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It is advisable to give as early as possible. At Islamic Relief, we strive to implement the Qurbani sacrifice over 3 days (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah)
Niger, Mali and Malawi
Bangladesh, Nepal, Somalia, Ethiopia, Philippines, Pakistan, Malawi and South Sudan
South Africa
Sudan, Albania, Chechnya, Indonesia, Kosova, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Yemen
Iraq, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye, and Morocco
Palestine (Gaza)
Qurbani means ‘sacrifice’. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, in complete submission to God. After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is distributed to those most in need.
Donating Qurbani is highly recommended according to the majority of scholars, and is obligatory in the Hanafi Madhab for every Muslim who is financially able to do so. There are also Qurbani rules that dictate which animals can be sacrificed, based on their quality of life and health, as well as guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out.
In 2026, Islamic Relief aims to reach more people than ever before with its Qurbani distributions. By donating your Qurbani through us, you will enable some of the most vulnerable and under-resourced communities in over 30 countries to enjoy Eid with nourishing meat.
You can donate Qurbani online with our easy-to-use calculator, above.
Islamic Relief conducts Qurbani around the world, with prices varying depending on the cost of animals in the local areas where the sacrifices are being carried out.
Last year alone, your donations enabled us to provide quality meat to over 3 million vulnerable people across more than 30 countries, including Palestine (Gaza), Sudan and Syria, as well as impoverished communities right here in the South Africa.
As believers who are called to love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves, Islamic Relief facilitates the best possible Qurbani offerings. We adopt high quality standards, including health, weight (meat yielded) and age, when selecting sacrificial animals.
We also make every effort to reach some of the most vulnerable communities, often located in particularly remote areas that have been impacted by conflict or other disasters.
These high quality standards, coupled with our mission to transport meat to hard-to-reach areas, do tend to incur higher costs. However, because we collaborate with local suppliers within the countries in which we facilitate Qurbani, these costs also support local economies.
When you donate Qurbani through Islamic Relief, you can rest assured that you are offering the best to those who need it the most.
Donate Qurbani through Islamic Relief this Dhul Hijjah, and reap the rewards of the 10 best days.
Everything you need to know about giving Qurbani through Islamic Relief South Africa — from Islamic rulings and eligibility to how your donation reaches those who need it most.
Qurbani means "sacrifice" in Arabic. Every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal — a goat, sheep, cow or camel — to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in complete submission to Allah (SWT). After the animal has been sacrificed, its meat is distributed to those most in need.
Qurbani is one of the most beloved acts of worship during the sacred days of Dhul Hijjah. It is a reminder that everything we have belongs to Allah (SWT), and that giving to others is at the heart of our faith.
According to the majority of Islamic scholars, Qurbani is a highly recommended Sunnah act for every adult Muslim who possesses wealth above the Nisab threshold (the minimum amount of wealth that makes Zakat obligatory). In the Hanafi Madhab, Qurbani is considered Wajib (obligatory) for every sane, adult Muslim who is not travelling and who possesses wealth equal to or above the Nisab.
A person is not required to give Qurbani on behalf of their children, though it is permissible to do so as an additional act of generosity.
One small animal — a goat or sheep — counts as one Qurbani and is sufficient for one person or one household, depending on your Madhab. A large animal such as a cow or camel can be shared between up to seven people, with each person's share counting as one Qurbani.
You may give more than one Qurbani if you wish — many Muslims give additional Qurbanis on behalf of deceased family members or as an act of additional charity.
A Qurbani share refers to a portion of a larger animal. Because a cow or camel can be shared between up to seven people, each person's contribution is referred to as a "share." One share equals one Qurbani. When you donate a Qurbani share through Islamic Relief South Africa, your share is combined with up to six others to fund the sacrifice of a single large animal.
If you donate a full small animal (goat or sheep), that is one complete Qurbani for one person.
The type of animal used for Qurbani depends on the country where the sacrifice takes place and the local availability of livestock. Islamic Relief South Africa selects the most appropriate animal for each country based on local conditions, ensuring the highest possible quality and meat yield.
In South Africa, cows are typically used for local Qurbani distributions. In other countries, goats, sheep or camels may be used depending on what is locally available and most cost-effective for beneficiaries.
A husband and wife are each required to give their own separate Qurbani if they both individually meet the Nisab threshold. One Qurbani does not cover both spouses — each adult Muslim who is eligible must give their own.
However, if a husband wishes to give an additional Qurbani on behalf of his wife as a gift, this is permissible. Similarly, additional Qurbanis can be given on behalf of deceased family members.
