2027 update: Eid al-Adha is forecast around Sunday, 16 May or Monday, 17 May 2027, depending on the local Dhul Hijjah moon sighting. The corresponding qurbani dates remain estimates until the date of Eid is officially confirmed.
What Is Qurbani and When Must It Be Done?
Qurbani is the ritual sacrifice of a permitted animal — sheep, goat, cow, or camel — performed during Dhul Hijjah to honor the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage and is one of the most significant acts of worship during Eid al-Adha.
The sacrifice window
The meat is commonly recommended to be divided into three portions: one-third for your family, one-third for relatives and neighbors, and one-third for those in need. Scholars generally regard this division as encouraged (mustahabb) rather than strictly required.
Is Qurbani Compulsory if You’re Traveling?
This depends on which school of Islamic jurisprudence you follow. The ruling differs significantly for travelers.
Hanafi school
In the Hanafi school — the most widely followed in South Asia, Turkey, and Central Asia — qurbani is wajib (obligatory) for every sane adult Muslim who possesses wealth at or above the nisab threshold.
However, a key exemption exists for the musafir (traveler). If you are traveling approximately 77 kilometers or more from your home and plan to stay fewer than 15 days at your destination, you are classified as a musafir and qurbani is not obligatory for you — even if you can afford it.
Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools
In the other three Sunni schools, qurbani is classified as sunnah mu’akkadah (strongly recommended) for all Muslims who can afford it. There is no specific traveler exemption — the recommendation applies equally whether you are at home or abroad.
The bottom line for travelers
- Hanafi followers traveling during 10–12 Dhul Hijjah (the Hanafi sacrifice window) are technically exempt
- All other schools consider it strongly recommended regardless of travel status
- Even if exempt, performing qurbani while traveling is accepted and spiritually rewarded
- A day trip or short commute does not count — the approximately 77 km threshold is specific to the Hanafi school, and other schools may apply different criteria for travel status
- Expats, overseas workers, and students living abroad for more than 15 days are generally classified as muqim (resident), not musafir — the traveler exemption would not apply
If your circumstances are unusual, consult your imam rather than assuming an exemption.
How to Arrange Qurbani Online From Abroad
Online qurbani services let you fulfill your obligation from anywhere — whether you’re on an Eid al-Adha holiday in Istanbul or working in Dubai. These organizations handle everything from animal sourcing to meat distribution in compliance with Islamic guidelines.
Trusted international platforms
Qurbani platform prices and 2027 campaign details have not yet been announced. We’ll update this article when providers publish their confirmed options.
How it works
- Select your preferred country and animal type (goat, sheep, or cow share)
- Pay online — most platforms accept cards, bank transfer, and PayPal
- The organization sources the animal, performs the sacrifice after Eid prayer, and distributes the meat
- You receive confirmation via email or WhatsApp
Quick Tips for Travelers
If you’re staying at a hotel or serviced apartment, receiving and storing raw meat is impractical. Choose a full-donation option instead — most online platforms let you direct the entire animal to families in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hajj pilgrims have to give qurbani separately?
The animal sacrifice that Hajj pilgrims perform on 10 Dhul Hijjah is called hady — it is a separate Hajj rite, not the same as qurbani (udhiyah). Whether a pilgrim also owes a separate qurbani depends on their school of thought and residency status. In the Hanafi school, a pilgrim who is classified as a musafir during the days of sacrifice is generally considered exempt from the additional qurbani obligation, but many pilgrims choose to arrange one anyway through an online platform back home. Consult your scholar for guidance specific to your situation.
Can qurbani be performed in a different country from where I am?
Yes. The majority of scholars across the Sunni schools consider it permissible for the sacrifice to take place in a different country from your current location. An expat in Dubai can have their qurbani performed in Pakistan, and a student in London can arrange it in Bangladesh. The sacrifice just needs to fall within the valid Dhul Hijjah window according to the local moon sighting of the country where it is carried out.
What if I’m traveling but my family is at home during Eid?
Your travel status only affects your own obligation. In the Hanafi school, family members who are at home (muqim) and individually meet the nisab threshold are still expected to fulfill their own qurbani. A husband’s travel status does not necessarily affect his wife’s individual obligation if she independently meets the criteria. Many families arrange a single qurbani to cover the household — confirm with your imam whether this satisfies the obligation for each eligible member.
Sources
- Islamic Relief — Qurbani Rules
- Muslim Aid — Is Qurbani Compulsory?
- Embrace Relief — Who Must Give Qurbani: Obligations According to Islamic Schools
- Hope Welfare Trust — Who Is Qurbani Compulsory For?
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
