The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are known in Islam as the most blessed days of the year. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to increase acts of worship, charity, prayer, fasting, and remembrance of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that there are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days, which is why this period is so highly valued by believers. These days include the Day of Arafah and lead into Eid al-Adha, making them especially meaningful for reflection, sacrifice, and generosity.

The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar. It is the most important day of Hajj and is closely associated with mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. On this day, Allah perfected the religion of Islam, and for Muslims who are not performing Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended because it is believed to expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year. Many Muslims regard it as one of the most powerful days for repentance and drawing closer to Allah.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah and marks the conclusion of Hajj. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command, and it remains one of the most meaningful occasions in Islam. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by attending Eid prayers, performing Qurbani, sharing meat with family, friends, and neighbors, and giving to those in need. The day is a reminder of faith, submission, gratitude, and compassion.

Every adult Muslim who has the financial means is encouraged to perform Qurbani, and in some schools of thought, it is considered wajib, while in others it is regarded as a highly recommended Sunnah. The animal offered for Qurbani must meet Islamic requirements, including being of a suitable age and in good health. Qurbani is intended as an act of devotion and sacrifice, and it is performed by those who are able as a way of honoring the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

A share in a cow means that one person contributes toward a larger animal that is divided into seven equal shares, with each share counting as one Qurbani. This makes Qurbani more accessible for people who may not be purchasing a whole animal individually. When you donate a cow share, your portion is treated as a complete Qurbani on your behalf, provided it is performed according to Islamic guidelines. Cow shares are a common and practical way for individuals and families to fulfill their Qurbani obligation.

Traditionally, Qurbani meat is divided into three parts: one for the donor and their family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. The purpose of this distribution is to ensure that the blessings of Eid reach beyond one household and extend to those who may otherwise have little or no access to meat. At least one-third should go to people in need, helping make the occasion meaningful for entire communities, not just individual families. This practice reflects the spirit of generosity and care at the heart of Qurbani.

Qurbani is rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Ismail (AS), when Allah tested Ibrahim’s faith and obedience. Both father and son submitted to Allah’s command, and at the moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram. This story is a powerful reminder of devotion, trust in Allah, and willingness to give for His sake. Qurbani symbolizes selflessness, surrender, and compassion, and it continues to connect Muslims today with one of the most profound moments in Islamic history.

Penny Appeal Canada works with trusted local organizations to carry out Qurbani according to Islamic guidelines. Animals are selected in advance, sacrificed properly after Eid Salah, and the meat is distributed to people who need it most, both locally and internationally. Priority is given to vulnerable families, refugees, and communities facing food insecurity, so your Qurbani can have real and immediate impact. The goal is to ensure that every Qurbani is performed with care, dignity, and efficiency.

Yes. Penny Appeal Canada offers an automated giving option that allows you to schedule donations during the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. This makes it easier to take advantage of the reward of these sacred days without missing the opportunity to give. Automated giving is a simple way to plan ahead, stay consistent, and maximize your impact during the best ten days of the Islamic year. You can also schedule recurring donations every Friday, the holiest day of the week.

Qurbani 2026 will take place during Eid al-Adha, which is expected to begin on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, depending on the sighting of the moon. Qurbani may be performed after Eid Salah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and continues until sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, which is Friday, May 29, 2026. To make sure your Qurbani is carried out on time, it is best to donate before Eid Salah on the first day of Eid. Planning early helps ensure smooth processing and timely distribution.

Penny Appeal Canada works with trusted local partners to identify the most vulnerable recipients and communities facing the greatest need. Qurbani meat is distributed to families experiencing food insecurity, refugees, widows, orphans, and people living in poverty, both locally and internationally. Needs assessments are used to help ensure that the meat reaches those who will benefit most. This approach helps maximize the impact of every donation.

Penny Appeal Canada arranges livestock in advance so that all animals are healthy and meet Islamic requirements. The sacrifice is carried out after Eid Salah in accordance with halal guidelines, and the meat is then distributed fresh to beneficiaries so they can benefit during Eid celebrations. Only healthy animals are selected, and experienced teams carry out the process with care and respect. This ensures that your Qurbani is completed properly from start to finish.

Yes, it is permissible to give Qurbani on behalf of a deceased family member. Many Muslims choose to include a loved one in their intention or offer Qurbani as a form of continuing charity for the deceased. This can be a meaningful way to honor someone’s memory while also helping people in need. It is considered a rewarding and sincere act of generosity.

Qurbani is a separate act of worship and cannot be fulfilled using Zakat funds. Zakat has its own rules and recipients, while Qurbani should be paid from your surplus wealth. However, Sadaqah may be used to sponsor additional Qurbanis beyond your personal obligation. This allows donors to give more generously while still fulfilling each type of charity correctly.

Penny Appeal Canada is one of the fastest-growing Muslim charities in Canada and has been operating in the country for six years. It is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (Number:82750 2741 RR0001)  and is authorized to issue tax receipts to donors. It is also recognized as a 4-star, financially transparent charity by Charity Intelligence Canada and has received an A grade from Muslim Give. The organization works with local experts, follows strict Islamic guidelines, and selects only healthy animals for sacrifice. In 2025, Penny Appeal Canada reached over 74,000 beneficiaries worldwide through Qurbani meat distribution, reflecting both impact and accountability.

Donating Qurbani through a charity like Penny Appeal Canada ensures that your sacrifice is performed properly and reaches people who may be living in crisis zones or hard-to-access areas. The charity handles the logistics, including animal selection, sacrifice, and distribution, so you can fulfill your obligation with confidence. This approach can also extend your impact by helping families in greater need than those immediately around you. It is a practical and meaningful way to complete Qurbani efficiently and responsibly.

Yes, you can perform Qurbani for someone who has passed away, and many Muslims consider this a recommended and meaningful act. It may also be included alongside your own Qurbani intention. This allows the reward to benefit the deceased while also helping people in need. For many families, it is a deeply personal way to honor a loved one.

Penny Appeal Canada allows donors to select a group that includes the country or region where their Qurbani will be performed. However, due to logistics and distribution requirements, it is not always possible to guarantee that the Qurbani will take place in a specific country within that group. This system helps maintain flexibility while still allowing donors to support a preferred region.

If you have missed your Qurbani sacrifice, scholars recommend that you act as soon as possible. If you believe Qurbani is wajib, you should make up for the missed Qurbani by performing the sacrifice or donating its value. If you consider it mustahab, you should seek Allah’s forgiveness and make every effort to fulfill Qurbani in the future. In either case, the missed reward cannot be replaced, but sincere repentance and future action remain important.

You will receive an email confirmation once your Qurbani has been fulfilled. If you do not see the message in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder. If you still have not received it, you can contact the donor care team at info@pennyappeal.ca or call 1-855-880-4141 for assistance. The team will be happy to help confirm your donation status.