When Is Eid al-Adha 2026?
Eid al-Adha 2026 is expected around late May to early June 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH). The exact date depends on the Islamic calendar and moon sighting. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage.
What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha — the "Festival of Sacrifice" — commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah. When Ibrahim demonstrated his complete submission, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram.
"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Quran 22:37)
Qurbani (Udhiyah): The Sacrifice
Who Must Give Qurbani?
Qurbani is wajib (obligatory) for every adult Muslim of sound mind who possesses wealth above the nisab threshold. According to the Hanafi school, it's obligatory per person; other schools consider it Sunnah mu'akkadah (strongly recommended).
Animals and Rules
- Sheep/Goat: 1 animal = 1 share (minimum 1 year old)
- Cow/Buffalo: 1 animal = up to 7 shares (minimum 2 years old)
- Camel: 1 animal = up to 7 shares (minimum 5 years old)
- The animal must be healthy, free of defects, and well-nourished
Timing
Sacrifice must be performed after Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and before sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (3-day window).
Distribution of Meat
The Sunnah is to divide the meat into three portions:
- One-third for your family
- One-third for relatives, friends, and neighbors
- One-third for the poor and needy
The First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." (Bukhari)
The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah (leading up to Eid al-Adha) are among the most blessed days of the year. Recommended acts include fasting (especially the 9th — Day of Arafah), extra prayers, dhikr, and charity.
Give Your Qurbani Where It's Needed Most
For many families in crisis zones, qurbani meat may be the only protein they receive all year. Umma Foundation ensures your sacrifice reaches families in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon — freshly slaughtered and distributed with dignity.
