Giving Qurbani in the UK vs Abroad – Which One Is Right for You?

Giving Qurbani in the UK vs Abroad – Which One Is Right for You? 

Every year, during the month of Dhul Hijjah-the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar- Muslims around the world prepare to honour the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by offering Qurbani. It is offered to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) as an act of obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.  

What Does Qurbani Mean in Islam? 

The word ‘Qurban’ (قربان) comes from the Arabic root Q-R-B (ق ر ب), which means ‘to come close’ or ‘to draw near’. Qurbani itself is one of the most notable practices of Islam wherein Muslims offer a ritual animal sacrifice during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha. Different cultures around the world practice this beautiful act of sharing with different names. While the most popular name is Eid al-Adha which comes from Arabic, it is also known as ‘Kurban Bayramı’ in Turkey, ‘Bakrid or Bakra Eid’ in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and ‘Eid Kurban’ in Central Asia-all of which speak of the festival of sacrifice as an occasion of joy and togetherness. 

The Deeper Meaning of Qurbani: A Sincere Act of Devotio

Islamic Qurbani is an expression of sincere devotion to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى . While it is not about the animal itself, it is an act that calls for sincerity in intentions, humility in sharing and compassion in action, just as the Qur’an says: 

“Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” Surah Al-Hajj (22:37) 

How Qurbani is Shared: Honouring the Sunnah of Generosity 

Traditionally, when you give Qurbani, the meat from the animal slaughtered is divided into three shares: one for the donor and their family, one for the donor’s friends/ relatives and the third and most crucial, for thosin need. Your Qurbani donation could help someone struggling to make ends meet or even those for whom meat might be a luxury, and you help them to celebrate the festival with dignity, happiness and create lasting memories. But the big question is: as you prepare to give Qurbani in 2025, should you do it here in the UK or abroad - and which option is right for you? 

Why Give Qurbani in the UK? Addressing Local Hunger and Hardshi

While thinking about Qurbani sacrifice in the UK, it is easy to assume that everyone here has enough and doesn't need your Qurbani donation. But, if we take to look at the rising use of food banks paired with the current cost-of-living crisis, it tells a different story. Many families in the UK are struggling to survive, not to mention the refugees, homeless and those on benefits who have no other option but to live hand-to-mouth. 

Alhamdulillah, as Muslims, we have been advised by our beloved Prophet (ﷺ):  

“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.” (Ahmad) 

Supporting Local Families Through UK Qurban

If you choose to donate your Qurbani with a 100% Sharia compliant and transparent organisation such as Penny Appeal, you could not only support struggling families to celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid with dignity, but also teach children and neighbours the spirit of sharing and caring for each other. This could help foster unity in community, compassion in action and by supporting local families, you could perform an act of mercy close to home. 

Why Give Qurbani Abroad? Reaching the Poorest Communitie

If you opt to give your Qurbani abroad in a struggling community in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Africa, Yemen, Syria or Palestine, your donation will have a wide and powerful impact on the lives of those facing poverty, displacement and food insecurity. You could reach communities where meat is a luxury for people already battling poverty, who either go to bed hungry or survive on nothing but rice or cereal.  

This Eid, choose a Qurbani That Brings You Closer to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى 

Whether you choose to give your Qurbani in the UK or abroad, a single click can transforthe lives of entire families, especially with organisations such as Penny Appeal, which will ensure ethical sourcing for both local and global donations across and incredible 14 countries this year alone! 

All it takes is giving with sincere intention through trusted hands - an essential part of Islamic giving. This Eid, honour the Sunnah, embrace the spirit of compassion, and let your Qurbani reach the hearts who need it most with Qurbani Penny Appeal.