When is Qurbani 2026 in the UK?
Qurbani takes place on the days of Eid-ul-Adha and in 2026 it is expected to begin on Wednesday 27 May 2026 in the UK, subject to moon sighting.
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon marking the start of Dhul Hijjah. Because of this, the date may vary slightly based on official announcements in the UK and different moon sighting methods followed by communities across the country each year.
Qurbani is performed over three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, beginning after the Eid al-Adha prayer and continuing until sunset on the final day.
Expected key dates:
Eid al-Adha 2026 (UK): 27 May 2026
Qurbani days: 27 May - 29 May 2026
Last day of Qurbani: 29 May 2026
These dates are based on current projections and may change depending on confirmed moon sighting reports in the UK.
Qurbani 2026 Dates & Calendar (UK and Worldwide)
Qurbani dates are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is around 10 to 11 days shorter than the Solar calendar each year, which is why Qurbani and Eid-ul-Adha move earlier annually.
The month of Dhul Hijjah marks the period of Hajj and Qurbani. Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, and Qurbani is performed over three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Below is the expected Qurbani 2026 calendar for the UK:
These dates are based on current projections and are subject to moon sighting confirmation.
Globally, Qurbani is observed at the same time in the Islamic calendar, but the exact date may vary slightly. Some countries follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting, while others rely on local moon sightings, which can result in a one-day difference.
Qurbani 2026 Dates in the UK.
In the UK, Qurbani in 2026 is expected to begin on Wednesday 27 May 2026, subject to local moon sighting.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because of this, the exact date of Eid al-Adha and Qurbani can vary slightly depending on when the moon is sighted in the UK.
Muslims across the UK usually follow announcements from local mosques or recognised moon sighting committees. These announcements confirm the start of Dhul Hijjah and determine the official dates for Eid and Qurbani.
Qurbani takes place over three days, starting after the Eid al-Adha prayer on the first day. It continues until sunset on the third day, allowing flexibility for those who may not be able to perform it on the first day.
The expected Qurbani dates in the UK are:
First day of Qurbani: 27 May 2026
Last day of Qurbani: 29 May 2026
These dates are based on current projections and may change depending on confirmed moon sighting reports.
It is important to stay updated with local announcements to ensure Qurbani is performed within the correct time frame and according to Islamic guidelines.
When is Qurbani 2026 Worldwide?
Qurbani in 2026 will be observed worldwide during the same period in the Islamic calendar, beginning on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. This is the first day of Eid al-Adha, followed by two additional days of Eid al-Adha in which Qurbani can also be performed.
Since the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon. As a result, the confirmed date of Eid al-Adha and Qurbani may vary slightly across different parts of the world.
In many countries, Qurbani is expected to begin around 27 May 2026, but this can differ by a day depending on moon sighting practices.
There are two main approaches followed globally when determining Islamic dates:
Some countries follow Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting, aligning their dates with the announcement made for Hajj and Eid.
Others rely on local moon sighting, where scholars or committees confirm the new moon within their own region.
Because of these differences, it is common for Eid al-Adha and Qurbani to start on slightly different days in different countries.
Despite this, the significance and practice of Qurbani remain the same worldwide. Muslims perform the sacrifice during the prescribed days of Dhul Hijjah as an act of worship and obedience.
Why Qurbani Dates Change (Moon Sighting)
Qurbani dates change every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, not the solar calendar used in most countries. The Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, with each month beginning when the new moon is sighted. This makes the Islamic year around 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, important Islamic dates like Eid al-Adha and Qurbani shift earlier each year.
The exact start of Dhul Hijjah depends on the moon sighting, which can vary by location. Different countries or communities may confirm the moon in different days. This leads to date differences across the world. In some places, Qurbani may begin a day earlier or later than in others.
Some Muslims follow official announcements from Saudi Arabia, while others follow local moon sighting committees in their own country. Because of this, Qurbani dates are always given as expected dates until confirmed.
When Should You Book Qurbani 2026?
It is always best to book your Qurbani as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues and ensure your sacrifice is completed on time.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, demand for Qurbani increases significantly. This often leads to rising prices, especially in the final days before Eid. Early booking helps you secure a better price and avoid unexpected cost increases.
Another important factor is limited availability. In many regions, especially those with high demand, animals can sell out quickly. Delaying your booking may result in fewer options or missing out entirely.
There are also logistical challenges to consider. Qurbani requires careful planning, including sourcing animals, arranging slaughter and distributing meat to those in need. Charities and organisations manage large volumes during this period, so early bookings help them plan and deliver efficiently.
Booking early also gives you peace of mind, knowing your Qurbani is secured and will be carried out within the correct time frame.
By acting early, you not only avoid stress but also help ensure that your Qurbani reaches vulnerable communities without delays.
👉 Book early to avoid missing out and ensure your Qurbani is completed on time.
How to Prepare for Qurbani 2026
Preparing for Qurbani in advance helps ensure your sacrifice is completed correctly, on time and with the right intention.
● Spiritual - Take time to understand the meaning and purpose of Qurbani in Islam, as it is an act of obedience and devotion. Make a sincere intention (niyyah) for the sake of Allah and use the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to increase acts of worship such as prayer, charity and remembrance. This period is highly rewarding, so preparing spiritually allows you to approach Qurbani with the right mindset and focus.
● Financial - Planning your finances early is important to avoid last-minute pressure. Set aside your Qurbani budget in advance and review available options so you can make an informed decision. Prices may increase closer to Eid due to demand, so early preparation can help you secure a better rate. It also gives you time to choose a trusted and reliable charity that ensures your Qurbani is carried out according to Islamic guidelines.
● Practical - From a practical perspective, booking your Qurbani early helps secure availability and allows organisations to manage logistics effectively. You should decide whether to perform Qurbani locally or overseas, depending on your preference and impact. Staying updated with moon sighting announcements is also essential to ensure your Qurbani is carried out within the correct days. Preparing in advance helps avoid stress and ensures everything is completed smoothly.
Where Should You Give Qurbani? (UK vs Overseas)
When giving Qurbani, you can choose to perform it in the UK or overseas. Both options are valid, but they offer different benefits depending on your intention and preference.
Giving Qurbani in the UK allows you to support local communities and receive fresh meat. It can also be more personal, as some people prefer to keep their Qurbani close to home. However, the cost is usually higher due to increased expenses for livestock, processing and distribution.
On the other hand, giving Qurbani overseas is often more affordable and allows your donation to have a wider impact. In many countries, families struggle to afford meat and may only receive it during Eid. Your Qurbani can provide essential nutrition and bring relief to those in need.
Overseas Qurbani also helps support poor and vulnerable communities, including widows, orphans and displaced families. It ensures that your sacrifice reaches those who can benefit the most due to poverty. Many charities organise Qurbani in regions where poverty levels are high, making it easier for donors to maximise their impact while fulfilling their obligation. Know more please visit our blog page When is Qurbani 2026 in the UK : https://muslimcharity.org.uk/news/when-is-qurbani-2026
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