If you were obligated to give Qurbani (i.e., you met the Nisab threshold) and missed the days of sacrifice (10th to 12th Dhul Hijjah), you should give the equivalent monetary value in Sadaqah as compensation. This is the position of the majority of scholars.
If you missed Qurbani in a previous year, it is recommended to make up for it by donating the equivalent value as Sadaqah. You can contact Islamic Relief South Africa on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za for guidance.
According to a hadith narrated by Umm Salamah (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "When you see the new moon of Dhul Hijjah, and one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain from cutting his hair and nails." (Muslim)
This means that from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until after the Qurbani has been performed, the person intending to give Qurbani should avoid cutting their hair and nails. This applies to the person giving the Qurbani, not necessarily to the whole household.
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah each year. The exact date varies annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon. Islamic Relief South Africa strives to perform the Qurbani sacrifice over the three days of Eid — the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah — in line with the Sunnah.
For 2026: Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on Monday 18 May 2026. Hajj is expected to take place from Monday 25 May 2026, with the Day of Arafah on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Eid al-Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 26 May 2026 and end on Thursday 28 May 2026, subject to moon sighting.
It is advisable to donate as early as possible to allow our teams to make all necessary arrangements in time for the days of sacrifice.
You can donate your Qurbani at any time, but it is strongly advisable to give as early as possible. Early donations allow Islamic Relief South Africa to make the necessary logistical arrangements — sourcing animals, coordinating with local suppliers, and planning distributions — well ahead of the days of sacrifice.
Payments should ideally be made before the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Once the days of sacrifice have passed, Qurbani can no longer be performed for that year. If you miss the deadline, please contact us to discuss how your donation can be used as Sadaqah.
It is not strictly required to provide the names of all individuals when donating Qurbani through Islamic Relief South Africa. Your intention (niyyah) at the time of donation is what matters most. However, if you wish to specify names — for example, if you are giving on behalf of a deceased family member — you are welcome to include them in your donation notes.
If you pay Qurbani on behalf of someone else, their name does not need to be called out at the time of slaughter for the Qurbani to be valid. Your intention on their behalf is sufficient.
Islamic Relief South Africa works with trusted local partners and suppliers in each country to carry out Qurbani in accordance with Islamic principles. All animals are slaughtered by trained Muslim slaughterers, following the correct Islamic method (Zabiha), and the meat is then distributed directly to vulnerable families.
Our teams on the ground coordinate distributions in communities affected by poverty, conflict, and food insecurity — ensuring that Qurbani meat reaches those who need it most, including in hard-to-reach areas.
Islamic Relief South Africa uses a needs-based approach to identify Qurbani recipients. Our teams conduct community assessments to identify the most vulnerable households — those living in poverty, food-insecure families, orphans and their caregivers, and communities affected by disaster or conflict.
In South Africa, Qurbani distributions are focused on impoverished communities across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other provinces where food insecurity is most acute. We work with community leaders and local organisations to ensure distributions are fair, dignified and reach those who genuinely need it most.
The type of meat provided depends on the country of distribution and local availability. In South Africa, beef is typically distributed. In other countries, goat, sheep, lamb or camel meat may be used, based on what is locally available and most appropriate for beneficiary communities.
All meat is fresh where possible. In exceptional circumstances — such as distributions in Gaza — meat may be frozen and transported under strict cold-chain conditions to preserve quality and safety.
The admin charge covers the operational costs of delivering your Qurbani to beneficiaries — including animal procurement, slaughter, packaging, cold storage where required, transportation to distribution points, and the staffing needed to coordinate distributions safely and efficiently.
Islamic Relief South Africa is committed to transparency. Our annual impact report details exactly how donations are spent, and we work hard to keep administrative costs as low as possible while maintaining the highest standards of quality and accountability. according to our most recent annual report, 87 cents of every R1 donated goes directly into helping people in need, with 6 cents covering administrative costs and 7 cents invested in raising further funds.
Islamic Relief South Africa sources animals locally in each country to support local economies and ensure the freshest possible meat for beneficiaries. Because we work across many countries with different livestock markets, it is not practical to allow donors to select specific animals.
What we can assure you is that all animals meet our strict quality standards — covering health, age and weight — so that you are offering the best possible Qurbani on behalf of yourself and your family.
Islamic Relief South Africa has been facilitating Qurbani distributions for over two decades, and accountability is central to everything we do. Our teams on the ground document every distribution with photographs, beneficiary records and distribution reports. These are reviewed internally and form part of our annual impact reporting.
We also publish video footage of our Qurbani distributions on our YouTube channel, so donors can see their Qurbani in action. You can visit islamic-relief.org.za or our annual reports for verified distribution data.
Islamic Relief is registered as an independent NPO in South Africa (Registration Number: 043-357-NPO) and is fully accountable to our donors, beneficiaries and the communities we serve.
Yes. You can give an additional Qurbani on behalf of the orphan you sponsor as a gift. This is a beautiful act of generosity that ensures the child and their family can celebrate Eid with nourishing meat. Please contact our team on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za to arrange this.
Islamic Relief South Africa distributes Qurbani meat to the most vulnerable communities in each country, rather than to specific individuals or addresses. We are not able to guarantee delivery to a particular village or family member.
If you have a specific country in mind, you can select that country when donating your Qurbani, and our teams will distribute the meat to the most vulnerable people in that country. For specific requests, please contact us directly on 0800 111 898.
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa distributes Qurbani meat to vulnerable communities across South Africa every year. In our most recent campaign, we distributed Qurbani meat packs to 44,822 people in impoverished communities across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other provinces.
South Africa falls under Group C in our Qurbani pricing (R3,100 per share), reflecting the local cost of sourcing quality livestock and distributing meat to beneficiary communities here at home. By choosing South Africa as your Qurbani destination, you are directly supporting your neighbours in need.
Islamic Relief South Africa focuses Qurbani distributions on communities experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity and poverty. These include informal settlements and low-income communities in Cape Town (including areas such as Manenberg and Mitchells Plain), townships in KwaZulu-Natal, and communities in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
Recipients are identified through community needs assessments conducted by our local teams, in partnership with community leaders and partner organisations. Priority is given to orphaned children and their caregivers, single-parent households, the elderly, and families with no regular income.
Food insecurity in South Africa's most vulnerable communities has become a serious concern, worsened by the global cost-of-living crisis. For many families in poverty, meat is a luxury they cannot afford. Qurbani distributions provide a vital source of protein and nutrition at a time when it is most needed.
Beyond the immediate nutritional benefit, Qurbani distributions also support local economies. Islamic Relief South Africa sources animals from local suppliers, meaning your donation supports South African farmers and small businesses as well as beneficiary families.
Yes. The Qurbani price shown on our website is an all-inclusive price that covers the cost of the animal, slaughter, packaging, and distribution to beneficiaries. There are no hidden costs or additional charges added at checkout.
The price also includes an admin contribution that covers the operational costs of coordinating distributions, including transportation to hard-to-reach areas, cold storage where required, and the staffing needed to ensure distributions are carried out safely and with dignity. Islamic Relief South Africa is transparent about how these costs are structured, and full details are available in our annual impact report.
In most cases, it is not possible for donors to attend or observe Qurbani distributions in person. Our distributions take place across multiple locations simultaneously, often in remote or hard-to-reach communities, and managing the logistics of donor visits alongside large-scale distributions is not practical.
However, Islamic Relief South Africa does publish video footage and photographic documentation of Qurbani distributions on our website and YouTube channel, so you can see your donation in action. If you have a specific request, please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za and we will do our best to assist.
You can donate your Qurbani quickly and securely in several ways:
When donating online, simply select the country you wish your Qurbani to be distributed in and the number of shares you wish to give. It is advisable to donate as early as possible to allow our teams to make all necessary arrangements.
Islamic Relief South Africa holds a Section 18A tax exemption certificate, which means donations made to us may qualify for a tax deduction in South Africa. A Section 18A receipt will be issued upon request for qualifying donations.
For more information about tax deductibility or to request a receipt, please contact us at info@islamic-relief.org.za or call 0800 111 898.
Yes. Islamic Relief South Africa is a registered independent non-profit organisation, operating in South Africa since 2004. Our NPO registration number is 043-357-NPO. We are fully accountable to our donors, beneficiaries and the communities we serve, and we publish a detailed annual impact report showing how every rand is spent.
Islamic Relief is also part of the global Islamic Relief Worldwide network, operating in over 40 countries. Our work is guided by Islamic values of compassion, justice and accountability, and we serve all people in need regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
No. While Qurbani is an Islamic act of worship, Islamic Relief South Africa distributes Qurbani meat to all people in need, regardless of their religion, race, gender or background. Our commitment is to serve the most vulnerable, and we allocate aid based on need alone.
This is consistent with our broader approach to humanitarian work — we serve all people in need across South Africa and around the world, without discrimination.