic practice of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. It is an act of worship performed annually from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Who is required to give Qurbani?
Qurbani is obligatory (according to Hanafi madhab) or highly recommended (according to Shafi'i, Maliki and Hanbali madhabs) for every adult Muslim of sound mind who possesses wealth equivalent to or above the nisab threshold (approximately £350 in 2026).
Can I give Qurbani on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can give Qurbani on behalf of living family members (spouse, children, parents) with their permission, deceased relatives as a voluntary act of charity, or the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a Sunnah practice. Each person on whose behalf you sacrifice must have one full Qurbani (sheep/goat) or one cow share (1/7).
When is Qurbani performed?
Qurbani must be performed during the valid period: from after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until sunset on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. For 2026, Eid al-Adha is Tuesday 27 May 2026. Valid Qurbani days are 27–30 May 2026.
What animals are valid for Qurbani?
- Goats (minimum 1 year old)
- Sheep (minimum 1 year old)
- Cattle/Cows (minimum 2 years old)
- Buffalo (minimum 2 years old)
- Camels (minimum 5 years old)
All animals must be healthy and free from major defects (blindness, lameness, severe malnourishment, broken horns with blood).
What is a cow share in Qurbani?
A cow share (also called "1/7 share") is when a large animal (cow, buffalo or camel) is sacrificed on behalf of up to 7 people. Each person receives one share, which fulfils their Qurbani obligation. This is a valid and cost-effective option based on authentic hadith.
Do children need to give Qurbani?
No. Qurbani is only obligatory (Hanafi) or strongly recommended (other madhabs) for adults who possess wealth above nisab. Parents may choose to perform Qurbani on behalf of their children as a voluntary act of worship, but it is not required.
Pricing & Payment
How much does Qurbani cost in 2026?
HNCO Qurbani 2026 pricing — Kenya: £60 (sheep/goat), £65 (cow share), £550 (whole cow). Pakistan: £90 (cow share), £135 (sheep/goat), £630 (whole cow). Prophetic Qurbani: £120 (Kenya), £270 (Pakistan).
Why is Kenya Qurbani cheaper than Pakistan?
Kenya offers lower pricing due to lower livestock costs (Kenya's pastoral economy and local sheep/goat markets reduce animal prices), favourable currency exchange rates, and operational efficiency from concentrated urban slums in Nairobi and Mombasa. Both countries guarantee 100% halal stun-free slaughter.
What payment methods do you accept?
HNCO accepts debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), PayPal, UK bank transfer, and Apple Pay/Google Pay. All payments are securely processed. You'll receive an email confirmation within 72 hours.
Can I give multiple Qurbani animals?
Yes. You can give as many Qurbani animals as you wish — one for yourself, additional for family members (with permission), deceased relatives, or as voluntary charity. There is no maximum limit.
Countries & Distribution
Which countries does HNCO serve for Qurbani 2026?
For Qurbani 2026, HNCO serves 2 countries: Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces — 68M food-insecure) and Kenya (Nairobi and Mombasa — 14M food-insecure).
Can I choose the specific country for my Qurbani?
Yes. When booking, you can select either Pakistan or Kenya. You may also add a note specifying a preferred province/city within that country (e.g. Punjab or Nairobi), and our partners will attempt to accommodate if possible.
Who receives the Qurbani meat?
100% of the meat is distributed to the most vulnerable families in Pakistan and Kenya. Priority is given to widows and orphans, refugees and internally displaced persons, families affected by droughts, floods or conflict, and those living in extreme poverty with no other Qurbani access.
Will I receive photos or videos of my Qurbani?
No. HNCO does not provide real-time photos or videos of individual Qurbani sacrifices. You will receive an email confirmation within 72 hours of booking with reference number, and a completion report after Eid detailing sacrifice date, location and number of families served. This policy protects beneficiary dignity and reduces operational costs.
How do I know my Qurbani was actually performed?
HNCO's verification process includes email confirmation within 72 hours, local partner documentation (slaughter records, beneficiary lists), Islamic scholar oversight of all sacrifices, third-party audits conducted annually, and a completion report sent to all donors after Eid.
