Performing Qurbani by Oneself
QUESTION:
There is an option available to purchase a Qurbani animal, have it slaughtered, and the meat distributed on one’s behalf by the suppliers. This is a cheaper option than slaughtering the animal and distributing the meat oneself. Is the former option permissible, and if so, will a person be rewarded as though he carried out the Qurbani himself?
ANSWER:
By purchasing a Qurbani animal and distributing it amongst the poor (in another country), one’s Qurbani will be discharged. However, Qurbani should not be regarded as a burden, as Qurbani is a great Ibaadah for which one will be rewarded.
It is recorded in a narration of Ibn Majah that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam was asked by the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum, “What is this Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam.” The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum asked, “What benefit is there for us in it, oh Messenger of Allah?” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “For every strand of hair on the Qurbani animal, there is reward.” The Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum asked further, “What about those animals that have wool?” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “For every fibre of wool is a reward.”
عن أبي داود، عن زيد بن أرقم، قال: قال أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: يا رسول الله ما هذه الأضاحي؟ قال: سنة أبيكم إبراهيم قالوا: فما لنا فيها يا رسول الله؟ قال: بكل شعرة، حسنة قالوا: ” فالصوف؟ يا رسول الله قال: بكل شعرة من الصوف، حسنة (سنن ابن ماجه)
It is recorded in another narration that the Qurbani animal will come on the day of Qiyaamah with its horns, hair and hooves. In fact, before the blood of the Qurbani animal reaches the ground, it enjoys a position by Allah Ta’ala (meaning that it is accepted by Allah). All these (limbs of the Qurbani animal) will be weighed, and the person who carried out the Qurbani, will be rewarded. Therefore, the Qurbani should be carried out with a happy heart.
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ” ما عمل آدمي من عمل يوم النحر أحب إلى الله من إهراق دم , وإنه ليأتي يوم القيامة بقرونها وأشعارها وأظلافها , وإن الدم ليقع من الله بمكان قبل أن يقع في الأرض فطيبوا بها نفسا (سنن الكبري للبيهقي) قال العراقي: يريد أنها تأتي بذلك فتوضع في ميزانه كما صرح به في حديث علي
Hence, the objective should not be to purchase a cheap animal or a share in an animal and fulfil our obligation of Qurbani. We should fulfil the command of Allah Ta’ala in such a manner that He is pleased with us. After all, our wealth is from Allah Ta’ala, so there should be no hesitancy in spending for His pleasure according to His instructions.
Also, one should fulfil the obligation of Qurbani by slaughtering the animal with one’s own hands. In fact, a female should also slaughter her Qurbani animal with her own hands, and if she is unable to do so, then she should be present when her Qurbani animal is being slaughtered. This is a clear indication that we should fulfil the obligation of Qurbani ourselves, instead of opting to purchase a cheaper animal and having it slaughtered and distributed elsewhere.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date: 21 Dhul Qa’dah 1446 / 20 May 2025
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb