Sending one’s Qurbani abroad

Question:-

I’d like to know if the obligation of Qurbani will be fulfilled through one purchasing a share in an animal, and then “sending it away” to other countries?
This is normally undertaken by certain individuals/organizations, and the price of each share is, generally, significantly cheaper than purchasing a complete animal for Qurbani.

Answer:-

By purchasing a share in a Qurbani animal (such as a cow, camel, ox, etc.), 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, “What is this Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam.” The Sahaabah asked, “What benefit is there for us in it, O messenger of Allah?” Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “For every strand of hair on the Qurbani animal, there is reward.” The Sahaabah further asked, “What about those animals which 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 share, 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, it was found in the past that some organizations or individuals advertised cheap Qurbani in other countries, yet the Qurbani was not carried out. After carrying out thorough investigations, it was discovered that a Qurbani animal or share could not be purchased for the amount it was being advertised at, but rather, the price of animals in those countries were much more than the advertised price. We, therefore, advise the Muslim Ummah to be cautious in these matters! Fulfil the obligation of Qurbani by slaughtering the animal with your 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 pushing the responsibility onto others.

We are not saying that we shouldn’t assist underprivileged Muslims in other parts of the world. Undoubtedly, there is great reward for doing so. But why is it that we generally decide to only assist at the time of Qurbani, and not during the rest of the year? Is it because of the cost of Qurbani in our country, or the burden of attending to one’s obligation of Qurbani?

It is mind-boggling how people can spend R30 000.00 on holiday accommodation for a week at the coast, and perhaps hundreds of thousands on overseas holidays (for an entire family), yet it is difficult to spend R3000.00 on Qurbani. On the other hand, Muslim farmers shouldn’t be taking advantage of the situation and charging exorbitant amounts for their animals and services at the time of Qurbani. Undoubtedly, farmers are entitled to a profit, but Qurbani should be made affordable to the Ummah. This will encourage more individuals to do their Qurbani in our country rather than sending it abroad. But unfortunately, the prices of animals skyrocket during the Qurbani season, and then drastically drop for the rest of the year. It is recorded in a narration, “Have mercy on those on the earth, and Who is in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” May Allah Ta’ala guide us all towards righteousness! Ameen!

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:-

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 02 Dhul Qa’dah 1444 / 23 May 2023