Halal & Slaughter Method
Is HNCO's Qurbani 100% halal and stun-free?
Yes. HNCO performs 100% stun-free Zabiha Halal slaughter in Pakistan and Kenya. All animals are slaughtered by trained Muslim butchers with Bismillah and Takbir, following authentic Islamic method with full consciousness and blood drainage. No stunning, captive-bolt guns, or electric shock is used.
What is stun-free slaughter?
Stun-free slaughter (Zabiha Halal) is the Islamic method where the animal is fully conscious at the time of slaughter. A sharp knife severs the jugular veins, carotid arteries, and windpipe in one swift motion, allowing full blood drainage. This is distinct from stunning (electric shock or captive-bolt gun), which may cause death before slaughter and is prohibited in authentic Islamic jurisprudence.
Are animals treated humanely before slaughter?
Yes. Islamic principles require humane treatment of animals. HNCO's partners ensure animals are fed and watered before slaughter, are not slaughtered in view of each other, knives are sharpened out of sight, and animals are handled gently without stress or fear. All practices follow Prophetic Sunnah.
Who performs the slaughter?
All slaughters are performed by trained Muslim butchers who have been educated in Islamic slaughter methods. Each slaughter is supervised by Islamic scholars to ensure full compliance with Shariah requirements.
Is Bismillah said before slaughter?
Yes. Every slaughter begins with Bismillah wa Allahu Akbar ("In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest"), as required by Islamic law. This is a mandatory condition for the sacrifice to be valid.
Booking & Timing
What is the deadline to book Qurbani 2026?
Recommended deadline: Saturday 23 May 2026 (to ensure animal procurement and logistics). Final deadline: Monday 25 May 2026 at 11:59 PM UK time. Late bookings may be redirected to Kenya if Pakistan stock is unavailable.
When is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is Tuesday 27 May 2026. Valid Qurbani days are 27–30 May 2026 (10th–13th of Dhul-Hijjah).
Can I book Qurbani in advance?
Yes. HNCO accepts advance bookings from April onwards. Early booking helps us plan logistics, secure animals, and identify beneficiaries. We recommend booking by 23 May 2026.
How long does it take to receive confirmation?
You will receive email confirmation within 72 hours of completing your booking. The email will include your booking reference number, country, animal type, and estimated sacrifice date.
Can I cancel or change my Qurbani booking?
Changes: contact us at info@hnco.org.uk or 01282 501998 before 20 May 2026 to request changes (country, animal type, dedication). Cancellations: refunds are only available if requested before 20 May 2026. After this date, animals have been purchased and cannot be refunded.
What happens after I book my Qurbani?
- Confirmation: email sent within 72 hours
- Animal procurement: local partners purchase animals 1–2 weeks before Eid
- Scholar verification: Islamic scholars inspect animals for compliance
- Slaughter: performed during valid Qurbani days (27–30 May 2026)
- Distribution: fresh meat delivered to vulnerable families
- Completion report: sent to donors after Eid
Additional Questions
What is Prophetic Qurbani?
Prophetic Qurbani is a sacrifice performed according to the highest standard of the Sunnah. It includes premium-quality animals with zero defects, pre-approval by independent Islamic scholars, 100% stun-free slaughter with Prophetic method training, full meat distribution to the most vulnerable families, and enhanced documentation and reporting. Pricing: £120 (Kenya), £270 (Pakistan).
What's the difference between Qurbani and Sadaqah?
Qurbani is a specific sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha (10–13 Dhul-Hijjah) and is obligatory or highly recommended for those above nisab. Sadaqah is voluntary charity given at any time of year for any purpose (food, education, medical aid).
Is HNCO a registered nonprofit?
Yes. HNCO (Hajjah Naziha Charitable Organisation) is a UK-registered nonprofit. 100% of Qurbani donations go directly to purchasing and distributing animals.
How do I contact HNCO for Qurbani questions?
Phone: 01282 501998. Email: info@hnco.org.uk. Address: Nelson, BB95FL. Our team is available Monday–Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM UK time.
Ready to Book Your Qurbani 2026?
From £60 Kenya, £90 Pakistan. 100% stun-free. Eid al-Adha 27 May 2026.