Question:-
Is it acceptable to have one’s Qurbani done in poorer countries such as Malawi or India, since animals are so expensive in South Africa?
Answer:-
Fundementally, your Qurbani will be discharged if carried out in another country where animals may be purchased at a cheaper price, with the proviso that the Qurbani was carried out correctly as required in Shariah.
However, Qurbani is Waajib upon individuals who possess the Nisaab which is over and above their basic needs and necessities. Qurbani is not Waajib upon the poor hence, they have no need to be concerned of the price of animals. The current Nisaab is approximately R7400.00 and the price of an animal is in the region of R3000.00 – R3500.00 in South Africa. This means that a person that owns Nisaab (and doesn’t own any other assets) will only be spending half his money to carry out the great act of Qurbani. When we spend so much in other avenues why can’t we spend happily in fulfilling the great Sunnah of Hadrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam?
The worldly benefit is in place, that is, we will derive benefit from the meat of the animal. However, the benefits of the hereafter are far greater than the worldly benefit. We will be rewarded for every strand of hair or fiber of wool (on the animal) on the day of Qiyaamah, when every person will be searching for good deeds. It is recorded in one narration that the animal will come on the day of Qiyaamah with its horns, hair, trotters etc. which will then be weighed, and one will be rewarded accordingly. We should therefore carry out the Qurbani happily.
The price of fuel has tremendously increased in our country, yet people continue going on vacations, visiting friends, driving around to malls etc. The exorbitant price of fuel didn’t deter them from enjoying themselves and engaging in a number of futile activities which will yield no benefit whatsoever in Dunya or Aakhirah, except for some pleasure. Why isn’t this type of generosity adopted in matters of Deen where the benefits are guaranteed in both worlds?
Also, when slaughtering in one’s country we will be choosing our own animal at the time of purchase. It is obvious that when purchasing anything for oneself, one will choose the best. When sending our Qurbani abroad, we have absolutely no idea of the kind of animal that is going to be slaughtered on our behalf. We are commanded in the Hadith to personally get involved in our Qurbani to the extent that even the females should slaughter their own animals, and if they aren’t able to slaughter themselves then at the very minimum, they should witness their Qurbani being carried out. We are neither involved in Qurbani, nor present to see the animal being slaughtered on our behalf by sending our Qurbani abroad. Also, there have been reports of fraudsters (in the past) collecting monies for Qurbani to be carried out in poor countries, yet the Qurbani was never carried out hence, we should exercise caution.
In conclusion, we should open our hearts and happily spend (from the wealth which Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with) in acts of Ibaadaat which will please Him. Yes, if one intends assisting the poor and needy people of other countries, then by all means we may send our Nafl Qurbani to such countries, but the Waajib Qurbani should be personally fulfilled by us in our own countries.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 17 Dhul Qa’dah 1443 / 18 June 2022
