When is the last moment to perform Qurbani?

Qurbani must be completed before sunset (maghrib) on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Anything sacrificed after that becomes ordinary Sadaqah, not Qurbani.

Can I perform Qurbani at night?

Yes, but it is preferred (Mustahabb) to perform it during daylight hours for proper handling, hygiene, and distribution of the meat.

Which day is best to perform Qurbani?

The 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Eid) is the most preferred and rewarded, immediately after the Eid prayer.

Qurbani Day-by-Day: Your Complete Eid al-Adha Timeline

Qurbani has a fixed window — only four days per year. Knowing exactly when you can perform your sacrifice, and what Sunnahs accompany each day, helps you make the most of the most blessed days of the Islamic calendar.

The Days of Qurbani: Ayyam al-Tashreeq

Qurbani is valid on four specific days only: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The 11th, 12th, and 13th are known as Ayyam al-Tashreeq — days of remembrance and celebration.

Day 1: 10th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr — Day of Sacrifice)

This is the day of Eid al-Adha and the most blessed day for Qurbani.

Before Eid prayer: Do not eat (Sunnah). Take ghusl, wear your best clothes, recite takbir on the way to the prayer.
Eid prayer: Performed in congregation, ideally outdoors. Two rakats with extra takbirs.
After the Eid khutbah: Qurbani becomes valid. The earlier you sacrifice after the khutbah, the better.
Throughout the day: Recite takbir, visit family, eat meat from your sacrifice (or make du'a for those receiving your share overseas).

Day 2: 11th Dhul Hijjah

Qurbani remains valid throughout the day and night.
Continue takbir after every fard salah (Sunnah from Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah through Asr of 13th).
Visit relatives, share meat, give charity.

Day 3: 12th Dhul Hijjah

Qurbani still valid — one of the busiest distribution days for displaced communities.
Make du'a for those who received your meat.
Continue takbir.

Day 4: 13th Dhul Hijjah (Final Day)

Last opportunity to perform Qurbani — must be completed before maghrib (sunset).
The takbir cycle ends after Asr salah.
Make a final du'a thanking Allah for accepting your worship.

Sunnahs Throughout the Days

Takbir of Tashreeq — recited aloud after every fard prayer from Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah until Asr of 13th.
Eat meat from your Qurbani if available — it is a Sunnah, not a sin to do otherwise.
Share meals with neighbors and relatives.
Give Sadaqah on top of your Qurbani if you can.

What to Do If You Miss It

If the days pass without you performing Qurbani while you were obligated, scholars recommend giving the equivalent value as Sadaqah — though this does not technically replace the Wajib act. The lesson: reserve early.